2. amps-preamps
  3. 164752-112096

Anthem STR Power Amp vs Parasound JC5

Hi. I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts or experiences with the Anthem STR Power amp and the Parasound JC5? Both amps seem like world class amps with similar power ratings (400W @8ohms). For context, I'm interested in them to power some Paradigm Persona towers in a 7.2.4 atmos system that is 70% games/movies and 30% music. I currently have a Parasound Halo A21 and I love it but was curious about the Anthem STR as it's gotten rave reviews (and is the sister company of Paradigm so should be a good match).

The only head to head comparison I know of so far ( HometheaterReview ) mentioned that the Anthem seemed to have deeper power reserves than the JC5 and I've gotten the impression so far that the JC5 is great for music but may not be better than the Anthem for movies. Any thoughts on that?
tistru

Showing 4 responses by russ69

russ69's avatar
russ69
3,360 posts
 
How about another A21. You could put the A21+ on the top end. I don't normally suggest bi-amp set-ups but the A21 is such a sweet amp and would do the job without too much fuss. 
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,360 posts
 
"...I never said I was or wanted to be a 2ch purist..."

Fair enough but you know what the next step is, IMHO. I only know 2 channel.      
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,360 posts
 
"...The point here is to get a meaningful upgrade for the main 2ch part of my system..."

I think that is my problem, changing a good amp to another good amp isn't going to be a big change in most cases. For the best 2 channel upgrade for you, it would be a new 2 channel pre-amp.     
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,360 posts
 
"...I do plan on upgrading to an AVM90 at some point..."

I can't comment on the Anthem, two channel purists don't spend money on channels we don't need. I won't be gentle here, if you want to move your two channel system forward, you'll need a top 2 channel pre, preferably tube driven. It would be a big improvement. The amp change isn't going to do that much.     
More to discover