Parasound Halo JC 2 line preamplifier Specifications

Sidebar 1: Specifications

Description: Remote-controlled, solid-state preamplifier with switchable absolute polarity, rear-panel IR repeater input and loop out jacks, four 12V trigger output jacks, and two-way RS-232 serial port. Inputs: 6 unbalanced (RCA), 2 usable in balanced mode (XLR pin 2 hot). Outputs (1 pair each): balanced XLR (main); unbalanced RCA (main); inverted unbalanced (main); normal-polarity, fixed-output, unbalanced (tape). Left/right gain-control range: –10dB. Frequency response: 5Hz–100kHz, +0/–3dB. Maximum gain: 14dB. Maximum output: 8V. Input sensitivity: 200mV for 1V output. Distortion: <0.003% THD at 100Hz, <0.005% THD at 20kHz, <0.003% IMD. Signal/noise: >116dB, input shorted, IHF A-weighted; >104dB, input shorted, unweighted. Channel separation: >100dB at 10kHz, >90dB at 20kHz. Input impedance: 30k ohms unbalanced, 30k ohms per phase balanced. Output impedance: <60 ohms unbalanced, <60 ohms per phase balanced. Power consumption: 25W standby, 30W in operation. Optional accessory: HRA 3 rack-mount handles (can be purchased separately).
Dimensions: 17 1/4" W (437mm) by 5 7/8" (150mm) H by 16" (406mm) D. Weight: 24 lbs (11kg).
Serial Number Of Unit Reviewed: 689076914765.
Price: $4000. Approximate number of dealers: 20. Warranty: 10 years parts, 5 years labor (US, Canada).
Manufacturer: Parasound Products, Inc., 950 Battery St., San Francisco, CA 94111. Tel: (415) 397-7100. Fax: (415) 397-0144. Web: www.parasound.com.

COMPANY INFO
Parasound Products, Inc.
950 Battery St.
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 397-7100
ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
claud's picture

JA: While it's clear that you were greatly (!!??)impressed with the Parasound JC-2 preamp's soundstaging (and I'm glad to see it mentioned the JC-2 may work best with "warm sounding power amps), I wish you had gone down the check list of performance parameters, like I believe he had during listening tests of other hardware. Perceived performance parameters like: Soundstage (extending in height, width beyond the speakers and behind them); Tonality (Lush, sweet, extended and full-bodied, but without overly relaxed or syrupy signatures);
Microdynamic detail; Highs: (Holographic, sweetly articulate and airy, without brittle or brightness); Midrange (Lush, three-dimensional and involving, perhaps as if voiced by a 300B SET amp's "midrange magic"); Lower Midrange to Midbass ( Robust and authoritative down to 70Hz, like an 845 tube amp). Imaging: (Lifelike spatial placement of vocals and instruments).

Overall, what remains the strengths and weaknesses of both of these preamps to your ears when playing most various types of music?

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