Parasound Halo JC 1+ Mono Power Amplifier Each

Best Monoblock Power Amplifier 2020 Award – Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity

Exceptional Value Award – TONEaudio

Parasound's "Magnificent" New Ultra-High Performance Monoblock Amp

The JC 1+ is Parasound's new ultra-high performance mono power amplifier. Creating an amplifier capable of eliciting the very best performance from the finest loudspeakers and outperforming even the highest-priced competition, makes the JC 1+ Parasound's most ambitious product undertaking to date. The Parasound design team once again enlisted legendary audio designer, John Curl, the "JC" behind the company's critically acclaimed and multi-award-winning JC 1, JC 2BP, JC 3+, JC 3 Jr., and other no-compromise Halo components.

The JC 1+ is the culmination of five years of design, engineering, and rigorous testing. Significant innovations and advancements in the Halo JC 1+ make it superior to the JC 1 in every respect, and that's no small accomplishment, considering the fact that the JC 1 is among the most highly acclaimed and popular amplifiers in audio history. With a power delivery of 450 watts RMS into 8 ohms, 850 watts RMS into 4 ohms, and 1,300 watts RMS into 2 ohms, supported by a peak current capability of 180 amperes, the JC 1+ elicits magnificent performance from the finest speakers. The first 25+ watts in pure class A will truly make your speakers sing. In fact, you don’t know how good your speakers can sound...yet.

Best Product, Exceptional Value Awards

Parasound's Halo JC 1+ recently won the Best Monoblock Power Amplifier category in the Best Product 2020 Awards from Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity. "Parasound has long been admired for their preamplifiers and power amplifiers. The JC 1+ monoblock power amplifier is their latest achievement, and it truly is an achievement to the highest degree," notes Editor-in-Chief John E. Johnson. "The sound is exemplary… Proof of Performance for the Parasound has been verified. They are worth the price."

"If someone whispered in my ear and said, 'You’re listening to a six-figure pair of amplifiers,' I would believe them. The JC 1+ monos are that good, that refined, that musical," reports Jeff Dorgay in TONEaudio, which honored the JC 1+ with an Exceptional Value Award. "I have yet to hear a pair of solid-state amplifiers that offer anywhere near this much sonic excellence and sheer power for anywhere near the asking price of these amplifiers."

"Well Done, Mr. Curl"

"The JC 1+ monoblocks come so darned close to the best, in so many categories, that for more than a few listeners it may seem an otiose pursuit to look elsewhere. Parasound and John Curl deserve a rousing round of applause for producing a real-world-priced amplifier that delivers otherworldly sound," raves Jacob Heilbrunn, The Absolute Sound, June 10, 2021.

"This is a superb-sounding amplifier that will get the best from every loudspeaker with which it is partnered. Well done, Mr. Curl," says John Atkinson, Stereophile, May 22, 2020.

"Go Give These New Over-Achievers a Listen"

"I've not heard any other monoblock entrant at or even close to this price that is able to recreate so many aspects of music with a more authentic voice. These amps are magnificent performers in nearly every regard," raves Greg Weaver in his review for Positive Feedback online magazine. "Honestly, 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."

Greg Weaver concludes, "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."

Even More Impressive Than Its Predecessor

The massively imposing original Parasound JC 1 is a behemoth of a no-nonsense, high-performance amplifier. The JC 1+ is even more impressive. Comparing the JC 1+ and the JC 1 by the numbers, the JC 1+ is 30% heavier, while its 2.1kVA main power transformer is 20% greater in weight, size, and electrical capacity. The main power supply filter capacity is 50% greater to support the most demanding music. And with 33% more Sanken 250V/15A/60Mz output transistors and 33% higher peak current, the JC 1+ reproduces music with unmatched authority.

In comparison to the JC 1, one attribute of the JC 1+ that you will notice immediately is its sonic refinement. While this isn't a quality that you can visualize with test equipment, your ears, mind, and emotions will recognize and appreciate it right away.

Unique Technology Delivers Enormous Competitive Advantages

Unique technology “firsts” endow the JC 1+ with enormous competitive advantages such as Bybee Music Rails™ in the input stage. Because even miniscule amounts of input stage noise will degrade sound quality, Curl specified the addition of Music Rails. These are sophisticated active B+ and B- high frequency filters that “scrub away” every last vestige of power supply noise. As a result, music reproduction is amazingly life-like and totally authentic to the source material.

The JC 1+'s input stage ± 112V power supply rails are totally independent from the main power supply. This banishes input stage distortion that occurs when the rail voltages sag. JC 1+ input stage voltage remains constant, no matter how hard its output stage is working. This averts a deficiency inherent in nearly every other amplifier. Additionally, the custom-built R-core transformer powering the input stage reduces pollution caused by noise carried on the AC power line.

No-Compromise Approach from Input to Output

No-compromise components have been used throughout the construction of the JC 1+. The JC 1+ is the first audio product to employ FR408, a superior circuit board material for optimum propagation of high frequencies for the most natural musical reproduction. Until now, FR408 was used primarily in super computers and aerospace electronics.

Furthering the outstanding sonic purity, the input-driver circuit board is well shielded from internal currents. Premium REL capacitors (now manufactured by Wilson Audio) use a proprietary design which “immunizes” them from micro vibrations that degrade the sound quality of other caps. The JC 1+ relies on 24k gold-on-gold internal connectors for the audio interconnects between the input/driver stage and output stage. This avoids oxidation, so that the audio signals remain pristine year after year.

Advanced Technology and Features

A new wider open loop gain cascode driver stage in the JC 1+ achieves greater linearity. A “fast start” bias circuit enables the JC 1+ to sound its best within minutes after turn-on, while a bias level selector switch enables the JC 1+ to run cooler with virtually no compromise in performance. A two-position gain switch selects 23dB or 29dB gain to optimize performance with high gain preamps and high sensitivity speakers. Staggered turn-on delays enable you to automatically power up multiple JC 1+s one at a time to prevent your lights from dimming!

Premium Neutrik 24k gold-plated balanced locking XLR and Vampire unbalanced RCA output connectors facilitate bi-wiring. Parasound-designed propeller speaker terminals accept spade lugs up to 16mm wide, banana plugs, and 5-AWG bare speaker wire.

Product Features

450 watts x 1 @ 8 Ω RMS
850 watts x 1 @ 4 Ω RMS
1300 watts x 1@ 2 Ω RMS
Circuitry designed by legendary John Curl
Ultra-high bias Class A/AB operation
25 watts of pure Class A power
Bybee™ Music Rail active filters
Input circuit and cascode driver stage use FR408 board material
180 amperes peak current
Stable with speaker impedance dips to 1 Ω
R-core transformer with ±112 volt DC rails for input stage
Rear panel bias select switch
Rear panel gain select switch
Dual CHK Infinium, custom 5-way speaker binding posts
Neutrik locking XLR input & loop output connectors
Vampire gold-plated RCA input & loop output jacks
JFET input stage, MOSFET driver stage
24 beta-matched 15 ampere, 60 MHz bipolar output transistors
2.1 kVA shielded toroid power transformer with H18 grade core
Independent power supplies for input stage, driver stage, output stage
198,000 µF Nichicon Gold Tune filter capacitors for output stages
22,400 μF Nichicon Gold Tune filter capacitors for input stages
Direct-coupled signal path, no capacitors or inductors
Upgraded internal gold on gold audio connections
Full power is rated all the way down to 2Hz for unrestricted low-end bass
Balanced inputs with discrete circuits
DC Servo and relay protection circuits
AC turn-on inrush surge protection with relay bypass
Automatic turn-on by 12 V trigger or audio sensing
Refined Halo cosmetic with aluminum end caps & gold highlights
4 rack space chassis with rear carry handles
Rack mount hardware is included
Black or silver finish

Product Specs

Power Output

450 watts @ 8 Ω
850 watts @ 4 Ω
1300 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 set to high
10 Watts, bias 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

Width: 17-5/8" (448 mm)
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)

Net Weight

83 lb. (37.6 kg)

Shipping Weight

100 lb. (45.4 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

Product Warranty

Parts & Labor

5 Years

2 Years for Moving Parts, Remote Controls, Lasers, Front Panel Displays and Video Screens

Parasound Warranty Information

Product Manual

	Parasound JC 1+ Owner's Guide (PDF Format)

	Parasound Halo JC 1+ Development Story (PDF Format)

	Parasound JC 1+ Mono Power Amplifier Manual (PDF Format)

"These amps have a cleanliness and abundance of power that works very well to unlock the potential in a lot of speakers, especially ones with a complex crossover and large impedance swings. The sound has plenty of detail, without being etched or glassy sounding. Imaging properties are truthful if not voodoo-like. The Parasound JC 1+ does many things very well and nothing wrong. I was truly engaged on many nights while listening."

"I can highly recommend the Parasound JC 1+ if you need lots of power and/or you want very clean and clear power..."

"They were great with the wide variety of speakers I tested. Do yourself a favor and audition them."

- Dave McNair, Part-Time Audiophile, March 20, 2022

Exceptional Value Award – TONEaudio

"Eyes closed, listening to The Allman Brothers Live at the Fillmore East, at close to concert hall levels for a few minutes (gotta watch the OSHA regs…) if someone whispered in my ear and said, 'You’re listening to a six-figure pair of amplifiers,' I would believe them. The JC 1+ monos are that good, that refined, that musical."

"I have yet to hear a pair of solid-state amplifiers that offer anywhere near this much sonic excellence and sheer power for anywhere near the asking price of these amplifiers."

"These are fantastic amplifiers. That’s why they are staying, making them worthy of two of our awards, the #toneaudioapproved award, and our Exceptional Value Award."

"I can’t suggest these highly enough."

- Jeff Dorgay, TONEaudio

2022 Editors’ Choice Award - The Absolute Sound

"I consistently found that the Parasounds not only increased the dynamics of my overall system, but also the perceived sense of hall space. It’s been said, time and again, that subwoofers play a pivotal role in defining the soundstage dimensions of a recording, but it’s always a pleasure to hear the phenomenon vividly demo’d, as it was with the JC 1+."

"The JC 1+ shows just how far amplifiers have come in the past several decades. Always a stalwart, it has been vastly improved in its latest incarnation. Both consummately reliable and stellar in performance in my listening room, it offers a beautifully refined, flowing, and organic presentation of music. It is clearly voiced on the sumptuous and warm side, which is to say it has the breath of musical life. I could listen to it for hours and hours, and did."

"...the JC 1+ monoblocks come so darned close to the best, in so many categories, that for more than a few listeners it may seem an otiose pursuit to look elsewhere. Parasound and John Curl deserve a rousing round of applause for producing a real-world-priced amplifier that delivers otherworldly sound."

- Jacob Heilbrunn, The Absolute Sound, June 10, 2021

2022 Recommended Components - Stereophile

"The Parasound's high frequencies sounded more like what I experience from a good tube amplifier."

"Dynamics were, as you would expect from such a powerful amplifier, extraordinary."

"Low-frequency power and delicacy!"

"While I could live with the JC 1s, and have done so at times over the years, the sound of the new amplifiers had an oh-so-important edge."

"This is a superb-sounding amplifier that will get the best from every loudspeaker with which it is partnered. Well done, Mr. Curl."

- John Atkinson, Stereophile, May 22, 2020

Best Monoblock Power Amplifier 2020 Award – Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity

"Parasound has long been admired for their preamplifiers and power amplifiers. The JC 1+ monoblock power amplifier is their latest achievement, and it truly is an achievement to the highest degree. It has enough power (450 watts RMS into 8 Ohms) to drive any speaker, and the parts quality is a statement on its own. The sound is exemplary and one would expect that from the almost $17,000/pair price, but high price is no guarantee of quality for any product. It has to be verified. Proof of Performance for the Parasound has been verified. They are worth the price."

- Editor-in-Chief John E. Johnson, Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity

"I've not heard any other monoblock entrant at or even close to this price that is able to recreate so many aspects of music with a more authentic voice. These amps are magnificent performers in nearly every regard. Honestly, 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."

- Greg Weaver, Positive Feedback, May 6, 2020