McCormack DNA-500 vs. Parasound JC-1 Monoblocks

earlmarc · « **on:** 10 Feb 2005, 01:34 am »

I wonder if anyone has ever compared these two amplifiers? Any feedback would be appreciated. Thank you.

jermmd · « **Reply #1 on:** 12 May 2005, 11:31 pm »

Anyone have any opinions on this? My Parasound dealer says he has heard both and the JC1's are superior. Go figure.

I can get the Parasounds for cheaper (under $4000) but I'd like to hear them both on my system before shelling out that kind of money. There's also the turbo mods being offered on the JC1's for $2300.

Has anyone heard this yet?

Joe M.

zybar · « **Reply #2 on:** 12 May 2005, 11:54 pm »

I haven't heard them in the same system and I own the DNA-500, so take my comments however you like.

Although a good amp, I didn't think the JC-1's had the same level of midrange clarity and openess as the DNA-500. I also didn't think they had the same wallop and punch on the bottom.

I have only heard a few amps that produced better music than the DNA-500 and they all cost multiples of the DNA-500.

George

zybar · « **Reply #3 on:** 12 May 2005, 11:56 pm »

Quote from: jermmd

Anyone have any opinions on this? My Parasound dealer says he has heard both and the JC1's are superior. Go figure.
I can get the Parasounds for cheaper (under $4000) but I'd like to hear them both on my system before shelling out that kind of money. There's also the turbo mods being offered on the JC1's for $2300.
Has anyone heard this yet?

Joe M.

Get a used DNA-500, skip the Turbo mods, and take the money to buy a TacT preamp. That combo will stop you thinking about upgrading and just put a smile on your face.

George

mcrespo71 · « **Reply #4 on:** 13 May 2005, 12:21 am »

George,

Do you feel the Tact makes amps sound more alike or do you think it does a better job of helping display differences?

Michael

zybar · « **Reply #5 on:** 13 May 2005, 12:23 am »

Quote from: mcrespo71

George,

Do you feel the Tact makes amps sound more alike or do you think it does a better job of helping display differences?

Michael

I feel the TacT allows you to hear more of what your system is trying produce. It doesn't make things sound alike.

George

jermmd · « **Reply #6 on:** 13 May 2005, 12:26 am »

Thanks George, I knew how you'd way in on this one. But, since you've heard the JC1's I have to respect your opinion. I've got to get over to your house to hear the new speakers. A TACT or DECQ is definitely in my future.

I might as well add some of the other possibilities to see what people think. I have also been considering the 120W tubed amps from Dodd Audio that could have been had for $2000 recently. How about the Ampzilla monoblocks or the Cary CAD500MB.

My speakers are VMPS RM30's.

Joe M.

arthurs · « **Reply #7 on:** 13 May 2005, 02:16 am »

I'm taking delivery on the Cary Mono's tomorrow, I've heard them and they are exceptional. I'll keep you posted.

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #8 on:** 13 May 2005, 04:38 am »

I've heard George's DNA-500 amp....it sounded excellent. There's a good review on 6moons.com . The 500 reminds me of the old Krell amps, but with more power and better dynamics. I've not heard the JC1's.

marvda1 · « **Reply #9 on:** 13 May 2005, 01:56 pm »

Does anyone know how the Belles 150A Reference monoblocks (500 watts per/$3000 ea.) compare to these two amps?

zybar · « **Reply #10 on:** 13 May 2005, 01:59 pm »

Quote from: lonewolfny42

I've heard George's DNA-500 amp....it sounded excellent. There's a good review on 6moons.com . The 500 reminds me of the old Krell amps, but with more power and better dynamics. I've not heard the JC1's.

But without the scratchy, thin mid-range...

I have to say that Chip's review on 6moons really does sum up how the amp performs.

George

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #11 on:** 14 May 2005, 06:18 am »

Quote from: zybar

Get a used DNA-500, skip the Turbo mods, and take the money to buy a TacT preamp. That combo will stop you thinking about upgrading and just put a smile on your face.

George

Speaking of used...just spotted this 500 on Agon... http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1121180516[/list:u]

jermmd · « **Reply #12 on:** 14 May 2005, 12:42 pm »

Quote from: lonewolfny42

Quote from: zybar

Get a used DNA-500, skip the Turbo mods, and take the money to buy a TacT preamp. That combo will stop you thinking about upgrading and just put a smile on your face.

George
Speaking of used...just spotted this 500 on Agon...
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1121180516[/list:u]

I can get a new pair of JC1's for $600 cheaper than those. I sent the guy an email to see if he was able to deal. I look forward to the review of the Cary's as well.

Joe M.

jermmd · « **Reply #13 on:** 14 May 2005, 12:43 pm »

Has anyone compared the Ampzilla to these amps?

Joe M.

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #14 on:** 14 May 2005, 02:27 pm »

Quote from: jermmd

Quote from: lonewolfny42
Quote from: zybar

Get a used DNA-500, skip the Turbo mods, and take the money to buy a TacT preamp. That combo will stop you thinking about upgrading and just put a smile on your face.

George
Speaking of used...just spotted this 500 on Agon...
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1121180516[/list:u]

I can get a new pair of JC1's for $600 cheaper than those. I sent the guy an email to see if he was able to deal. I look forward to the review of the Cary's as well.

Joe M.

Might be cheaper....but is it better ?

zybar · « **Reply #15 on:** 14 May 2005, 02:31 pm »

Right on the money as usual Chris.

If Joe can get any of these other amps in on audition, I will lug my DNA-500 over to his place for a comparison.

George

Marbles · « **Reply #16 on:** 14 May 2005, 03:31 pm »

George, I know you tried the Stratos, and preffered some other amps, but have you ever tried any of the "higher up the line" amps from Klaus?

A pair of Symphonic Line RG4's are killer, and any of the SL Kraft amps would compete very well against the amps mentioned.

Klaus may be able to make a pretty good deal, and I'm sure would offer a demo period.

In fact, I think he would welcome a comparison of the Krafts against about any amps you could find.

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #17 on:** 14 May 2005, 03:45 pm »

Quote from: Marbles

A pair of Symphonic Line RG4's are killer, and any of the SL Kraft amps would compete very well against the amps mentioned.

Klaus may be able to make a pretty good deal, and I'm sure would offer a demo period.

In fact, I think he would welcome a comparison of the Krafts against about any amps you could find.

I found a review on Agon - 2002... http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/general/messages/230122.html

Marbles · « **Reply #18 on:** 14 May 2005, 04:18 pm »

I had a pair of them in the X - wing case and they run about 100* F in my 70 degree room after playing for a few hours.

I currently have a single RG4 for my center channel to match my Kraft mono amps. It keeps up rather well.

The Kraft 250 is class A only and I have heard runs pretty warm as class A amps mostly do.

My Kraft 400's are class A A/B and they run approximately the first 130 w in class A then go to class B.

The heatsinks are so big at 75 LB's each that they are only warm.

zybar · « **Reply #19 on:** 14 May 2005, 05:35 pm »

Quote from: Marbles

George, I know you tried the Stratos, and preffered some other amps, but have you ever tried any of the "higher up the line" amps from Klaus?

A pair of Symphonic Line RG4's are killer, and any of the SL Kraft amps would compete very well against the amps mentioned.

Klaus may be able to make a pretty good deal, and I'm sure would offer a demo period.

In fact, I think he would welcome a comparison of the Krafts against about any amps you could find.

Rob,

I haven't heard any of the symphonic line amps. What are the specs?

If I remember correctly, these amps get pretty big physically and are also rather expensive (not that the DNA-500 at $7k is cheap).

Do you know what the list is?

I will be honest, I am not really looking for an amp change (I love the DNA-500). If I did try anything, it would be going with the TacT amps so I could do true digital from source to speakers.

George