Parasound Halo JC 5 Stereo Power Amplifier - Black

Audio Performance

Massive, Effortless Power — 400 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 600 watts per channel into 4 ohms, with both channels driven simultaneously. In bridged mono mode, the JC 5 delivers a thunderous 1,200 watts into 8 ohms. Whatever speakers you own, this amplifier can drive them with authority to spare.

Pure Class A Where It Counts — The first 12 watts per channel operate in pure Class A — widely considered the purest-sounding amplifier topology. Since most listening happens well below 12 watts, you’re getting Class A sound quality for the majority of your time at the listening chair.

Extreme Current Delivery — With 90 amps of peak current per channel and stability into loads as low as 1.5 ohms, the JC 5 handles even the most notoriously difficult speakers with ease. Demanding electrostatic panels, planar magnetics, and speakers with wild impedance swings are all well within its comfort zone.

Ultra-Low Distortion — THD measures below 0.05% at full power and below 0.03% at typical listening levels. Intermodulation and transient distortion are equally negligible. The amp adds virtually nothing of its own character to the music.

Exceptional Channel Separation — Crosstalk is better than 87 dB at 1 kHz and 72 dB at 20 kHz, preserving precise stereo imaging and a wide, deep soundstage.

Circuit Design

John Curl Reference-Grade Circuitry — Designed by John Curl, one of the most respected audio engineers in the world. The same fundamental topology as the legendary JC 1 monoblock, with JFET inputs (rare Toshiba parts valued for their ultra-low noise), MOSFET driver stage, and 24 beta-matched Sanken bipolar output transistors per channel switching at 60 MHz for instantaneous response to complex musical demands.

True Dual-Mono Architecture — From the transformer windings through to the speaker terminals, left and right channels are completely independent. Each channel has its own power supply for its input, driver, and output stages. This eliminates crosstalk at the source and creates the wide, stable soundstage the JC 5 is known for.

Direct-Coupled Signal Path — No capacitors or inductors in the signal path. DC servo circuits provide protection without compromising signal integrity. The result is bass response rated to a full-power 5 Hz — deep, unrestricted low-end that you feel as much as hear.

Power Supply

Massive Toroidal Transformer — A custom 1.7 kVA shielded toroidal transformer with a premium H18-grade steel core and independent secondary windings for each channel delivers quiet, stable power. The input stage rails run 10 volts above the output stage rails (a design technique shared with the JC 1) to prevent distortion from voltage sag under load.

Enormous Filter Capacitance — 8,880 µF of Nichicon Gold Tune capacitors for the input stages plus 132,000 µF of Rubycon capacitors for the output stages. This massive energy reserve ensures the JC 5 can deliver explosive dynamics and deep, controlled bass without hesitation.

Harris Hyper-Fast Rectifiers — Harris hyper-fast soft-recovery bridge diode rectifiers reduce high-frequency noise in the power supply for a quieter, cleaner background.

Connectivity

Professional-Grade Inputs — Balanced XLR inputs use Neutrik locking connectors (the same kind found in professional recording studios). Unbalanced RCA inputs use Vampire 24k gold-plated jacks. Both are excellent; balanced is recommended when available.

Per-Channel Gain Controls — 29 dB adjustable gain on each channel lets you optimize the match between your preamp and the JC 5 for the best dynamics and lowest noise floor.

Loop Outputs — RCA pass-through outputs for daisy-chaining a second amplifier (for bi-amping) or connecting a subwoofer.

12V Trigger & Audio Sensing — Automatic turn-on via 12V trigger or audio signal detection, with trigger loop-out for system integration.

Reference-Grade Speaker Terminals — Custom CHK Infinium “propeller” 5-way binding posts, 24k gold-plated, accept spade lugs up to 16mm, banana plugs, or bare wire up to 7 gauge.

Design & Build

Hand-Milled Aluminum Chassis — Slim, solid aluminum end caps with gold highlights and John Curl’s signature on the front panel. Heavy-duty heatsinks run the full length of each side panel. Available in black or silver.

Rack-Mountable — The 4U chassis fits standard 19” racks, and rack mount hardware is included. Rear carry handles make positioning the 73-pound amp easier.

Premium Power Cord Included — A 9-foot (3m), 12-gauge IEC power cord with silver-soldered connectors comes in the box — a thoughtful inclusion at this level.

Power Output — Stereo (0.05% THD)

• 8Ω, both channels driven: 400 W × 2
• 4Ω, both channels driven: 600 W × 2

Power Output — Bridged Mono (0.05% THD)

• 8Ω: 1,200 W × 1

Bridged 4Ω operation is not recommended

Class A Power

• Pure Class A per channel: 12 W

Performance

• Peak Current: 90 A per channel
• Minimum Stable Load: 1.5Ω
• Slew Rate: > 130 V/µs
• Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 100 kHz (+0/−3 dB)
• THD (full power): < 0.05%
• THD (typical listening): < 0.03%
• IM Distortion: < 0.04%
• TIM: Unmeasurable
• Crosstalk (1 kHz / 20 kHz): > 87 dB / > 72 dB
• S/N Ratio (A-weighted): > 116 dB
• S/N Ratio (unweighted): > 111 dB
• Damping Factor (20 Hz): > 1,200
• Total Gain: 29 dB

Inputs & Outputs

• Balanced Inputs: 1 pair, Neutrik locking XLR
• Unbalanced Inputs: 1 pair, Vampire gold-plated RCA
• Input Impedance (unbal. / bal.): 33 kΩ / 66 kΩ
• Input Sensitivity (28.28V into 8Ω): 1 V (unbal.); 1 V per leg (bal.)
• Loop Outputs: 1 pair, Vampire gold-plated RCA
• Speaker Outputs: 1 pair, CHK Infinium 24k gold-plated 5-way
• 12V Trigger: In & Out (3.5mm)

Power Supply

• Transformer: 1.7 kVA shielded toroidal, H18 steel core
• Input Stage Capacitance: 8,880 µF (Nichicon Gold Tune)
• Output Stage Capacitance: 132,000 µF (Rubycon)
• Output Transistors: 24 × Sanken 15A/60MHz bipolar (beta-matched)

Power Consumption

• Standby: 1 W
• Idle: 225 W
• Typical Listening: 400 W
• Maximum: 1,500 W

Physical

• Width: 17⅝”
• Depth (without / with cables): 20” / 21½”
• Height (with / without feet): 7¾” / 7⅛” (4U)
• Weight: 73 lbs (shipping: 95 lbs)

All power measurements at 120 VAC, 0.05% THD, RMS continuous, full audio band (20 Hz – 20 kHz).

What’s in the Box

• Parasound Halo JC 5 Stereo Power Amplifier
• Premium 9-foot (3m) 12-gauge IEC power cord with silver-soldered connectors
• Rack mount hardware
• Owner’s guide

Note: Interconnect cables and speaker cables are sold separately. Verify complete packing list with manufacturer for the latest details.