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 2 responses by avanti1960

Recently using a Cary Audio SLP-05 preamp with a Parasound a21+ and the results were spectacular- huge spacious sound, tube rectifier warmth and impressive dynamics, transparency and refinement.

You can’t believe it when you plug in a solid state preamp and everything collapses in all directions.

Plug the SLP-05 back in and wow, sound projects out like a 3D movie.

Moved on to another amp- JC5 was one of my choices and I am sure it will sound amazing-  but the Cary pre is here forever.

the rogue RP1, RH5 and to a lesser extent the RP5 are all dead on neutral.  

never heard the RP9 but owned the RP7 and it sounded too warm and reticent for my preferences.