Power amplifiers stereo — Parasound JC5

The JC5 is a stereo power amplifier from Parasound, sharing the JC-series' celebrated flagship-tier engineering within a two-channel format. The JC5 brings Parasound's most storied engineering heritage to dedicated stereo power amplification.

Key specs that matter

Input sensitivity is 1,000mV, with input impedance at 66,000 ohms balanced or 33,000 ohms single-ended. Output power is a substantial 400W into 8 ohms, rising to 600W into 4 ohms. Gain is 29dBu. Frequency response spans a wide 5Hz to 100,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB. Total harmonic distortion plus noise is under 0.05% at 100% global feedback. Damping factor is an extraordinary 1,000. At 448 x 181 x 197mm and 33.1kg, the JC5 represents a substantial power amplifier commitment reflecting Parasound's most storied JC-series engineering.

Sound and use context

Expect exceptionally clean, tightly controlled amplification reflecting the extraordinary 1,000 damping factor combined with the substantial 600W-into-4-ohms output, representing Parasound's most storied current JC-series engineering.

Pairing

The extraordinary 1,000 damping factor suits the most demanding loudspeaker loads with exceptional bass control.

Alternatives

Parasound's own JC1+ offers a monoblock alternative within the same broader JC-series catalogue for buyers preferring separate mono chassis.