USED - Parasound Halo JC 1+ Mono Power Amplifier Each - Black

A Flagship Monoblock, Refined

The Parasound Halo JC 1+ is the updated version of designer John Curl's original JC 1 monoblock. Parasound increased its output transistors from 18 to 24 per channel and raised power output along the way.

Each JC 1+ delivers 450 watts into 8 ohms. That climbs to 850 watts into 4 ohms, and 1,300 watts into 2 ohms.

A 180-amp peak current reserve and a 2.1kVA shielded toroidal transformer back up that output. Massive filter capacitance, rated at 198,000 microfarads, keeps power on tap even during the most demanding musical passages.

A front-panel bias switch lets you choose 10 or 25 watts of pure Class A operation before the amp shifts into Class AB. It's your call between efficiency and the sound many listeners prize in Class A.

Built With Headroom to Spare

A damping factor above 1,200 at 20Hz gives the JC 1+ exceptional control over a speaker's woofer. Signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 120dB, IHF A-weighted, even with the bias switch set to high.

Frequency response spans 2Hz to 120kHz. That's a wider window than any source material actually uses, leaving the amp nothing but room to work within.

DC servo and relay protection circuits guard both your speakers and the amplifier itself. AC inrush surge protection, with a relay bypass once the amp settles, protects it at power-up too.

Neutrik locking XLR inputs, with loop outputs, join Vampire 24k gold-plated RCA inputs on the back panel. At 83 pounds each, these monoblocks are built to stay put once they're in place.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Greg Weaver reviewed the JC 1+ for Positive Feedback on May 6, 2020. He wrote that its "ability to render such authentic timbre, blistering attack, instrumental bloom and body...won me over in short order."

He added: "if I were shopping for a pair of monoblocks under $25,000, the Parasound Halo JC 1+ would be my first choice."

Dave McNair reviewed it for PT.Audio on March 20, 2022. He said the amps have "a cleanliness and abundance of power that works very well to unlock the potential in a lot of speakers."

His recommendation: anyone who "needs lots of power and/or wants very clean and clear power" without paying for a small step of extra refinement from pricier rivals.

Who Is This Amplifier Best For?

• Listeners chasing true reference-level power. 450 watts into 8 ohms, with a huge current reserve, covers nearly any speaker load.
• Anyone building a dedicated monoblock system. Each channel gets its own fully independent amplifier and power supply.
• Owners of demanding, current-hungry speakers. A damping factor above 1,200 and 180 amps of peak current handle difficult loads with ease.
• Listeners who want the option of pure Class A sound. The front-panel bias switch lets you dial in Class A operation at lower listening levels.
• Not the right fit for a compact rack or modest system. At 83 pounds per monoblock, these amps need real space and a serious equipment stand.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Connect a preamp's balanced output to the locking XLR input for the lowest-noise connection, with a loop output available to daisy-chain a second amp. Vampire gold-plated RCA inputs work just as well for an unbalanced preamp.

Each monoblock drives a single speaker channel, so a stereo system needs two units. Heavy-duty speaker binding posts on the back accept standard connectors or spades.

Give each JC 1+ its own ventilated space, set directly on a sturdy shelf or floor rather than a lightweight rack.

Pairs Well With

Building your system? Here are some great companions for the Parasound Halo JC 1+:

• Preamplifiers to feed each monoblock a clean, balanced signal
• Floorstanding speakers that can make full use of its power reserves
• Speaker cables to connect to its heavy-duty binding posts
• Interconnect cables in balanced XLR for the lowest-noise connection
• Audio racks built to support its substantial weight

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the JC 1+ different from the original JC 1?

Parasound increased the output transistor count from 18 to 24 per channel. Power output rose from 400 to 450 watts into 8 ohms, alongside other circuit refinements.

Do I need two of these for a stereo system?

Yes. Each JC 1+ is a monoblock, meaning it amplifies a single channel. A stereo pair requires two units, one per speaker.

What does the bias switch actually do?

It sets how much power runs in pure Class A before the amp shifts to Class AB, either 10 or 25 watts. Higher Class A bias runs the amp warmer but is favored by many listeners for its sound.

How much does each monoblock weigh?

83 pounds net, and about 107 pounds as shipped. Plan for a sturdy shelf or the floor rather than a standard equipment rack shelf.

What's the warranty?

Parasound covers the Halo JC 1+ for five years, parts and labor.

See It in Action

Shane Lee pairs the JC 1+ with Focal Kanta No2 speakers for a listening review:

The Audio Analyst revisits the JC 1+ after extended listening time:

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Learn More

Want to learn more about monoblock amplifiers, matching power to your speakers, or building a reference-level system? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.