Sanders sound or parasound for big ESL's

I thought the JC-1's might be a finer amplifier but for the money your right, it's tough to argue the Innersound value. The JC-1's are around $3500 used, over $2000 more than the innersound. There may not be a $2000 difference to be heard, though it would be great to compare them side by side. Thanks for the input.

Hi Lance,

I can provide a little more information. I've owned both the Innersound amp (driving the 'stat panels of Innersound 3.5s) and the JC-1s, driving my A-1s. I was always deeply impressed by the Innersound amp. It's a tremendous value. A local audio buddy still uses that exact combination and is quite pleased with it. Unfortunately, I can't say how it would handle the SLs. Can't think of any reason to doubt its capabilities, however.

The JC1s are exceptionally fine amps for SoundLabs. My Ayre monos are better, but on a value basis, the JC1s would win every time.

I honestly believe that you can't go wrong with either amp. If it were me, I'd probably either 1) buy the Innersound and live with it for a while to test its mettle, or 2) funds permitting, buy both (used) and do a long term test. Used prices seem to be very stable and you could easily resell the "loser".

Mike

innersound are you kidding?

Mike,

Thank you for your educated response. I have read every available review on the innersound amp and continue to be suprised at how well it's covered. Very neutral, loads of power and stable throughout the vastly-ranging load the SL's produce. For the money I believe I will look for a used ESL300 for the time being. The JC-1's I believe are a step up but I am not finished with the system yet so that may be an upgrade in the future. As you say, most of these amps have hit bottom or close to it considering depreciation. Thanks again for everything!

Cofeey,

Innersound is no joke. This is the product of Sanders who is now of Sanders Sound. He is well known for pioneering amps specifically designed for low impedences and high resistance. From everything I have read here on Agon from owners on the forums and reviews on line the amp was a deal at $3K new. At close to a grand used it's down right a steal.

My speakers will drop most amps on the market to their knees with very little audible volume produced. There are a handfull of amps out there that will do a great job at running the big Soundlabs, the innersound amp is one of them. And I am not aware of anything even close in the thousand dollar range. If you have some ideas I am all ears.

Lance, I had the Innersound speakers as well and I will add that I had trouble powering them with the 300 ESL. I could clip the amp fairly easy. Whenever I wanted to crank them up it was a real problem. I got the 800 monos and that mostly solved the problem. I never did listen to the Innersound Eros speakers with the JC-1s though as I ended up selling them because I could not live with the small sweet spot.