The Parasound was not warmed up prior to listening. The music thorough the Parasound sounded a bit technicolor to my ears. The bass was a bit stronger, at least in the 30-60 hz range but the midrange and treble seemed slightly forward with a slight metallic tinge. In particular, I thought the Parasound's presentation complimented Jeff Beck's techno Dancing With Line Monkeys but David Gilmour'a On an Island sounded more transparent and ethereal with the Plinius. Not that the Plinius was laid back in anyway. The last tracks played were classical and sounded very decent but I have no basis to compare as I did not hear these through the Plinius. Perhaps Doug can share his opinion.
Thanks George for your hospitality. I always come away with a few ideas I want to try on my system. I missed the whole Emerald Physics period but the Vandersteens are sounding grand and more open than I recall in the last system (Squeezebox, Burson Buffers, Bella amps). I suspect a good part of this is attributable to the wonderful Atma Sphere amps and increased room treatments.
Bob
Bob,
The Parasound was on all day, but didn't have any music playing through it.
The bass was definitely stronger and more pronounced with the Parasound in the lower regions than the Plinius. On some ballsy rock and blues, this really is a nice addition.
Unfortunately, you are also correct in stating that the mid-range of the Plinius is more open and less colored than the Parasound. There is also just the slightest haze (maybe what you were calling a metallic twinge?) that is there and impacts things.
I will do more listening today and try to post later on the JC2.
The Vandy 5A / Atma-Sphere MA-1 combo is the real deal and is definitely the main reason for the improvement.
George
