2. amps-preamps
  3. 175027-36966

Which Preamp with JC5? Rogue Audio RP-9 or Parasound JC2

I’m deciding which preamp to use with a Parasound JC5 Amp: JC2 or RP-9?

I’m looking for a spacious, 3D, holographic presentation. I like to fuse the euphonic tube characteristics with the extended frequency response, detail, and dynamics of solid state. I’ve decided on a JC5 Amp, but I’m wondering which preamp will excel in these characteristics, the JC2 or RP-9?

I had a demo Pass XP-22 and X250.8 in my listening room for 2 weeks. It sounded stellar, everything you could want in the sonic department, but the XP-22 required the volume to be turned up 75% to achieve moderate listening levels, which introduces slight noise. The X250.8 developed wobbly XLR connectors after the third IC hook up. I was told that connectors can wobble to break up cable stress - hogwash for a $14k system! I returned the Pass system at a $700 loss. Horrible experience with QC.

I’m ready to try again, this time with a Parasound JC5 and a new preamp. I’ve heard they have no QC issues with the JC5 or JC1+. 

I do have other tube equipment to compare and test the JC5. A Don Sachs 6SN7-based Custom Linestage, Kootenay 120 KT88 Amp, and the Manley Chinook phono stage provide tube galore.

Thanks!

88man

Showing 3 responses by 88man

88man OP
28 posts
 

Many thanks Avanti1960, jdub39, lowrider57, rmdmoore, mulveling! These are all excellent suggestions and points. I forgot about the Cary SLP-05 preamp in this discussion. I’m definitely going to consider it too. Stereophile didn’t drool over the balanced input measurements on the SLP-05 taken by JA. Also, I’m not sure if the $1,600 upgrade will be significant/needed?…

I know I can’t tube roll on the RP-9 with the 6H30 tube, however, I have a surplus of 6SN7, 6SL7, 12AU7, 12AX7, 6922, etc. when considering different tube preamps, like the RP07. Mundorf EVO are not the most mature PP caps. I could try different coupling caps like Jupiter Cu which are lush, dimensional, warm, and detailed for the RP-9. I’m wondering if the RP-7 can also benefit from upgrading the coupling caps - the EVO Oil is not a super cap...

I make my own speakers, and I use Mundorf Supreme Silver Oil, Duelund Cu, Jupiter Cu caps in the crossovers, and I find that they render a more mature sound than EVOs.

88man OP
28 posts
 

Mulveling, your view of the EVO Oils mirrors my experience. Mundorf's Supreme line is the best, only excelled by Duelund Cu or Jupiter Cu. I have the Jupiter Cu in a Don Sachs Model 2 Preamp, and it sounds stellar with  Kootenay 120 KT88 amp.

Xcool, Please share your experience with the Cary SLP-05 and JC5. I'd love to know how it works out. As far as IC and spkr cables go, I make my own using the Duelund DCA-20 and DCA-12 Oil impregnated wire from PartsConnexion.com  -- warmth, detail, extended, spacious. I'll look into the Kimber Kable Select KS-1116 for the XLR IC. Great experiences!

88man OP
28 posts
 

Soix, I love the Don Sach Model 2 Preamp. It’s part of an all-tube analog system for LPs. I also feed it CDs and it sounds superb. I’m just looking for another system in a different room to replace my Odyssey Dual Mono Statos and Tempest Preamp. I thought a tube preamp mated to a solid state JC5 might be nice. Since I’ve made 4 pairs of high-end speakers, I love swapping speakers, components and cables.

Mulveling, at $14k, the AR Ref 6 is a little more than I’d like to spend. However, I wouldn’t rule it out for the future.

Thanks everyone!

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