Parasound JC-1 amps. Preamp advice??

I added an Ayre K1-X preamp to my JC-1s and it's the best purchase I've ever made. I can't reccomend it highly enough. I get a smoother more tubelike sound then most tube systems I've heard.

I've never heard the Ayre phono stage, I use a Whest with my Nottingham table. The Ayre phono stage is supposed to be pretty good.

I was on a similar exploration for a preamp with a good phono stage because I'm upgrading my turntable (and it appears everything else) in the near future. I actually got the preamp before getting a new amp, which ended up being a BAT VK-250 w/Batpak, but I had seriously considered (and still am) the JC-1s.

I ended up getting the Aesthetix Janus, which I have to say is simply an amazing preamp for the money. Finding a good preamp to match your gear can be somewhat challenging, and finding one with a phono stage which isn't a total afterthought is even more difficult. The phono stage on the Janus is a seriously good phono stage, which I feel easily bettered the other phono stages I auditioned: the ARC PH 3SEI and the BAT Vk-p5 to name a few. It has load settings to suit most cartridges and a built in demagnetizer function both of which can be accessed with the remote.

I find the sound to be very neutral. I'm new to tubes, and was a little wary that I was going to hear the so-called "tube rush" or that it would sound muddy in the bass and overly romantic in the mids. Man was I wrong. A lot of Aesthetix owners have gotten into tube rolling and have had success with Telefunkens, which I may try when I have the money, but even stock this is a very open, accurate preamplifier with stellar imaging and soundestaging capabilities, and a hell of a good phono stage. Seriously.

I also have an SCD-1 which I find mates very well with the aesthetix. I know there are two other agon members using the line-stage version of the Janus, the Calypso. Perfectionist's system used the Calypso with JC-1s, and from what he's written he loves the combo, and Jadem6 uses the Calypso with his SCD-1 as well.

Of the other preamps you mentioned I think the Ayre sounds interesting and I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to hear it. I haven't heard the Mac, so no help there, but in response to Jafox's post I think the Bat Vk-31SE is a great line-stage preamp, but have heard only mediocre things about the phono section, although it bears looking into. I don't think you _have_ to go tube, because the Ayre is supposed to be great, but I do think that the Aesthetix Janus, which you can pick up for around 4,000 used is a great option. It also looks f-in sweet. If you do end up getting one, let me know how it sounds with the JC-1s.

Good luck,

Matt

Thanks everyone for your input. I have tried the Aesthetix Calypso, and the BAT VK-31 (not SE) in my system and liked them both. But for my tastes thought the Aesthetix was better. I guess I'll keep my eyes open for one of the Janus, or Ayre K-1x used and go for it. I've read both offer great phono stages.

I'm going to concur with Mimberman, as I am using an Aesthetix Calypso with JC1's to great effect. Unfortunately, I can't talk to the phono section of the Janus, as I don't do vinyl. From a technical standpoint, the Calypso mates beautifully with the JC1's. I will mention that I'm runnin' GE Longplate 12AX7's. I will also mention that the break-in time on the Calypso is quite lengthy, but no where near as bad as the JC1's. I will not be parting with either of these fine audio gems anytime in the near future...

I am a dealer for both Parasound JC-1's and Einstein. The Einstein tube preamp is a perfect match for the JC-1's. The Einstein as balanced out, the JC-1's have balanced in. The combination really opened up my reference system. The Einsten has great dynamics, detail, focus, soundstaging, etc. I highly recommend this combination. If you live in the Houston,Tx area, please call and come by for a listen.

Jim