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Preamp Recommendations For the Parasound JC 5 Amp

I’m looking to get a high-end solid state preamp that’s on the sonic level as the Pass Labs XP-22 Preamp and X250.8. I’m looking for large soundstage, air, 3-D holographic sound, and detail without sounding analytical.

I feel more sure of the Parasound JC 5 Amp. I’m looking for preamp suggestions, and not sure if the JC 2 BP is the best option for the money.

I do have a Don Sachs DS 2 6SN7-based tube preamp that I can also mate with it. I’d like switching between solid state and tube preamps.

QUESTIONS:

1. How is the Parasound JC 2 BP and JC combination?

2. Does the JC 2 BP have to be turned up high to get decent volume?

3. Does a tube preamp mate well with a JC 5 Amp?

 

I previously purchased a Pass Labs XP-22 and X250.8. Sonically, it was exactly what I was looking for - refined, detailed, airy, holographic. But the XP-22 had to be turned up 75% to 2 o’clock (75%) position for decent volume levels. Also the XLR connections on the X250.8 wobbled - salesperson said that’s normal. That didn’t inspire confidence, so I returned everything at a $700 loss…. Hopefully, the next solid state purchase will be more pleasant.

Thanks

88man
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,554 posts
 

@88man

Before you decide on a new preamp make sure it has higher gain than the Pass or you will have the same problem that you are having now. The input sensitivity of the Parasound is a low 1 volt . That is the reason why you need the volume control on the higher end of the dial !

avanti1960
1,425 posts
 

I love tube preamps and successfully ran my JC5 with the Cary Audio SLP-05.  The SLP98 is also very nice.  Each have plenty of gain and will give you a huge sound stage that projects in all directions.

christianb5s4
233 posts
 

I currently run an XP22 with my JC5 and love it. Definitely on the neutral end to my ears, and it's a great match. Speakers are Focal Kanta 3s, DAC is Denafrips terminator plus, Lumin U1, good cables, etc. Very detailed, transparent, and never harsh.

 

I usually listen at volumes between 60 - 75, 75 is pretty loud. 

88man OP
28 posts
 

@yogiboy Good point! The ones I’m looking at are >12dB. The XP-22 is 9.3dB.

@christianb5s4 and @avanti1960, thank you! 

I make my own speakers and cables, so I have several pairs lined next to each other. I like switching between tube/ss preamps, tube/ss amps, cable, and speaker combinations.

The speaker crossovers are voiced using Mundorf Silver Oil, Jupiter Cu, Jantzen SCap, and Duelund Cu, etc. They add tremendously to the dimensionality of the music.

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