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An all Parasound system - Good idea?

My brother- in- law visited last weekend and heard my 2 channel system for the first time.  Slightly ocd, he spent much time online and emailed me last night to say he was going to put his own system together and was planning to buy all of his components from Parasound, in part because he thinks a single brand will optimze performance and compatability, and because he is enamored by the John Curl connection. To that end, he plans to buy  a JC2 Preamp, A21 Amp and JC3+ phono amp.

I have told him focus on  speakers first, then source components. That notwithstanding, is the "All Parasound " a good idea to avoid the possibility of components not playing nice together or should he not focus on brand loyalty and shop for "best in class" components instead?

sjtm

Showing 9 responses by ricred1

ricred1
2,067 posts
 
I submit their amps are a lot better than their preamps.
ricred1
2,067 posts
 
sjtm,

I've owned their amps and the JC2 BP preamp. In my "system", to my "ears" the JC2 was one of the biggest disappointments that I've experienced. No absolutes and others my love it. My thoughts are the JC2 BP is 2 dimensional  , masks details, weak with front to back placement of instruments, and overall just a bad value to my ears. I sold it in less than two months.
ricred1
2,067 posts
 
markmendenhall,

I’m glad you like the JC2...like the saying goes, ’"one man’s poison is another man’s medicine." I have an all Jeff Rowland system and couldn’t be happier. Yes, a different price level, but the Jeff Rowland is significantly better and on a totally different level than Parasound.
ricred1
2,067 posts
 
No absolutes in audio and I  respect everyone's opinion.  I've owned many components over the past 30 years. Nothing is as good as I have  now, based on my priorities and my ears. I could careless about the name or cost of a particular component. I have Monitor Audio speakers. They are not viewed as being high-end like Magico, Wilson, and a few other companies, but I have them anyway. My point is I never said anything about manufacturer or price determines what sounds good. I only said I didn't like the JC 2 and it's only my opinion.
ricred1
2,067 posts
 
At the time I had the Parasound A21 amp and I'm describing what I heard after a couple of weeks. Initially I thought the JC 2 was fine, but after continuous listening I decided to sell it. Notice, nothing negative about the A21. 2nd point.. it's my opinion, my ears, and no one can tell me what I heard or what to think. 
My friend had 4 different amps recently: McIntosh, Absolare, Bricasti, and Rowland. The Absolare to my ears was on a different level. I prefer the Rowland over the McIntosh and Bricasti. I'm not afraid to tell my friend the Absolare to my ears was better than my Rowland. Don't want to argue about my opinion. 
ricred1
2,067 posts
 
markmendenhall,

Thanks for the kind words. I'm a humble person and I don't think I'm the authority on Audio. I'm not rich, but I have a friend that's pretty wealthy that has allowed me to hear and own components that I couldn't on my own. I'm truly grateful for his help! 

Lets not forget that how a component sounds is in the context of the system. Maybe the cables I had at the time didn't work well with the JC2 or maybe I don't prefer the sound of the JC2. Either way my opinion in no way invalidates yours or anyone else. I'm actually happy that I sold the JC2 to someone that liked it!
ricred1
2,067 posts
 
If I were going with a one brand system, I would follow these steps:

1) determine budget
2) determine your musical preference(s)
3) consider room size 
4) room treatment 
5) listen to as many systems as possible
6) let your own ears decide

I don't tell people what to buy; however I do voice my opinion on what I like or don't like based on what I've actually listened to with familiar music. 
ricred1
2,067 posts
 
In my opinion Audiotroy has used different words to say the same thing that I did in an earlier post. Parasound's amps sound better than their preamps.
ricred1
2,067 posts
 
I've been looking to add rears to complete my 5.1 surround sound system. I have Monitor Audio fronts and center. Most people said get Monitor Audio as rears to keep the same sound signature or rears don't make a difference. I decided to get Monitor Audio Bronze 5 and sold them immediately. I decided to buy Dynaudio Contour Compact 20's and received them yesterday. My surround sound, sounds much better. Even my wife agreed that there is a significant difference. My point is sometimes it makes since to purchase the better product over the same manufacturer.  
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