Review: Rotel RSP1098 versus Parasound Halo C1 (side by side) updated

[misterdoggy]

Peter,

Would the sound quality (not talking about driving power) improve using the JC1 over the Krell Kav 2250 2x250w. ? woud I hear more detail at lower volumes ?

Bruce

[Peter Nielsen]

Would the sound quality (not talking about driving power) improve using the JC1 over the Krell Kav 2250 2x250w. ? woud I hear more detail at lower volumes ?

Some people tell stories like that, but personally I don't think so. Very seldom there is a "night-and-day" difference as some reviewers try to imply. I would say that the reason for you to justify a pair of JC1s is if you feel you need more power (or if you would like to move to monoblocks). If you're happy with the power of your KAVs, then I'd say that you don't need to look for any other amp. After all, it's a KRELL :wink:

The JC1s will give you much more power a great price compared to what Krell charges for similar heavy-weight amps. (Please note that I'm in no way implying that you NEED more power. Some people, like me, need it and that's where the JC1 is a very economic solution. If I could justify the stratospheric cost of Krells, I would certainly go all Krell as well).

Peter

[netarc]

Curious ... are electrostatic speakers, as a rule of thumb, generally inefficient speakers?

I've a client with electrostat speakers rated at 84db/W @ 4m (that 4m rating is odd, I've typically only seen sensitivity rated at 1m!), and am thinking that he'd be better off with the JC1s, vs. the A21, from what Peter's been saying.

[Peter Nielsen]

Curious ... are electrostatic speakers, as a rule of thumb, generally inefficient speakers?.

Magnepans are using a magneplanar technology, not electrostatic technology.

Electrostatic speakers require mains power (110/220V). Magnetic planars don't (which I personally think is a "blessing" since you don't have to power each speaker separately).

Magnetic planar speakers generally present an "easy" load in the sense that it is purely resistive. (However, the amount of power required is also at a different level which makes the theorethically "easy" load not so easy :wink: ). Traditionally, electrostatic spreakers don't necessarily require huge amounts of power, but they are otherwise notoriously difficult to drive as the load is capacitive in nature. Consequently, some amps have serious problems driving 'stats.

I've a client with electrostat speakers rated at 84db/W @ 4m (that 4m rating is odd, I've typically only seen sensitivity rated at 1m!), and am thinking that he'd be better off with the JC1s, vs. the A21, from what Peter's been saying.

That IS odd. 4 meters, on the other hand, is a very fair and realistic approximation of a real-life setup so I have to take my hat off for your speaker manufacturer! That's a very honest figure!!! I would guess that your speaker is around 95-97dB/W/1m but that's just an educated estimation.

I've never owned a pair of electrostats, but many other JC1 owners say that they perform great with 'stats. (I'm sure Brent can confirm this, since he's so excited about the new Martin Logan Summits :B )

Peter