Parasound CD-1

I really do agree that Parasound makes equipment that is some the best for the money. I use JC1/2 amplification in my system. I also think the new trend to either memory type CD playback (like the new CD-1 or the older PSA PWT) or digital playback of bit perfect ripped CD files will smoke standard PCM type CD transports, unless you spend many thousands more.

My dissapointment with the CD-1 is the lack of a discrete class A output stage ergo the JC1, not an OP-amp driven psuedo discrete setup, esp for the price being asked.

I think if they put John Curl to work on a discrete analog output stage for this puppy, then they will have something.

I was surprised with the quality. I like my ayon cd2s better but this parasound is really good.

I went back and forward on this one. First I thought the ayon cd 2s was better than the parasound. Then the ayon started sounding thin and bright and forward. I heard the parasound again and it sounded a lot better. The ayon went through some changes after I initially listened. The parasound does one thing. That's cd playback and does it well.

Ayon cd2s eventually changed in sound. It started sounding forward.

Listened to parasound cd1 with vienna acoustics beethoven baby grand se. I got a glorious sound out of the combination. No digital glare. Deep soundstage. Great separation. Warmer fuller sound. A friend loaned me the parasound. I hated to give it back.