Pass x260.8 v. Parasound JC1+?

I have had both JC1+ & x260.8 monos in my house for the past 3 months.

Speakers: Focal Maestro Utopia III with twin REL subs

DAC: Holo May

Preamps: VAC Renaissance Mk V and the Audio Research REF6

I did a lot of back and forth between the JC1+ and the X260.8. In the end, I ended up selling the X260.8.

I feel that, perhaps, for easy to drive speakers (minimum impedance >= 4 ohms), the X260.8 might be better. Their midrange is magical-like in my room.
For my system setup, the JC1+ were clearly better. Most of my listening is jazz & classical & I don’t listen to music very loud (around 75 dB SPL at the listening position). If you have hard to drive speakers and are on a budget, the JC1+ are fantastic.

And yes, the JC1+ are not bright at all - if anything, the complaints generally are that they are a bit dark.

@reg19 What made you feel the JC1+ was superior over the X260.8s? Both are top contenders for me, currently running a JC5 with Focal Kanta 3s so both amp and speaker signatures are familiar to me. TIA!

@christianb5s4  perhaps, if I had your system, I’d try the X260.8 first - as your speakers are not difficult to drive.

In my system, especially while listening to classical music, I got a fuller sound (including better transients) with the JC1+ - at regular listening levels. The X260.8 did have a better midrange.

But, Kent English at Pass Labs is very very bullish on the X260.8 - even over their other Pass offerings - for most speaker pairings. 

To me the Pass amps are about natural tone, midrange, dynamics and striking a balance between warmth and instrument separation and details. Midrange with Pass amps is ridiculous. The presentation is never analytical. If you’re looking for an amp that spotlights every instrument within the soundstage, look elsewhere. 

I’ve owned X250.5, XA30.8 and now own and enjoy a pair of X260.8. 
 

@christianb5s4 Also: Pass X260.8 mates better with REF6 than the JC1+ does. According to Pass, Audio Research is the most popular preamp combo with Pass amps (other than Pass preamps, of course - which aren’t that great, IMHO).