JC1 and the Maggie 20.1... Marvelous

[Jesse111]

After several hours it has become clear to me that pairing the 20.1 with the JC1 is a very smart move for music lovers. The quest to find the bass control, passionate mids and articulate highs is realized in this combination for me.

The bass produced by the JC1 with the 20.1 is so engaging and accurate that it seems too good to be true. The bass is palpable. You can see it. There is no question that the force in which the JC1 produces bass through the Maggies is reaching the very heights of speaker ability and is believable and real. It is stunning. Furthermore, while offering a very high level of detail, I have so far experienced no fatigue.

I personally have never heard the Maggies controlled and managed quite like this. It’s as though the Mags have realized they are under the control of a superior force and have simply submitted to a higher authority. They are under complete control of the JC1.

Another benefit that has appeared unexpectedly is a slightly wider sweet spot. There is an easier listening position to be enjoyed, slightly less confining offering a certain relaxed feeling. I wouldn’t know how to support this technically but nevertheless it is there.

While no doubt I will become aware of more personality traits of this combination as time goes on, my opinion as of now is simply this;

The JC1 outperforms any amp I’ve ever owned with enormous, extremely controlled bass. Completely non fatiguing musical detail and midrange. The McIntosh MCD/MDA 1000, JC1 and Magnepan 20.1 are to me the very best musical combination I’ve heard. I can’t tell you the contented feeling of satisfaction this combination of gear offers. It’s still a bit early in the game but my gut feeling at this point is, I have hit the sonic lottery. And I didn’t have to break the bank to do it.

You know you’re on to something when you just can’t wait to hear your favorite music again. Stuff you’ve been listening to for 20 and 30 years. That is just how I feel.

I'd like to thank you Peter for helping to convince me to choose the JC1 on my short list over my other considerations. I am completely convinced this was the right way to go for me.

[Peter Nielsen]

I'd like to thank you Peter for helping to convince me to choose the JC1 on my short list over my other considerations. I am completely convinced this was the right way to go for me.

I'm glad to hear that.

Assuming that you got a pair of brand new amps; the sound will further improve as the amps break in! Most noticably, bass control will further improve.

Peter

[Jesse111]

I'm glad to hear that.

Assuming that you got a pair of brand new amps; the sound will further improve as the amps break in! Most noticably, bass control will further improve.

Peter

Yes they are brand new. More bass control? That is simply amazing. The bass control they offer even now is astounding. What an incredible amp.

My auditioning up to now has all been in high bias mode. I'm going to do some low bias listening today. Were you able to here any difference between modes? Low bias is considerably cooler.

[blownrx7]

In the short time I owned a pair of JC-1's I did notice an improvement in sound in the high bias mode. In the interest of energy and heat conservation, I only used it that way when I was really sitting down to listen as opposed to passively listening.

That being said, I still enjoyed the sound of the Aragon Palladium 1K monoblocks to the JC-1's. Bass control between the two was comparable but it was in the upper midrange and treble that the Aragons had a smoother, cleaner presentation and excelled in my system (Simaudio P5 and Von Schweikert VR4.5's and Apogee Slant 8's). Fyi, many use the Aragon specifically for difficult to drive speakers because of their high current capability.
The JC-1 was no slouch by any means but in my system I prefered the 1K's - ymmv

[Jesse111]

I only used it that way when I was really sitting down to listen as opposed to passively listening.


That being said, I still enjoyed the sound of the Aragon Palladium 1K monoblocks to the JC-1's.

Fyi, many use the Aragon specifically for difficult to drive speakers because of their high current capability.

Yes, I pretty much figured I would use the low/high bias in the same manner as you did.

I did have a look (not a listen) to the Aragon early on. But regarding current, the JC1 also has a very large current capacity of 135 amps. I couldn't find that spec on the Aragon. What is the current capacity of the Aragon?

The signal to noise was 120 as compared to Aragon 112 and the slew rate of the JC1 is 130. Especially with the Magnepan's do I feel the slew rate is a real consideration. But I also think the slew speed is an indicator of quality design and build. I was not able to find the slew rate of the Aragon. The other thing that concerned me is the 600 watt 4 ohm output of the Aragaon. The JC1 is 800 and of course a more desireble spec for a Maggie man.

I've never heard Aragon so as regards the actual sound I can not say. No doubt it is superb though. Definately a cosmetically stunning piece.

[Chris D]

Awesome, Jesse! :T I'm jealous--that's pretty much my dream setup.

I've never "seen" bass myself before. Unless you mean watching objects vibrate or wave in the airflow as the sound energy passes by them.

[Jesse111]

Awesome, Jesse! :T I'm jealous--that's pretty much my dream setup.

I've never "seen" bass myself before. Unless you mean watching objects vibrate or wave in the airflow as the sound energy passes by them.

Thanks Chris and "seeing bass" are the words of an enthusiastic new owner of a pair of JC1's.

As I'm sure you'll agree there's nothing quite like powerful controled bass. But just to elaberate a bit for the fun of it, when I see bass I see kick drums and bass instruments in my minds eye as if they are right there in front of me. Its not just hearing bass frequency but truly feeling like experiencing a live performance. Most high performance systems offer that beautiful experience but the JC1 in this setup is just fabulous.

[blownrx7]

I did have a look (not a listen) to the Aragon early on. But regarding current, the JC1 also has a very large current capacity of 135 amps. I couldn't find that spec on the Aragon. What is the current capacity of the Aragon?

I couldn't find that spec either. Aragon did a very poor job of providing specifications...

The signal to noise was 120 as compared to Aragon 112

I would consider the S/N ratio a wash at those levels. In fact anything above 90db I no longer consider audible.

the slew rate of the JC1 is 130. Especially with the Magnepan's do I feel the slew rate is a real consideration. But I also think the slew speed is an indicator of quality design and build. I was not able to find the slew rate of the Aragon.

Now, I wish they included slew rate as I consider this specification more important than others as well.

The other thing that concerned me is the 600 watt 4 ohm output of the Aragaon. The JC1 is 800 and of course a more desireble spec for a Maggie man

This does not concern me too much because, at these levels (600 vs 800 at 4 ohms and 1000 vs 1200 at 2 ohms), I am not sure they would translate into anything audible. Both drive difficult loads with ease.
The bigger x-factor for me is that the Aragon does 125watts in Class A vs 25 watts for the JC-1. Surprisingly, the Aragon seemed to run a little cooler - go figure...
Interestingly, the JC-1 has a 1.9Kv transformer while the Aragon has a 2Kv transformer. I should open up the Aragon and do a transistor count. I suspect the JC-1 would win that comparison

At any rate, the important thing is I feel both could easily drive the Maggies to acceptable levels and the sound differences will be relatively minor. The only other significant consideration is the cost of ownership.

Now if I could only find a set of 20.1's that someone was selling at a "fire sale" price :W

[Jesse111]

I fully agree with you. At this point it is a personal preference issue as both units no doubt perform well. I really appreciate your viewpoint on keeping specs in perspective. It's what is truly audible that counts.

I'm glad to see you desire to have a pair of 20.1's. When (not if :T ) you get a pair you will be one happy audiophile for sure with those Aragons.