Thanks for the response @russ69 . From what I heard, the JC5 is quite a step above the A21(+). The point here is to get a meaningful upgrade for the main 2ch part of my system. I do love the A21 amp but am just scoping to hit that next level of performance with the higher end Persona line.
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?
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?
Showing 7 responses by tistru
Point taken! Currently I have a Marantz AV8802a pre/amp but I also use an Oppo UDP-205 with it's dedicated 2ch output for quality 2ch listening. Not bad... I do plan on upgrading to an AVM90 at some point (maybe next year) with has the AK4499EQ DAC. No reviews yet, but should be among the best DACs money can buy for the time being. |
" ...two channel purists don't spend money on channels we don't need..." I never said I was or wanted to be a 2ch purist. In fact, in my original post, I said my system is used for 70% games/movies and ~30% music. I like to sit and listen to some tracks and get absorbed in some music from time to time but music is definitely not where most of the time goes for my system. |
Yep all good @russ69 . Thanks for the comments and feedback. Definitely if I was going all 2ch, then that would dictate decisions for every component (speakers, preamp, amp etc). I am looking for a high performance multipurpose system (that doesn't skimp on 2ch perf) which is a slightly different problem with a different solution |
@jgdill thanks for the feedback. That's great to hear that you can hear the difference coming from a A21+. I know several people who said they couldn't hear a difference coming from a base A21. I guess it depends on their speakers and other gear?
@mike_in_nc you would think but you'd be surprised. Many dealers have flat out told me they don't do in auditions. Best case is you buy it outright and use their "return policy" to return it if you don't like it. That's typically only 1-2 weeks IMO which may or may not be enough time to break in and evaluate. |
@mike_in_nc Yes I've purchase from Crutchfield before and they are great. One of the best online dealers I've worked with. I will definitely consider them for purchase of the amp |