PARASOUND - new version of Halo JC2 preamp (27.08.2010)
Parasound has announced the new Halo JC 2 BP preamp. It is introduced to provide better integration with home theater systems. The JC2 BP can be used for stereo replay exactly the same way as the original JC2. Thanks to the additional bypass function it can also be integrated into multichannel HT systems.
The original Halo JC2 has been designed by John Curl as a standard two-channel stereo preamplifier. The new JC 2 BP adds a home theater bypass function that allows this preamplifier and its companion power amplifier and speakers to be connected as the front left- and right- channels of a surround sound home theater system. The original L and R channel audio boards are exactly the same as earlier. So in the stereo mode the result is a perfect sonic duplicate of the original JC 2.
The changes made to create the JC 2 BP included a modified potentiometer board and new control software. Circuit board designer Carl Thompson revised the potentiometer board layout so that it is now equipped with four relays that short out the four-gang main volume control and both two-gang trim pots. Additional fixed resistors set the outputs to unity gain when the bypass mode is selected.
Any one or more of the JC 2 BP's six inputs, including the two balanced inputs, can be assigned as a bypass input. A new front panel includes an amber Bypass LED to indicate when a selected input is also assigned the bypass function.
Parasound is including a new remote control handset with the JC 2 BP. In addition to the buttons to program the new bypass control function, it has a new shape and rubber coating. Parasound has been shipping JC 2s with this new remote control since July.
The Parasound Halo JC 2 BP will be available September 15 with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $4.500. Parasound will also offer a retrofit to existing JC 2 owners for $500, including return ground shipping in the US. The JC 2 will continue in the line at its original $4.000 price.
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