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Parasound Halo JC-1 factory capacitor change

A pair of brand new Halo JC-1s arrived at friend's place a few days ago..

Being invited to help my friend to lift two huge boxes upstairs, I was also curious to see interiors, and to make a few pictures of the JC-1s internal layout if possible. We easily removed the top cover, seeing a perfectly clean, obviously brand new unit inside. What surprised me quite a bit (owner seems to be not too concerned about) was the change of four main 33000microF capacitors: original 33000 100V Nichicon caps are now replaced with equally sized Rubicon CE LSQ, also 33000 microF, 100V.

Since Parasound also changed the original 25000 Elna caps with 22000 Rubicons on smaller stereo model Halo A21 (there is a related topic on another forum), it seems that this is a deliberate manufacturer's policy rather than, say, discontinued production of original parts by suppliers (Nichicon, Elna etc).

I am pretty seriously concerned with this issue, since I consider purchasing a pair of new Halo JC-1s as well.

Anyone else out there spotted this internal change in the Halo JC-1? Any impression listening the new cap version JC-1 versus original? Could actually main capacitors bank affect sound seriously..??

tnx

Viktor
viktor_b
11 responses Add your response
ptmconsulting
1,000 posts
 
From copnversations I had with Bob Crump, his voicing of the JC-1 was specifically around the Nichicon caps. In fact you should also see some bypass caps at the end of the rails. These used to be Relcap RT's and Nichicon KZ's, I believe.

Chanking out the cap brands will most definitely affect the voicing of the amp.
stashoo99
1 posts
 
The above posts are from 2010. Its 2013 now and Parasound still lists Nichicon Gold Capacitors in the JC-1. Has anyone looked inside a recent vintage amp to see which caps are used?
Ag insider logo xs@2x
hk_fan
460 posts
 
I own a pair of JC1's which were purchased new in 2012 and have the Nichicon Gold caps.

If you are considering these amps I cannot recommend them highly enough, they are fantastic IMO.
shsohis
119 posts
 
Superb amps. But one of the amps has a slight humming from its transformer. How can I resolve this? Something loose?
milpai's avatar
milpai
2,377 posts
 
Email Parasound. They are VERY prompt!
runnin
397 posts
 
Seriously, you will probably get a response from the owner himself.
gr-gin
17 posts
 
Hi Guys,

Milpai and Runnin correct.

Just purchased a pair of JC1.

They are very prompt in responding email. Richard Schram himself who responding my email.
gr-gin
17 posts
 
Dear All,

Following Victor concern about the JC1 caps replacement by Rubicon, and concerning that I also have the brand new pair with Rubycon installed I/O Nichicon, is there anybody has experience of comparing the one with original caps vs new caps?
zormi
105 posts
 
Should be a very insightful experience to compare first-hand those two "versions" of this famous amplifier... However, it means that - to have any opportunity to do so - Parasound meanwhile have built a pretty substantial batch of JC-1s, all with Rubicon caps inside.

My impression, concerning this issue (exactly the same topic was launched by Victor on another audio forum), is that Parasound occasionally utilizes Rubicons or alike solutions whenever original Nichicons are temporarely unavailable or so...
auxie22
1 posts
 
I doubt there would be a significant change in the "voicing" of the amplifier this is more than likely a production change due to availability or a new contract they got from Rubycon. 22000uF compared to 25000uF will not make a significant difference in ripple, what it will do is reduce the current drain/sag from the transformer and that is more of an issue with regard to sound quality and Power Supply performance.
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