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Pre-Amp for Parasound JC-1

Just ordered a pair of JC-1's and need a recommendation for a tube pre-amp . Particularly interested in performance differences between balanced and single ended operation.

These will be driving Wilson WP7 via Transparent Reference XL-SS. Source consists of AN CDT2 and Zanden 5000 Mk. III
Interconnects will also be Transparent Ref. XL-V.

If balanced operation is the way to go, it seriously limits the number of candidates. Thoughts/suggestions please.
rcupka
bpwalsh
1,197 posts
 
The MP-1 is a very nice preamp with an ardent following. Although I haven't owned one, I know someone who replaced one with a Blowtorch and was overwhelmed with the improvement. He uses Parasound JC-1s as well. Alas, the Blowtorch is not a production item, as each unit is built to order and sold direct only. Few if any preamps can approach the performance.
sutts
699 posts
 
Geez- I was considering the JC-1's for the 2-ch tube pre rig, but with all these preamp matching issues, now I'm not so sure...

OK, plan B- how are these JC-1's in a SS processor-based home theater system? I would be curious how 5 of them would compare to my previous amp (Theta Dreadnaught) on that lind of system...
vinylphile7873
14 posts
 
The JC-1's do not have compatibility problems. It is the junk that other manufacturers are producing and charging high end prices for that create problems. Some manufacturers have no quality control. Would you rather the JC-1's not shut down and pass the DC that the junky gear is feeding into it? Do you like your speakers?
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