Parasound | SKU: NEW-PAHAJC5-BLK | Barcode: 791084202809

Parasound Halo JC 5 Stereo Power Amplifier - Black

Two legendary JC 1 monoblocks distilled into a single chassis — 400 watts per channel of reference-quality amplification designed by John Curl, at a price that redefines what’s possible.

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✨ Outstanding Product Award — Hi-Fi News (UK), December 2019
✨ Reviewers’ Choice Award — SoundStage! Hi-Fi, January 2019
✨ Best of 2018 — Home Theater Review, December 2018
✨ Reviewer’s Choice Award — Part-Time Audiophile, April 2021

✔ 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Try it risk-free for 60 days
✔ Free Shipping on orders over $49
✔ Financing Available — Pay over time | Learn more
✔ Price Guarantee — We match authorized dealer pricing | Details
✔ Expert Help — Call us at 800-942-0220 weekdays 9am–6pm EST

$7,000.00

Condition

New

In Stock. Order by 3pm EST and ship same day.

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Four Hundred Watts, Twelve of Them Class A

The JC 5 is John Curl's stereo statement for Parasound: 400 watts per channel into 8 ohms, 600 into 4, and 1,200 bridged to mono. It carries the same design DNA as the JC 1 monoblocks that became a legend over fifteen years.

The number that matters most is smaller. The JC 5 runs in pure Class A up to 12 watts per channel before it hands over. Most domestic listening never leaves that window, so the amplifier you hear day to day is a Class A amplifier.

Its input stage uses Toshiba J-FETs, the same parts as the JC 1. Toshiba stopped making them years ago, so Parasound bought a stockpile they say will last for years to come. The sound of this amplifier is not hostage to a parts shortage.

Inside the Chassis

THD stays under 0.05% at full power and under 0.03% at normal levels. Signal-to-noise is better than 116dB A-weighted, and damping factor is 1,000 at 20Hz. Response covers 5Hz to 100kHz at −3dB.

Inputs are balanced XLR at 66k ohms or unbalanced RCA at 33k, with 29dB of gain throughout. Turn-on can be manual, by 12V trigger with a looping output, or by audio-signal sensing, so it wakes with the rest of the system.

It measures 17-5/8 inches wide and 20 deep, and weighs 73 pounds. Parasound covers it with a 5-year parts and labor warranty for the original purchaser from an authorized dealer.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Roger Kanno reviewed the Halo JC 5 for SoundStage! Hi-Fi on 15 February 2019. "By any measure, the Halo JC 5 is a superb power amplifier," he wrote, offering "reference-quality sound, and enough power to easily drive any loudspeaker."

What struck him was the ease: "There was an absolute sense of effortlessness as sound flowed smoothly and steadily from it, regardless of what speakers I used or music I played."

His conclusion left nothing on the table. "Often, in the Conclusion of a review, I offer a few qualifying thoughts or caveats. This time I have none. I can't recommend Parasound's Halo JC 5 highly enough."

Who Is This Amplifier Best For?

You want Class A for real listening — pure Class A up to 12 watts per channel covers most domestic listening, so the amplifier's best behavior is its everyday behavior rather than a specification footnote.
Your speakers ask for current — 400 watts into 8 ohms and 600 into 4, with damping of 1,000 at 20Hz, drives essentially any loudspeaker you are likely to own without strain.
You wanted JC 1 monoblocks — the JC 5 shares the input, driver and output topology of the legendary JC 1, in one chassis and at one price instead of two.
You keep equipment a long time — Parasound stockpiled the discontinued Toshiba J-FETs this design depends on, so the parts that define its sound are not a service risk.
You are pairing this with a control stage — Halo P6 or a streamer/DAC preamp provides the volume and the input switching

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Feed it from your preamplifier by balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA. Speakers connect to the binding posts. For mono operation, set bridged mode before connecting anything.

Turn-on is manual, by 12V trigger with a looping output, or by audio signal. At 73 pounds it wants a shelf built for it and air on all sides.

Pairs Well With

Here are some great companions:

Preamplifier: Required, and the natural next decision — see our Preamplifiers.
Speaker Cables: Carry the current properly — see our Speaker Cables.
Interconnects: Balanced XLR is the better run from preamp to amp — see our Interconnect Cables.
Audio Rack: Give a Class A/AB amplifier air around it — see our Audio Racks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much power does it make?

400 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 600 into 4 ohms. Bridged to mono, one JC 5 makes 1,200 watts into 8 ohms.

How much of that is Class A?

The first 12 watts per channel run in pure Class A before the amplifier switches to high-bias Class A/AB.

Who designed it?

John Curl, who also designed Parasound's JC 1 monoblocks. Parasound says the topology of the input, driver and output stages is shared.

Does it take balanced inputs?

Yes. Balanced XLR at 66k ohms and unbalanced RCA at 33k ohms, with 29dB of gain.

How big and heavy is it?

17-5/8 inches wide, 20 inches deep, 7-1/8 high without feet, and 73 pounds.

What warranty does it carry?

Parasound covers it with a 5-year parts and labor warranty for the original purchaser from an authorized dealer.

See It in Action

Zero Fidelity reviews the JC 5 at length:

The JC 5 shown working with Parasound's matching JC 2 BP preamplifier:

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Learn More

Want to learn more about power amplifiers, matching an amp to your speakers, or building a separates system? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.

Features

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.

Specifications

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.

What Are Reviewers Saying?

The JC 5 has earned an exceptional collection of professional reviews, and the praise has been remarkably consistent.

Roger Kanno at SoundStage! Hi-Fi awarded the JC 5 a Reviewers’ Choice in January 2019. He described the sound as smooth and natural, with a rich bass quality that competed favorably with amplifiers costing significantly more. He found the JC 5 produced some of the most exciting, visceral bass he had heard from passive speakers, and praised its grip and control. His conclusion was emphatic and unqualified.

Kanno was deeply impressed by the JC 5’s combination of power and refinement. He found the bass grip and depth to be among the best he had experienced from passive speakers, with a rich, satisfying quality that matched or exceeded amplifiers costing considerably more. He described the overall sound as smooth, natural, and involving, and concluded his review without any caveats — a rarity for him.

Roger Kanno - SoundStage! Hi-Fi — Reviewers’ Choice — January 15, 2019

James Parker at Hi-Fi News (UK) gave the JC 5 their Outstanding Product Award in December 2019, praising the amp as fast and hard-hitting with superb grip on speakers, while also highlighting its refinement at more moderate listening levels.

Parker praised the JC 5 as a fast, hard-hitting amplifier with superb speaker grip. He noted the amp has enough power for demanding party-level use while simultaneously offering refinement that rewards careful listening at more moderate volumes.

James Parker - Hi-Fi News (UK) — Outstanding Product Award — December 2019

Myron Ho at Home Theater Review, which named the JC 5 a Best of 2018 product, described the amp as playing clean and neutral while maintaining musicality — avoiding the sterile character he hears in some precision-focused amplifiers.

Ho described the JC 5 as clean and neutral while maintaining musicality, avoiding the sterile character common in precision-focused amplifiers. He noted it handled a wide range of musical material faithfully. He did observe the amp could sound slightly polite with very difficult speaker loads at extreme volumes, but considered this a minor point in an otherwise outstanding product.

Myron Ho - Home Theater Review — Best of 2018

Graig Neville at Part-Time Audiophile awarded a Reviewer’s Choice in April 2021, noting the JC 5 was neutral and accurate without dryness or harshness, with imaging and soundstage that could compete with similarly priced tube amplifiers.

Neville found the JC 5 provided an ideal balance between sonic beauty and accuracy. He praised its neutral, non-fatiguing character, absence of solid-state harshness, and imaging and soundstage that rivaled similarly priced tube amplifiers. He also highlighted the amp as a standout in the Part-Time Audiophile Best Amplifiers guide.

Graig Neville - Part-Time Audiophile — Reviewer’s Choice — April 30, 2021

Oliver Masciarotte at audioXpress, writing in October 2021, found the JC 5 offered wider, more defined staging and a more solid bottom end compared to other high-quality amplifiers in his reference system. His measurement partner, Stuart Yaniger, confirmed the amplifier’s technical performance in lab testing.

Masciarotte praised the JC 5’s wider, more defined soundstage and solid bass foundation compared to other high-quality amplifiers. He found it offered palpable instrument textures and spacious reverb. Yaniger confirmed the amplifier’s measurements were well within its specifications, describing it as a very well-engineered classic linear amplifier with excellent common-mode rejection in balanced mode.

Oliver Masciarotte (subjective) & Stuart Yaniger (measurements) - audioXpress — October 2021

The reviewer described the JC 5 as one of those rare components that immediately elevates the entire listening experience. They noted an expanded soundstage in all dimensions and praised the amp’s ability to bring music to life at all volume levels, including sensible everyday listening.

Positive Feedback — January 2022

Audio Bacon found the JC 5 to be amazingly quiet with a tonally balanced, detailed, and layered presentation. They noted pristine transparency, stunning spatial resolution, and crisp transients, describing it as a great-sounding amplifier, full stop — not just a great value.

Audio Bacon — August 2018

Worth noting: Myron Ho at Home Theater Review observed the JC 5 could sound slightly polite with very hard-to-drive speakers at extreme volumes. However, he found it performed superbly with easier loads, and noted this was a minor observation rather than a meaningful flaw.

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