2. amps-preamps
  3. 1405084979

Preamps better than Parasound JC-2 ?

Hello,
I am looking to try out the active preamp route in my system. The TVC has served me very well. But when I want to play my wife's iPod or try to connect a Logitech bluetooth adaptor, there is simply not enough gain in my system.
Since I have a Parasound A-21, I am naturally looking to a JC-2 from Parasound. I was wondering if anyone on this forum as come across a killer (non-tube) preamp that is in the same price range, that can beat the JC-2. If the sound quality of the recommended preamp equals that of JC-2 and the cost is below JC-2, that would be preferred. I am eying the Oppo 105D or the newly released Yamaha CD-S2100 as my future source upgrade. Rest of my system is listed on this site.
I have not visited audio stores in more than 3 years, nor have I been to any trade shows, hence asking for feedback.

Thanks!
128x128milpai
milpai's avatar
milpai OP
2,377 posts
 
Sdcampbell,
Thank You for the suggestion. But the BP17 does not have XLR in. I want that for my future "source" purchases.

Zd542,
I did not think of connecting an inexpensive line stage to the TVC before. Thank you for suggesting that. Yeah, I do love the TVC so much.
soix
9,456 posts
 
I have a Bryston BP6 in my system and it's the closest thing to "straight wire with gain" I've heard in my system, so I agree Bryston preamps may be a very good option given your experience with a passive pre. Crystal clear transparency with an expansive and very dimensional and layered soundstage with pinpoint imaging is how I'd describe it. There's a nice BP26 for sale here now that has balanced connections and is about $1000 less than a used JC2. You could always sell it for little/no loss if it's not to your liking. Best of luck.
sabai
2,027 posts
 
For a tube preamp Audio Horizons TP2.3 with full mods is the biggest sleeper I know of in high end audio.
jafox
1,456 posts
 
I disagree on the Audio Horizons. I heard this against a 30 year old Counterpoint SA-5 last year and the Counterpoint tore the AH to pieces in portraying space and harmonic overtones. It's very very rare that I hear a tube line stage or preamp sound as flat as the AH. In the $2-3K range, there are many many options and the AH would not be on my list.
milpai's avatar
milpai OP
2,377 posts
 
JC-2 is now in house. Did a brief comparing this morning. I am somehow feeling that my TVC is more transparent than the JC-2. The JC-2 seemed "louder" and I cannot go past 9 O'clock position for my normal listening position. At that position, it is already loud.
Honestly, I am finding it a bit difficult to "like" the JC-2. I had very high hopes for sound improvements. What would you specifically look for when comparing pre-amps? I used the following CDs for comparison:

Eva Cassidy - Live At Blues Alley - Fields of Gold
Norah Jones - Come Away With Me
Big Joe Mahar - Got My Mojo Working
Cassandra Wilson - Lover Come Back to Me & The Very Thought of You

I will continue to listen and compare the pre-amps again tonight, before returning it to the shop tomorrow.
More to discover