Thread: Parasound JC5 thoughts

When I recently installed the KEF Blade 2’s in my listening room I had the opportunity to demo the Parasound JC5 stereo amplifier. Since I had paired Parasound and KEF in previous systems with much success (JC1’s and Reference 3), I jumped at the chance to hear the new JC5 and the Blade 2’s together. There is a reason, after all, that KEF has often partnered with Parasound to highlight their speakers at audio shows throughout the world! Many of you asked for my impressions of the JC5, so here they are.

Now, let’s first understand that I had just installed new speakers and mostly new wires so there was a lot of change going on at one time in my system. The speakers were demo speakers so they had been broken in, but the wires were right out of the box. The sound definitely settled after a few days of constant playing, which is why I wanted to wait a bit before providing impressions. The only amp I had in the room to do direct comparisons with was my Forte Model 4a (50 watts class A). I purchased this amp new in 1994 and it underwent significant upgrades a few years ago at the hands of Jon Soderburg who worked at Threshold/Forte back in the day. He did a great job on the amp and it sounds wonderful, but when a direct comparison is made to the JC5, its weaknesses begin to be exposed.

Let me start this by saying that the JC5 is incredibly dynamic. It drives the Blades with ease. There is absolutely no strain at any volume level. Drums are impactful, horns sound like horns, piano (which I find to be where many systems begin to show their deficiencies) had weight and life. In all a great overall performer with regards to the presentation of musical instruments.

Soundstage width and depth were very good. Music extended with ease outside of the boundaries of the walls of the room. Much of this has to do with the capabilities of the Blades, but the JC5 contributed quite positively and really allowed the Blades to do their thing.

Now, let’s get to the only foible I had with this amplifier, the reproduction of the human voice. I really shouldn’t call it a foible, because the amp did very well, but it was the only area that the JC5 couldn’t quite match the Forte. Vocalists stood up with the Forte where they felt a bit too low with the JC5. Female vocals weren’t as delicate, not quite as beautiful. Again, a very subtle difference, but still there.

I have returned the JC5 to my dealer and do miss its presence in my system. Parasound has always been known for its value proposition. The JC5 continues that legacy. There is a lot to like here for a very “reasonable” outlay. For now the Forte remains until my wallet recovers. When it does, the JC5 will remain on my short list of amplifiers to consider.

Thanks for the feedback Morgan !