Parasound Halo JC 1+ Reference Mono Power Amplifier (450 Watts)
Call 410-882-4360 to Order!
Changes from the JC 1 to JC 1+
Read the JC 1+ development story here
- 400 → 450 Watts @ 8Ω
- 800 → 850 Watts @ 4Ω
- 1200 → 1300 Watts @ 2Ω
- Filter capacitance: 132,000 → 198,000 uF
- Transformer capacity: 1.9 → 2.1 kVA
- Output transistors: 18 → 24 Sanken 60Mz devices
- Peak current: 135 → 180 amps
- Weight: 64 → 83 lbs net
- Bybee Music Rails™ active high frequency noise filters
- John Curl driver stage employs a new cascode circuit design
- FR-408 input circuit board material improves HF signal integrity
- Gain switch to select 29 dB or 23 dB of gain
- R-core power transformer for input stage
- Input circuit board is shielded
- Double thickness copper on output/power supply circuit boards
- Gold-plated internal audio signal path connectors
- Custom CHK Infinium speaker binding posts
- Looping Neutrik XLR output for easier bi-amping
- Front panel power indicator LED
- Updated auto turn on circuits with 3.5mm 12V trigger jacks
All Features:
- Circuitry designed by legendary John Curl
- Ultra-high bias Class A/AB operation
- 25 watts of pure Class A power
- Stable with speaker impedance dips below 1Ω
- Bybee Music Rails™ - active high frequency filters for input stage
- New John Curl driver stage employs a cascode circuit for greater open loop bandwidth & superior linearity
- Gain switch to select 29 dB or 23 dB gain for optimum compatibility with high gain preamps or extremely efficient speakers
- R-core transformer for input stage suppresses noise on power line
- 6 massive 33,000 uF Nichicon Gold Tune filter capacitors for output stage
- 22,400 uF input stage power supply filter capacitors, independent of the main power supply
- Dual CHK Infinium, custom 5-way speaker binding posts for easy bi-wiring
- Neutrik locking XLR balanced input & loop output jacks
- Vampire 24k gold-plated RCA input & loop output jacks
- Direct-coupled signal path, no capacitors or inductors in the audio path
- JFET input stage, MOSFET driver stage
- 24 beta-matched 15 ampere, 230V, 60 MHz bipolar output transistors
- 2.1 kVA shielded toroid power transformer with premium H18 grade core
- Independent power supplies for input stage, driver stage & output stage
- Full power is rated all the way down to 2Hz for unrestricted low-end bass
- Harris hyper-fast soft-recovery bridge diode rectifiers
- REL & Nichicon Muse capacitors
- DC servo & relay protection circuits
- AC turn-on inrush surge protection with relay bypass
- Automatic turn-on by 12 V trigger or audio sensing
- 4 rack space chassis with rear carry handles
- Rack mount hardware is included
- Available in silver or black
Power Output
450 x1 watts @ 8 Ω
850 x1 watts @ 4 Ω
1300 x1 watts @ 2 Ω
Power measurements are with 120 VAC:
0.15% THD, RMS continuous power,
full audio band (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
Class A Power Output
25 Watts, bias switch set to high
10 Watts, bias switch set to low
Current Capacity
180 amps, peak
Slew Rate > 130 volts per microsecond
Frequency Response
2 Hz - 120 kHz, +0/-2 dB
20 Hz - 20 kHz, +0/-0.25 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
< 0.15 % at full power
< 0.02 % at typical listening levels
IM Distortion
< 0.03 %
TIM
Unmeasurable
Damping Factor
> 1200 at 20 Hz
Input Impedance
Unbalanced: 50 kΩ
Balanced: 100 kΩ, (50 kΩ per leg)
S/N Ratio, inputs shorted
>122 dB, IHF A-weighted, bias set to Low
>120 dB, IHF A-weighted, bias set to High
>113 dB, Unweighted, bias set to Low
>111 dB, Unweighted, bias set to High
Total Gain
29 dB (Gain switch set to normal)
23 dB (Gain switch set to low)
Input Sensitivity for 28.28 V Output into 8 Ω
Unbalanced: 1 V
Balanced: 1 V per leg
(Gain switch set to normal)
DC Trigger Requirements
+9 Vdc to +12 Vdc, 5 mA
Audio Trigger Requirement
2.5 mV - 10 mV
XLR Pin Identification
1 = Ground (Shield)
2 = Positive
3 = Negative (Return)
Dimensions
Height without feet: 7-1/8" (181 mm)
Height with feet: 7-3/4" (197 mm)
Depth: 20" (508 mm)
Depth with cables: 21-1/2" (546 mm)
Shipping Carton Dimensions
Width: 29-1/2" (750 mm)
Depth: 27-1/2" (700 mm)
Height: 15-3/4" (400 mm)
Net Weight
83 lb. (37.6 kg)
Shipping Weight
107 lb. (48.5 kg)
Power Requirement
Standby: <1 Watt
Idle (bias set to low): 145 Watts
Idle (bias set to high): 275 Watts
Typical Listening levels: 400 Watts
Maximum: 1500 Watts
Stereophile (John Atkinson), May 2020
"With JC 1+ amplifiers, the feeling of listening to a Steinway D in a real space was very satisfying. High frequencies were smooth and clean, more like what I experience from a good tube amplifier. Dynamics were extraordinary. Low-frequency power and delicacy! The improvement in its sound quality and the recent explosion of the prices of high-end, high-power amplifiers keep the JC 1+ competitive. This is a superb-sounding amplifier that will get the best from every loudspeaker with which it is partnered. Well done, Mr. Curl."
Manufacture Comments to the Stereophile Review
Secrets of Home Theater & High Fidelity (John Johnson), June 2020
"Parasound has long been admired for their preamplifiers and power amplifiers. The JC 1+ power amplifier is truly an achievement to the highest degree. The sound is exemplary and reflects its amazing design, while parts quality is a statement on its own. Proof of Performance for the Parasound has been verified. They are worth the price."
Positive Feedback May 2020
"I cannot think of a pair of monoblocks that offer a view anywhere near this close to the top of the heap for anywhere near their asking price. I can tell you that if I were shopping for a pair of monoblocks under $25,000, the Parasound Halo JC 1+ would be my first choice. Go give these new over-achievers a listen and be prepared to be bowled over by what you will hear. Most enthusiastically recommended."
