[2bigears]

  hello good AC peeps.  I just had a move and the 100 pound X250 Pass really hurt my back.   haha. it is getting on in years like me, and was thinking of selling it and going foe a newer one.  the JC5 Parasound is what I had in mind. JC is a very good amp master. would this simple be a sideways move or would I hear great new things ????   VAC pre with D48 Proac speakers that love power. thanks for any good advice as I like normal don't have a dam clue....ha. 
        Pascal.   in Canada 

[WGH]

I.Greyhound Fan has compared his X250 to a Van Alstine Vision SET 400
"If I ever have to replace my Pass X250, the SET 400 will be high on my list as a replacement."
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=158752.msg1695839#msg1695839

and the AVA DVA 225 Monoblocks
"Overall, the DVA's hold their own and surpass my Pass amp in many respects."
Review #1 https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=172760.msg1826223#msg1826223
Review #2 https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=172943.msg1827868#msg1827868

and the Parasound A21 and A21+
"The A21 does not even come close to the SET's performance.  The A21 sounds midfi in comparison."

Don't know if he has had a chance to hear the JC5 since he posted his reviews. Perhaps he will chime in or send him a PM.

[FullRangeMan]

Every audiophile or musiclover knows Nelson Pass, First Watt, Aleph etc, when used it sells fast, but who design this other amp?

[sunnydaze]

Every audiophile or musiclover knows Nelson Pass, First Watt, Aleph etc, when used it sells fast, but who design this other amp?

John Curl.

https://parasound.com/jc5.php


   

[avahifi]

Back pain and stress avoidance advice. The AVA M225 amplifiers only weigh 16 pounds each. No forklift required. 🙂 

Frank

[2bigears]

  I think I might as well suck it up and just keep the big old girl ,,,, she does make good good music. To spend 3 grand or so to squeak a tiny improvement I most likely will never ever even hear is silly. A more modern dac might be better spent.  Thanks all. 

[WGH]

What is your current DAC? A new DAC may also only squeak out a tiny improvement. After 10 years I just got a new DAC, a HoloAudio May, nobody noticed.

The main difference is the May has more low level micro-detail like echos and a slightly deeper soundstage with the musicians and instruments in their own space. My speakers have the RAAL tweeter with Seas drivers so they resolve these slight changes. If your system leans more musical than analytical then the change may indeed be slight.

The improvement in sound using the Hapa Aero USB cable with my old DAC was about the same as getting a new DAC. The Hapa and HoloAudio combo is OMG and approaching stupid expensive levels.

If you can get your hands on an Aero USB it might just scratch that itch. The HoloAudio Spring3 KTE DAC works like Prednisone if the itch becomes a rash.

[Tyson]

What is your current DAC? A new DAC may also only squeak out a tiny improvement. After 10 years I just got a new DAC, a HoloAudio May, nobody noticed.

The main difference is the May has more low level micro-detail like echos and a slightly deeper soundstage with the musicians and instruments in their own space. My speakers have the RAAL tweeter with Seas drivers so they resolve these slight changes. If your system leans more musical than analytical then the change may indeed be slight.

The improvement in sound using the Hapa Aero USB cable with my old DAC was about the same as getting a new DAC. The Hapa and HoloAudio combo is OMG and approaching stupid expensive levels.

If you can get your hands on an Aero USB it might just scratch that itch. The HoloAudio Spring3 KTE DAC works like Prednisone if the itch becomes a rash.

Funny you should mention that, I just put my Hapa Aero USB cable  up for sale.  https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=182094.msg1912774#new

[2bigears]

  haha,,,, thanks ,, your dac was big $$$$. And your listeners hardly noticed ? Is that diminishing returns once you get a very good sound. The room is the big thing. My new room sucks but the sound still sounds pretty good. I will rest and call it a day as I'll put my cash to wine and weed. Now that's a sound enhancer big time late at night with the lights down. 
     My dac is getting pretty old. DB Labs SE with his cable.  I would love to try one of these 8000.00 dollar dacs but man,,,, your words ring loud. I will sit tight.   

[Doublej]

So you want to go from a 110lb Pass to a 75lb Parasound? Does not seem worth it to me because in a couple of years when you move the Parasound you'll be complaining it's  too heavy.

If you want lightweight, Class D is your friend.

[artur9]

So you want to go from a 110lb Pass to a 75lb Parasound? Does not seem worth it to me because in a couple of years when you move the Parasound you'll be complaining it's  too heavy.

If you want lightweight, Class D is your friend.

Yeah, and being a born Ohioan I'd suggest looking at the Ghent case versions from Buckeye Amps.

Shortly, I'll be trying out a T+A Amp 8.  7kg! (15lb?)  I currently have a Vidar (22lb) that's not too bad or heavy...
https://www.ta-hifi.de/en/support/series_8/amp-8/
https://www.schiit.com/products/vidar

[2bigears]

  you are all CORRECT ,,,, to spend 8000.00 for a 25 pound savings is 1000 miles past crazyland.  I will stay put indeed. Knowing you can't do much better than old Nelson Pass.  He's a frickin' guru to be sure. 

[JLM]

My Temple Audio class D 70 watt mono-blocks (12 cm x 12 cm x 5 cm) weigh about 3 pounds apiece and sound great.