JC 2 Preamplifier
Halo
JC 2
- 6 pairs unbalanced RCA line-level audio input jacks
- 2 input pairs can be switched to XLR balanced connectors
- Independent balanced/unbalanced select for the L & R channel
- Each channel's input is switched by its own gold-on-silver contact relay
- 4 output jack pairs with specialized functions:
- 1 Main output jack pair is balanced XLR, polarity is switched by remote
- 1 Main output jack pair is unbalanced RCA, polarity is switched by remote
- 1 output jack pair is unbalanced RCA, inverted polarity only
- 1 output pair is unbalanced RCA, normal polarity, fixed level for recorders
- Dual-mono left & right channel circuit boards minimize crosstalk
- Hand-matched complementary FETs
- Direct DC servo-coupled, no capacitors in the signal path
- Premium 4-gang motor-driven analog master volume control
- Separate TKD brand analog gain controls for L & R channel
- 3/8" thick aluminum shielding around audio boards
- Shielding prevents noise from power supplies & control circuits
- Separate output jacks for simultaneous normal & non-inverting polarity
- Aluminum chassis rear panel
- Remote control polarity switching uses gold-on-silver contact relays
- Vampire brand 24k gold-plated RCA jacks
- Neutrik brand premium XLR connectors
- Canare brand internal wiring
- High capacity R-core audio power transformer & inductor
- Hyper-fast soft recovery audio bridge rectifiers diodes
- Independent power supply for controller, relay coils, triggers, LEDs
- Remote control handset controls all functions
- Discrete IR codes for remote control
- Four 12v trigger output jacks for power amp auto turn-on:
- Two 12v trigger jacks are switched by the remote handset
- Two 12v trigger jacks are live when the JC 2 is turned on
- Two-way RS-232 serial port connection
- Line level inputs only; no inputs for phono
- Audio mute is switched by independent L & R relays
- Rear panel IR repeater input & loop out jacks
- Premium detachable heavy gauge IEC AC cord
- 2 6' (2m) trigger wires included
- Remote handset also controls Parasound Halo T 3 Tuner
- 3u Chassis, rack mountable with HRA3 (sold separately)
Frequency Response
5 Hz - 100 kHz, +0/-3 dB
Distortion
THD: < 0.003% at 100 Hz
THD: < 0.005% at 20 kHz
IM: < 0.003%
S/N Ratio
> 116 dB, input shorted, IHF A-weighted
> 104 dB, input shorted, unweighted
Crosstalk
> 100 dB at 10 kHz
> 90 dB at 20 kHz
Gain
14 dB, maximum
L, R Gain Control Range
- 10 dB
Input Impedance
Unbalanced: 30k ohms
Balanced: 30k ohms per leg
Output Impedance
Unbalanced: < 60 ohms
Balanced: < 60 ohms per leg
Input Sensitivity
200 mV for 1 V output
Total Gain: 14 dB
Maximum Output: 8 V
XLR Pin Identification
1 = Ground (Shield)
2 = Positive
3 = Negative (Return)
AC Power Requirement
110 - 120 V or 220-240 V, 50 - 60 Hzs
(Set AC Voltage switch on rear panel)
25 watt standby; 30 watts when turned on
Dimensions
Width: 17 1/4" (437 mm)
Depth: 16" (406 mm)
Height, with feet: 5 7/8" (150 mm)
Height, without feet: 5 1/4" (133 mm)
Weight
Net: 24 lbs. (11 kg)
Shipping: 36 lbs. (16.4 kg)
Rack Mount Accessory
HRA 3 (May be purchased separately)
HomeTheaterReview.com, February 2010
If you're an audiophile, you almost certainly know of the Parasound company, a manufacturer of high-end audio/video electronics (and other products) that are of extremely high quality, yet are not stratospherically priced. Halo is Parasound's premium line of components. (The JC 2 is not inexpensive at $4,000, but this is a high-end component we're talking about, and for what you get, that can be considered good value.) You might also know of John Curl, a veteran audio designer who is inarguably one of the true greats in the field. Curl has worked for esteemed companies like Mark Levinson, Vendetta Research, Harman Kardon Citation, Wilson Audio and others, and even worked on electronics for the Grateful Dead. Curl has been a consultant to Parasound since the late 1980s.
Stereophile, March 2008
Review (PDF)
POSITIVE FEEDBACK ONLINE - ISSUE 34 (Max Dudious)
Review (PDF)
