JC2 BP

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“Parasound’s Halo JC 2 BP preamplifier is the pinnacle of analog audio technology. There are no compromises in its superb design or the quality of its component parts. In the 40 years I’ve been involved in HiFi, I’ve never heard such natural and defined musical reproduction.”

Home theater bypass enables seamless blending into a digital surround system
Home theater bypass functions with both unbalanced & balanced inputs and outputs
Home theater bypass function can be assigned to any input
Bypass remains selected after unit has been turned off
Improved remote control is included with the bypass assignment keys
Specifications and sonic performance are 100% the same as the original JC 2
6 pairs unbalanced RCA line-level audio input jacks

2 input pairs can be switched to XLR balanced connectors
Independent balanced/unbalanced select for the L & R channel
Each channel’s input is switched by its own gold-on-silver contact relay
4 output jack pairs with specialized functions:
1 Main output jack pair is balanced XLR, polarity is switched by remote
1 Main output jack pair is unbalanced RCA, polarity is switched by remote
1 output jack pair is unbalanced RCA, inverted polarity only
1 output pair is unbalanced RCA, normal polarity, fixed level for recorders
Dual-mono left & right channel circuit boards minimize crosstalk
Hand-matched complementary FETs
Direct DC servo-coupled, no capacitors in the signal path
Premium 4-gang motor-driven analog master volume control
Separate TKD brand analog gain controls for L & R channel
3/8″ thick aluminum shielding around audio boards
Shielding prevents noise from power supplies & control circuits
Separate output jacks for simultaneous normal & non-inverting polarity
Aluminum chassis rear panel
Remote control polarity switching uses gold-on-silver contact relays
Vampire brand 24k gold-plated RCA jacks
Neutrik brand premium XLR connectors
Canare brand internal wiring
High capacity R-core audio power transformer & inductor
Hyper-fast soft recovery audio bridge rectifiers diodes
Independent power supply for controller, relay coils, triggers, LEDs
Remote control handset controls all functions
Discrete IR codes for remote control
Four 12v trigger output jacks for power amp auto turn-on:
Two 12v trigger jacks are switched by the remote handset
Two 12v trigger jacks are live when the JC 2 is turned on
Two-way RS-232 serial port connection
Line level inputs only; no inputs for phono
Audio mute is switched by independent L & R relays
Rear panel IR repeater input & loop out jacks
Premium detachable heavy gauge IEC AC cord
2 6′ (2m) trigger wires included
Remote handset also controls Parasound Halo T 3 Tuner

Frequency Response
5 Hz – 100 kHz, +0/-3 dB

Distortion
THD: < 0.003% at 100 Hz
THD: < 0.005% at 20 kHz
IM: < 0.003%

S/N Ratio
> 116 dB, input shorted, IHF A-weighted
> 104 dB, input shorted, unweighted

Crosstalk
> 100 dB at 10 kHz
> 90 dB at 20 kHz

Gain
14 dB, maximum

L, R Gain Control Range
– 10 dB

Input Impedance
Unbalanced: 30k ohms
Balanced: 30k ohms per leg

Output Impedance
Unbalanced: < 60 ohms
Balanced: < 60 ohms per leg

Input Sensitivity
200 mV for 1 V output
Total Gain: 14 dB
Maximum Output: 8 V

XLR Pin Identification
1 = Ground (Shield)
2 = Positive
3 = Negative (Return)

AC Power Requirement
110 – 120 V or 220-240 V, 50 – 60 Hzs
(Set AC Voltage switch on rear panel)
25 watt standby; 30 watts when turned on

Dimensions
Width: 17 1/4″ (437 mm)
Depth: 16″ (406 mm)
Height, with feet: 5 7/8″ (150 mm)
Height, without feet: 5 1/4″ (133 mm)

Weight
Net: 24 lbs. (11 kg)
Shipping: 36 lbs. (16.4 kg)

Rack Mount Accessory
HRA 3 (May be purchased separately)

Input Audio March 2022
“Parasound’s Halo JC 2 BP preamplifier is the pinnacle of analog audio technology. There are no compromises in its superb design or the quality of its component parts. In the 40 years I’ve been involved in HiFi, I’ve never heard such natural and defined musical reproduction.”

The Absolute Sound 2016 High-End Buyer’s Guide
“Creating this little masterwork at this price is another feather in Parasound’s and designer John Curl’s cap.”

Stereophile, March 2008
Review (PDF)

POSITIVE FEEDBACK ONLINE – ISSUE 34 (Max Dudious)
Review (PDF)