The Parasound JC5 Review! True Hi-Fi excellence. 

I think a very accurate and fair review of the JC5. I just bought one and had my first listen last night upgrading from a Parasound A21. Jesus does this amplifier sound fantastic. Your description of the amp falling between the Bryston amp sound and the McIntosh amp sound is accurate. For me it has the right amount of richness without too much and the resolution and detail are top notch.

very nice video / i also have the the parasound jc5 and the preamp as well, just one word WOW.... now i am selling the parasound A21 amp ($1200) to for my bill. very happy with my buy.

As a satisfied owner of a Parasound A21, I must say the only feature that I don’t care for are the gain pots on the rear. The Parasound amps that incorporate these gain pots have a reputation for the pots to eventually malfunction. Occasionally when I’m starting a listening session the soundstage will be off due to the right channel being 5 db lower than the left channel. This is from the gain pot. After I do a full rotation of the pot. The balance is restored. Great amps, but JC was right in not wanting to include the gain pots.

You’re the only guy i can trust on RU-vid when reviewing audio, great review as always.

I have the A21 and it is an amazing amp. But, I listened to the JC 5 In my rig (my dealer let me borrow it) and now I can't unhear it. Now I have to get the JC 5. It is everything you said and more! I have heard plenty of other amps costing a lot more, the JC 5 smoked them all! John Curl is the man!

Your reviews deserve more views - Great information and opinion backed by experience. Good stuff!

Thanks also for discussing the differences between the overall sound of the Parasound, Bryston & McIntosh Amplifiers. I have not seen another such discussion anywhere online. This is important to me because I am upgrading my Parasound P6 Preamplifier to either a Parasound JC-2PB or a McIntosh C49. Both are said to be fine performers but they sound somewhat different as you have mentioned here. I will be using a McIntosh MC152 Power Amplifier to pair with one of these preamps.

I must give credit where credit is due. I was unhappy with your review of the debut Buchardt speakers and mentioned as such but your review of the JC5 is excellent but possibly selling it a little short! A bona fide high end amp for sure, I am burning one in now based in part on your review (thank you). A bit too forward and unrefined sounding out of the box but after 60 hours the sound is all my picky ears could ask for. Unbelievable midrange transparency and refinement with power to get very loud, it transformed my Spendor tower speakers into loaded horns! And yes, it does sound fantastic at low volume levels. Effortless power and an uncanny contrast to the volume levels of different instruments and musical elements. All in, thanks again ! Peace.

Zero Fidelity Fedex delivered my PARASOUND JC 5 Saturday afternoon December 15, 2018. It is a beautiful silver beast.

That audio intro was very enjoyable! I actually played it over more than a couple of times.

Mine is on its way to me right now..... We had to wait a little bit in the UK...... BUT I know the wait will be worth it... Had good dependable performance from my A51...... Incredible engineering and delivered at a fantastic price.

Wow! Very nice review. Well done and thanks so much for posting. I have a JC2 BP and recently got the new A21+ to pair with it, and it sounds amazing. Couldn't quite make the leap to the JC5, but it is on my "someday" list :). Would love to see/hear your impressions of the A21+.

Love Parasound! Owner of both Parasound and Mark Levinson products.

After designing Parasound Halo A-21, this is the one which John Curl put his signature on … I still enjoy the excellent sound of A-21 … and one can still find Halo 21 (AB class) amplifier in the market at a reasonable price …

What a great review. I have had the Parasound A23 power amp for about a year now and I'm loving it. I'm currently saving up to buy the new Parasound P6 preamp. With my experience with Parasound so far I would have no problem buying any products from them. I would love to buy this amp and would in a heart beat if I had the money.

Thanks very much for posting this video. I learned a lot here.

1. John Curl should be on the mount Rushmore for Amp designers. 2. The CTC Blowtorch too. 3. Halo has a cool, tasteful design. I dig it. I'm not into "busy" looking gear.

Sean, great in depth review as always (history lesson appreciated too)! With this kind of price range $6Gs for the JC5 in the works, I'm thinking a review with the Hegel H20 power amp with the same price tag may be a great comparison. I think your boy John Darko has been talking about how great they sound lately on the Hegel front so would love to see your take on it if you happen to get your hands on one! As always, keep 'em coming man! PS: those AQ interconnects working out solid! 👌

I've been toying with the idea of buying a JC5 for heavy lifting when my Moon 600i v2 doesn't cut it. This helped seal the deal, thank you for the review.

Good review, I'd really want to see your comparison of this to the Parasound A21.

Good review. I’ve always been a Parasound man, they popped my Audiophile.... back in 1984. Not a John Curl then but I loved it.

I owned a Bryston 4B years ago, but there Intergrated Amps have gotten too expensive plus everything is at an additional cost such as remote control phono etc. The Bryston was bullet proof I have to say and resale was great. I've stated why I'm intrested in the Hint 6 and Anthem STR. If I'm financially able I'm leaning towards the Anthem it's $2000 more than the Parasound. Getting the Hint 6 leaves more cash to put towards speakers. I won't pull the trigger till I've listened to both and get more input from people such as yourself. Thanks again for your prompt reply to my initial question. Have a great day and keep up with the great channel.

Gorgeous amplifier 😍

Excellent review. I've watched your channel for a long time. Really appreciate your style and just keeping to the content at hand.

Looks like a great amplifier.

Great video and review. I clearly believe that this is one of the best amps on the market. With working in Class A for the first several watts, this is a magical amp. I personally would love to own this amp but its $1,000 higher than a price my wife would approve of. So I actually went with the Mac MC152 amp. However if I am not blown away by it, I would strongly consider getting the Parasound A21+ which is similar to the JC5 but perhaps a little more on the neutral sounding for only $3,500. For the JC5 to be made in Taiwan at this price point is surprising. You would think it would cost less with being made overseas. The Mac MC152 is $5,000 and its made in New York

Hey Sean, what about a preamp to front this guy with. It would at least be as good as the amp. What's your call?

Great video, great amplifier. I have used Parasound for quite a while now, great build quality, and performance. Depending on which speakers I have in my system at a specific time, I use a Halo A23, or A21 paired with a Halo P3 pre-amplifier. Would love to be able to hear that behemoth JC5!

Taiwan is not China or Malaysia. Labor laws are strict, wages are very high. In fact, GDP per capita in Taiwan is higher than in Japan and among the highest in the developed world. They do have state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities there and the raw materials like steel, copper and aluminum cost 70% less than what they do in US or Euope. You wouldn't be able to buy all the parts for what they can have the whole thing made there. I have Bryston amplifiers but from what I've seen, Parasound is on the same level, if not higher. The sound is a matter of preference but I'd never think of Parasound as something inferior on the account of it being made in Asia. Cheers!

Hi Shawn, Thanks for another wonderful review. I purchased Parasound New Classic 2250 and 5250 amps about 9 years ago and loved the quality and performance they brought to the table. In November, 2018 I replaced those amps with Parasound Halo A21 and A52+ amplifiers. I got a great deal on the A21 as an end of life product and could not be happier. Both amps perform much better than my old New Classic amps. This is especially true in the lower registers where bass is so much more defined and articulate. The mid-range changes where subtle but noticeable while the upper registers are now more open and transparent. In short I’m happy to see someone highlighting many strong attributes or the Parasound line of products! In my mind it is tough to beat the price to performance value Parasound offers throughout their entire offerings. While I can’t justify $6000.00 on a new amp right now.... Maybe a little down the road??

I own one. It’s a great amp. Mine replaced an A21 and it was a notable improvement.

Great review, just after I bought a new A21 for $1800 Canadian (on sale after the release of the A21+). It is better than my old Hegel H160 at dynamics and soundstaging, more authoritative at those moments in a song where the bass needs speed and control AND delineation. Thanks to you Sean I am now wondering if I should have stretched for the JC5! Hopefully my Bitcoin gamble pays off (bought big at $3000).

Hi Sean, Could you do a review on PS Audio BHK (the stereo unit) and compare it to the JC5? I know is being a year since you did this one. I am in the market for something like this. I have the PS Audio stack, as you called it, but I want to move away from class D. Thank you so much. Ps: I'm getting the Buchardt S400. Your review was paramount on that matter.

I.......must........resist!! Lol. Have the A21, P5 and JC3+, and I’m a huge fan of Parasounds Halo line and CTC builders. This is incredible stuff and priced right. And more than fairly. Love that they got rid of the little red P light on this JC5 amp. Thanks for the worlds first detailed review of this fantastic amp!

I think Sean got the "loop" feature incorrect.... It's for bi-amping each speaker vertically, in which you will need two amps. One for each channel, right and left. So you will have one amp's channel's covering the highs and lows of the right side and the other amp covering the left side.

One of the things I loved about my PS Audio Elite Plus integrated amp was they moved the transformer into a separate box with a nice heavy cable connecting it to the unit itself. It made the unit itself easier to move, a lot of the weight was in that transformer, and it isolated any noise the transformer might make from the main unit's electronics.

The gain level is also great if you are bi-amplifying your speakers. The gain can also be useful if your left and right speakers are not egually.set in the room or the room acoustics are uneven.

A21+ review?

Dang, that's a serious amp!

I found this video interesting because in essence you described my Sansui 8080db! Yeah, about 1973, that Sansui. The synergy I have right now in that system is nothing short of stellar! In fact, the performance you described comes remarkably close to my Sansui! (By the way, I am likely the only one who is not a fan of McIntosh gear). Here's the thing, I have talked with manufactures of high-end amps that run in the $10k to $15k range and they are familiar with the old Sansui db line and all of them said to me that in order for me to find an amp today that comes close to sounding like my Sansui I would have to spend at least $10k. A couple also said that they wish they had one. It's not that Sansui alone made the best sounding integrated amps (receivers are technically integrated amps) back then, but part of the reason they sounded so good along with some other brands back then was the build. I noticed that you pointed out the parts used in the Parasound JC5 and recognized the old school origin. I think this is in part why the Parasound sounds the way you described. I am going to be looking for an amp for my reference system in progress, which is the final piece and it is too bad the JC5 is $6000 as I can never run to that, not even close. It also tells me that finding a new amp for the bigger system is not going to be easy. As for "audiophiles" (present company excepted), other reviewers and the like not liking it because it is "only $6000" in their world.....screw them! They wouldn't know good sound and quality if you threw all 75 lbs of the amp and crushed their faces with it.

E-x-c-e-l-lent review!

I am a long-term owner of an A21 and I just purchased the JC 5. Boy, do these two amps sound different. The A21 is relatively laid back sounding, but the JC 5 is in your face! Everything sounds like you are sitting on the front row. At first, I wasn't sure that I preferred the JC 5. Although it has superior detail and dynamic slam, I also felt that it produced more listening fatigue. I also noticed that the JC 5 has higher gain than the A21. I have reconfigured the system with better cables, speaker wire, and power source, and now I am not sure which I prefer. The JC 5's sound has improved. I don't know if this is because of the improved connections or just that it has had a chance to break in. I am going to gain match the two and then compare again. Anyway, I was wondering if anyone has had experience with both and their impressions. 1. Does the JC 5 require break-in to sound its best, and if so then how much? 2. Do the balanced inputs sound better than the unbalanced? 3. Are your impressions of the difference between the two amps similar to mine?

Hi...great review. Question. How would the JC5 compare vs the newer A21+? Considering both for a 2 channel room with Martin Logan CLX speakers. Thx! Great channel btw. :)

Good review, Parasound is one of my Fav Brands. There are some good mods for this amp too.

I have jc 2 and A21 Is this a good combination ?

Immediately took a couple points away for not using Dusty Springfield for the opening.

Beautiful amplifier 😎

I've been drooling over this, ever since I first saw it at the Parasound website a while ago. Maybe someday I can get one used. But I don't know. Even that would probably be too much IMO. What this really gets me thinking about is trying some of their other gear. Like that big Class D one you reviewed a while back, especially since I recently grabbed a Breeze Audio TPA3116 off the Bay, and frikkin love that little thing. But maybe a used Halo might be nice too, and cost much less. We'll see. I'm about to wipe out my savings, and go into a little bit of debt even. It's time for another car unfortunately. I used to love buying cars, until I got into this hobby, but now it's killing me handing over the money. When I would much rather be spending it on my system. It will be nice driving a car that works properly though. Anyway. Thanks for the video man. I've been itching for this one ever since you let on you had it in, and it didn't disappoint at all. I think that is one really sweet piece, and I agree with you about the deal thing. If it really does compete with the big boys, then it's a frikkin steal. Period! I'm very impressed, and the way you described the sound makes me think I would love this amp. Plus it's just a big beautiful beast of an amp. I hope they sell well. So they'll stay around for a few, and then hopefully we'll start seeing them on the used market at decent prices. This one is definitely on my short list. I mean, it seems like one of those "last amp I'll ever buy" amps even. And personally I love that they built it overseas, because otherwise I would never, ever get a chance of they built it in the states. At least now. I could actually save up for it. Of course if I did actually do that. I would have to have it custom painted camouflage, to hide it from the old lady. 😁 Thanks again man. Great review. I really hope Parasound thinks so, because so far I've really enjoyed the reviews of their gear you've done. And I want to see more too. You've definitely got me wanting to try one of their amps. That's for sure.

This is incredible, u got it right !!! A+++++ This is royalty

Just bought one using with a pair of Thiel CS3.7’s. The bass went to awesome and floored me. This guy is I really onto it. The expensive amps cost so much because of the expensive visual stuff and not the internals.

"Grandma, what big wave guides your speakers have!" "The better to tease the pending Buchardt S400 review" 😜 Muhahahahaha Holy mackerel !! That sound sample was really surprisingly great. Wow. Now really really really looking forward to the S400 review 🤤🤤

How would you compare the sound between Parasound and Anthem amps? Specifically the Para Hint 6 and the Anthem STR integrated amps?

Taiwan is actually very reputable with electronics and home audio manufacturing. Do not mistake with "made in China" because it is not.

It's finally time: Parasound just announced the JC1+ !!! I know it's a big ask given how busy you are (and how willing Parasound is,) but I would LOVE you to compare this to the new JC1+ monos. I'm especially curious if the JC1+ can do as good or better than the JC5 at both high and low volume levels... or if it's a waste of money to buy two JC1+ monos if you're just getting similar performance as the JC5 (which would be shocking but good to know if true.)

The Michi X5 Series 2 integrated with MM and MC phono and upgraded DAC retails for 7k, only 1k more than this piece, and puts out more power; with the JC5 I then need the P6 pre and JC 3+ phono plus 2 additional interconnect cables; does this 3 piece stack better than the x5 series 2 integrated? Thank you in advance for your candor.

Can’t afford it. Would if I could. Know John Curl from moving coil preamp he designed back in the mid eighties. Man’s got it going on. Lock the doors and windows as there are those who would commit burglary to have this one. Just saying based on what I have heard and know of his design skills. Good review Sean!

Greetings from Malta ! Great review ! You have no idea how much it means to guys like me who does not have the luxury to visit a Hifi store and listen to this high end gear, can I ask you what pre amp are you using. Is the the matching JC 2 BP the best pre amp option? Kind regards and keep up the good work! Daniel

Would you review PSA BHK 250 and compare to JC5?

hey at that price it should have the classic needle metering, left/right stepped volume controls with big knobs and left/right clipping indicators. then it would be perfect

The handles at the back great thinking, PS Audio and Mcintosh should take note their handles at front look dog ugly to me...nice amp and vid man

If the PARASOUND JC-5 was manufactured in the USA it's MSRP would be $12,000 to $15,000!

I would say your description of this amp falls inline with most any Halo series models. Just a sweet sound, I have the P7, A21 and I’ll put that combo against many amps costing multiple times more. I have experienced other amps described as having "more detail in the high end” imo, more is not necessarily better. As to your comment about some self proclaimed audiophiles turning their noses up to Parasound amps cos they’re too low priced and as such, referring to Parasound as Mid-Fi, is totally insane. From what Ive seen of the audiophile crowd, they’re the ones insane.

just bought JC5 in silver. cant wait to hook it up to PERSONA 3f!

Would you recommend this amplifier or the Macintosh MC 152? They’re basically the same price the Mack will hold its value much better. I think it looks much cooler but it’s all about the sound quality right

A great amp is one that doesn't color your sound in the slightest, any coloring to the sound is left up to the listener. So all good amps should sound the same, if you have an amp that don't then it's not a amp you'd want to use.

Aaaaaw, and I JUST came home from my dealer (last of the brick and mortar stores here in MA.) with a brand new A-21 and P6 preamp and a pair of ESL-9's and Kimber balanced interconnects for them. UNboxing over this weekend. (Feb. 8, 2020). For me, something TOTALLY DIFFERENT from my beloved Klipschorns and Dynaco Mark 3's and PAS-2 preamp... ((O: Change is GOOD right ???

Good review!

Great review parasound is an amazing company.

Shawn, I don't know how many times I would have watched this video. I really would need your help choosing my final amplifier. Between the JC5 and Passlabs INT250. Both have 20-30 watts of class A. I listen to Classic Rock, Dance-Electronic music. Please review INT125 / give me that word of wisdom as always. You're the best. Cheers

Awesome review

Interesting intro music. 🤔. Guess you really ‘love’ the amp!

That is beautiful inside

I use JC1’s with Martin Logan Summit X speakers. The source is almost irrelevant as Parasound have great products and the combination is knockout. Hard to understand how improved the JC5 could be when the 1’s are so great. Maybe I never noticed your perception that low levels could be better as they run in high biased mode and not very quietly. Thanks for your efforts here and enjoy your review. Cheers from Oz

Hi. Would you think this amplifier will work fine with a mcintosh C52 preamp or any similar mcintosh pre? Please let me know your opinion. Thanks in advanced.

Some questions: are those volume (attenuation) controls or controls for amplifier *gain*, and they don’t track? Won’t there be channel mismatch? What does the quieter/louder setting for the turn on threshold do? And what do you mean by ‘voicing’ in an amplifier? I understand ‘voicing’ loudspeakers with the crossover but never heard it when discussing amplifiers. Thanks.

I’m new to the channel and really like your work. Two points: those are not handles; they protect the wires and connectors if it gets pushed up against a wall or cabinet. And Yes they could make it here for that price if they took a little less profit. We have CNC machines and incredible electronics workers. Look no further than the US aerospace industry. That is not $6k worth of hardware in that box.

Nice ! well built I'd be on cloud 9 if owned that monster lol Out of my reach but maybe one day best amp I ever owned was a Onkyo 504 it burned up in a house fire loved thay amp

Compare to MUSICAL-FIDELITY M8 500S amp ???

After all the praise in this video; very surprised to hear you bash this amp's sound and looks in last night's live stream.

Mmmm...Nice rear end, love to plug into that! Ha!

15:15 Zero Fidelity. What are some of your amplifier recommendations that fit this "Studio Solution" paradigm?

Can you also review Parasound A23 plus....pls.

IDK, $6000 is more than my whole system is worth. Point of diminishing returns. Can't see spend that much money on an amp. What $12,000 for speakers another $5-6 grand for a pre- amp. I'll stay with my gear which sounds really good.

Question: Have you ever tried in a REAL blindtest to hear differences between amps?

I HAVE KNOWN JOHN CURL FOR FORTY YEARS AND JUST NOW LISTENING TO MARK LEVINSON 26! HE WAS A NICE MAN, IS A NICE MAN!!!!!!!!!

Anybody's got any experience with JC5 against the Usher R 3.0 or lower output ushers? Which one sounds brighter?

Have you reviewed the Usher R1.5 ?

Taiwan is not China i suggest you talk to Richard Schram about their quality control in the factory where they are made and you will come away with a different perspective. Also see on RU-vid Richard Schram and John Curl discuss amplifiers by Century Stereo CA it goes for 1:29:38 this might enlighten you.

The JC1s are neutral, thus they don't have pumped up bass at lower volumes (or when songs don't have much bass), but because of that the JC1s still sound clean and natural when you turn up the volume. What pre-amp and source were you using with your JC1 mono blocks. They play what the source delivers them. Neutral amps do tend to sound a little flat at lower volume, because nothing is bumped up. I think that is a good thing, because nothing bites you when you turn it up a bit. Does Parasound consider the JC5 to be their "New flagship"? No, it's still the JC1 mono blocks. I'm sure the JC5 is a great amp, but it's not Parasounds "flagship".

What preamplifier and cables did you use, you should be upfront with that every time

Hey Sean! I'm looking at the A23+ right now. Do you have a take on it?

Hi Shawn, Thanks for another informative review. I have a question for you and any viewers who want to provide their informed opinions. I own a Parasound Halo A52+ 5 amplifier..John Curl design. I have a new pair of Totem Tribe Tower Speakers arriving very soon. I listen at low-moderate sound levels. ( I listen to Folk, jazz, Folk-rock, country/Americana) *Do you think that this pairing will create an enjoyable listening experience?

Nice review. I have a question for you. I am putting together a 2 channel stereo system. I have narrowed it down to two Intergrated Amps the Parasound Hint 6 and the Anthem STR I'd like your opinion on which to good with. My room is 13" X15"X 8" open on one side and opens into a dining room. I listen at moderate to loud levels. The speakers are going to be either GE Triton 2+ or MA Silver 500 my musical taste is largely classic rock and blues. Thanks in advance for your input.

Great review, I have Klipsch RP280F front speakers would JC 5 be a over kill for the Klipsch. I am currently using a Anthem MCA 325 to drive them would there be a improvement and would it be audible?

Are there any reviews out there on the A23+ amp?? Great video!

Anyway you can do a review on the new hint 6 Vs the original hint form parasound ?

Woah. There's a whole lotta me in this video. The kinda uncomfortable amount that makes you want to close your laptop whenever family walks by. My bad. I tried some new angles and it didn't work out so well. Oh well. I really need to get a camera with a flippy screen. Until then, it looks like I'll be all up in your grill for this one!

Greetings from Serbia!

I'm currently using A21+ and P6. Would a move to JC5 amp, or JC2 pre?

I am currently reviewing the JC5 and I am extremely impressed, your comparison of where it sits between McIntosh and Bryston is spot on...i made a similar comparison only using Krell vs Bryston. Great review and spot on, I think I am going to keep this amp :)