Parasound Halo JC2 BP Preamp with Home Theater Bypass

• 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

Specs

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)

Reviews

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)