Anyone hear both Parasound JC-2 and Pass XP10?

I just listened to an XP-20 for a few days in my system and should have a JC-2 to listen to in early June. I will try to post some thoughts.

FWIW, the XP-20 was extremely clean with a very black background. I thought it was well balanced and really added very little to the overall sound of my system - which is a good thing. I didn't find any issues with the XP-20 and thought it was also well built and feature laden.

That being said, when I put back in my Plinius M8 preamp, I didn't feel that my system's performance had a dramatic drop. This surprised me since I felt that the Pass XP-20 was better than the M8 when going down the "audiophile checklist".

George

Tony,

Have forgotten you, work has just been very busy and I haven't yet listened to the JC2.

It might not happen till July.

George

Tony,

I have to say that this is one good preamp! The reviews out there are pretty much spot on in terms of the JC 2's strengths:

- powerful bottom end
- black background
- great sound staging and imaging
- clear and detailed mid-range
- well balanced

Compared to my Plinius M8, the JC 2 was much stronger in the bass and produced a more solid foundation that made me realize that I was missing something with the M8.

I found the mid-range on the M8 a tad sweeter and maybe a little more engaging than the JC 2. Overall, they were darn close in their level of performance and sound - not anywhere near the level of difference that there was in the bass.

The one area I felt that the M8 was better in was the highs. I felt that with the M8, the highs were a little more extended, with a little more "you are there".

I could easily live with either preamp, but I am leaning towards buying the JC 2 due to its superior bass.

If you the opportunity to hear or audition either preamp, I heartily recommend both.

George

Based on my memory, I think the JC 2 is generally on par with the XP-20 and it probably has better bass (especially the lowest octave or two).

My buddy who lives a few miles from me still has his XP-20, so if I decide to buy the JC 2, I can ask him to bring it over and do a direct comparison.

Given the price differences between the two preamps, I think the JC 2 is a much better value.

George