Both extremely good, but I think the JC1 has more soul, more feeling. The Merrill was all there but a little cold.
@mindbendernine
4 жыл бұрын
The Parasound amps were livelier and brighter. The Merrill amps were more laid back and smoother. Overall, I think the Parasound pushed the Maggies harder and had better pace and dynamics, which I preferred. Both were exceptional though.
@puertoricanaudiophile4840
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for putting the Parasound in the mix...
@NickP333
4 жыл бұрын
I personally preferred the presentation of the Parasound amps.
@JW-ke6qb
4 жыл бұрын
I liked the Parasound presentation.
@ckdamoneking9622
4 жыл бұрын
The Parasound have deep detail and a very forward presentation. Love to hear that amp that you're going to get.
@gguhan
4 жыл бұрын
Oh yeah! The JC1s for sure. More life to the musich more emphasis to the notes and voice, and they linger on just the right amount to make it sound real... The Merrill to me sound a bit dry and somewhat darker comparitively. There is urgency (in a negative sense) in the sound and the notes / voice decay a bit too quick for my linking, almost leaving them 98% complete while moving on to the next note...sort of rushing through the music while the JC1 savours it! Nice one Jay, thanks much. Loving your videos...
@sakabatou
4 жыл бұрын
It would great if you could manage to compare JC-1 vs JC-1+ to guide potential upgraders
@davidford6383
4 жыл бұрын
They both sound great but the Parasound is definitely more musical and has more tonality. The Parasound is the winner in this shootout.
@equilibrium2147
2 жыл бұрын
I totally agree!
@marcus1970
4 жыл бұрын
Unashamed Parasound fan here... Merrill audio appear not to be particularly well represented here in the UK, if at all ! .. Not that you can find Parasound in too many places either !..... Aren't a pair of 118 over twice the price of a pair the JC1+ ? Superb choice of pre amp.. But I am curious what the comparison would be like JC2BP/JC1+ Vs Christine/118 I much prefer Chris Jones original - No sanctuary here to the Marian Herzog version. ... Thank you for putting the comparison together.. Eagerly awaiting your new arrivals. .... Oh, Parasound for the win here imo👍🏻
@datka3
4 жыл бұрын
JC1s that’s how I got hooked to HIFI , had a pair bought used for 3500 I think , now what can top that ?
@murcielago188
2 жыл бұрын
The Parasounds sounded better in my opinion, more lively, more forward and clearer sound, Merril is smooth but seems to be lacking a bit!
@mediaroombasement2786
4 жыл бұрын
Parasound sound better on my end without a question. Not even close. These Maggie's sound better right now, more so than the DAW's did on previous presentations. I'm really looking forward to hearing the Maggie's go for broke on other amps. You should bring back the Pass Labs. I'd also love to hear a pair of Audio Research REF 750's. That pre-amp is really bringing it home.
@net_news
4 жыл бұрын
I liked the JC1 more... not a night and day difference though.
@vdm54
4 жыл бұрын
Parasound JC1 более реалистичен в СЧ и ВЧ областях. The Parasound JC1 is more realistic in the mid and high frequencies.Excellent control and overall dynamics.
@archos121
4 жыл бұрын
FWIW I liked the Merrill combo by some margin, I found it more rhythmical with a more forward presentation - suited my ears better
@davidblahey4851
4 жыл бұрын
The Parasound was nice, but I prefer the Merrill Audio as I find them a bit faster, cleaner, and more detailed .
@77dharmabum
4 жыл бұрын
Parasound for sure, Merrill sounds Thin and lifeless in comparison.
@skip1835
4 жыл бұрын
I'm surprised most of the listeners liked the Parasounds over the Merrills, I didn't expect that before I heard the comparisons for myself - I'm on a compromised system right now, but I gave the Merrills a slight edge regardless - both excellent - - Jay, the maggies aren't for you are they - - kind of figured that from the beginning when you had the 3.7i's - - personally, I still grudgingly give up the detail and visceral impact of the Wilsons for the coherency (lack of driver sound/integration) and sound stage presentation of the maggies - - thanks for another great vid.
@vdm54
4 жыл бұрын
If you are personally familiar with the sound of these systems, do not rush to follow the opinion of the majority. Because on KZitem, we can't accurately assess "scene depth" and "timbre richness".
@skip1835
4 жыл бұрын
@@vdm54 Thanks for replying Вадим - I agree, you tube is definitely limited - - and as a side note, I do have experience with the Wilsons (not the same model that Jay previously presented) and much more experience with the Magnepans, which I'm currently running - - actually the speaker comment was a bit out of context, but knowing Jay is getting another speaker in for us to hear prompted me to comment on that - - as for the amps, I have the highest respect for anything John Curl has a hand in designing and certainly the Merrills are know to be top shelf - truth is, almost anything Jay has presented us with would certainly work fine for me - I truly love that he's showing and presenting us with gear that would be considered reference level.
@gordthor5351
Жыл бұрын
Skip I'm surprised you expected a class D amp to sound better than class A (25 watts).
@skip1835
Жыл бұрын
@@gordthor5351 Hi Gordthor - - been so long since I posted the comment to Jay that I had to go back and see what I wrote! Umm, I didn't notice that I wrote something about a class A amp although perhaps the Parasound is biased to run class A for those first 25 watts, so I'm guessing that's what you mean - - as far as comparing the Parsound to the Merrills, the Merrills are special for class D although ya, definitely a close call as Jay compared them over YT and yeah, Curl has never done anything less that spectacular, ask any dead head (kidding, reference to "the wall of sound" thing") - personally, I'd take the Merrills if they're going to be paired with Maggies and I'd more likely swing toward the Parasound if we're talking point source speakers like the Wilsons. But yeah, of course, I could live with either and yeah, I am a maggie guy - - - the Merrills are a gallium nitrite design which is the best tech currently for class D - actually, as a side comment, you're probably aware that Mikey likes the AGD, same deal, class D Gallium Nitrite in design. The Merrill"s double all the way down to 2 ohms, in the case of the model 118 that Jay was running, that's 1,600 watts into 2 ohms - when paired with the maggies that have dips in the 2 ohm range and love power I'll take that every day of the week, they're ridiculously powerful, but yeah, on the other hand the Parsound is power station unto itself too, and I'd guess that the Parasound which doesn't quite keep doubling would be because of protection circuitry needed in an A/B design, cause hell ya, 1300 watts into 2 ohms is stupid powerful too, basically both amps are the same in the power category - - so again, I could certainly live with the Parasound, like who couldn't - but I've come to be very fond of matching maggies with Class D and a tubed front end - I'm running Reference ARC stuff in front of Bel Canto's Class D Reference 600 mono blocks, works for me and my budget. But for sure, it's not a day and night thing between the two amps as Jay demoed them. Anyway and nonetheless my friend, thanks for the reply and happy listening Gordthor.
@davidnewboult6887
3 жыл бұрын
I'll go against the majority and say I preferred the Merrill's, simply for their clarity. I guess the Arc is a good match with them. Thanks for another fine video
@kingelijah79
4 жыл бұрын
I like Parasound presentation better
@davidbee8178
8 ай бұрын
Hey Jay - I'm 3 years late to the party :-) - BOTH great amps. You have wonderful recording equipment here. Not to brag but my system is good enough to pick up pretty subtle music/sound clues (for a KZitem feed that is! LOL) From here, the Merrils SEEMED to have a WEE little more drive and bass control but I preferred the vocals from the JC1+ . . . a close call I must say. If you see my comment here. what, if I may ask, is the amplifier that you felt - 3 years ago - that would put these two beauties asunder? Thanks for the video! NICE work!
@hectoralvarez941
4 жыл бұрын
Parasound , but close...I don’t think REF 6 preamp helped Merrill’s processor control amp...was it still in “fast” mode?
@aabuahro
4 жыл бұрын
The mids (especially low mid)on the parasound are in a different league and that’s we’re most of the music is, also parasound is much more 3D the decay is also very good.
@keesvanwoerden2156
4 жыл бұрын
With tubes the Merril comes more to life. It takes away some of the deadness.
@blackhawk3498
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video Jay. I think they both have + & -, I thought the Merrill benefited for the ARC "I thought it gave it more life "soul" , while the Parasound seemed more laded back. I like the Parasound more warm presentation but I thought it lacked the pace of the Merrill. I think it's more synergy then anything else, as I think the Parasound would benefit from the Dan HD pre-amp more. That would be a good shoot out... the Merrill with the ARC and the Parasound with the Dan HD.
@stephenbarnes8817
4 жыл бұрын
This comparison was close, and hard to cal, a winner. I’d skew to the parasounds if pressed maybe. The Merrill’s sounded more recessed on the vocals on the first song, the parasounds had a little more pop on the last song for the drums.
@RaulRodriguez-ke3io
Жыл бұрын
Parasound es increíble es el mejor precio calidad hermoso ❤❤❤❤❤
@hitechburg
4 жыл бұрын
The JC1+ monoblocks had better attack, sustain and decay.
@abccbc11
3 жыл бұрын
I watch these videos because it is unique to see recorded comparisons of high end equipment. Thank you for that. I must say however that comparing the sound to streaming Nils Lofgren's Keith Don't Go directly from TIDAL, the video has much lower sound quality. Whether that is a function primarily of the room, the microphone, or the equipment I cannot say, but it is very apparent. I am listening with Sennheiser HD800S headphones, which are less resolving than my Raal SR1a, but the difference is large.
@sergeitatarintsev5786
4 жыл бұрын
In this setup, the sound ichiefly defined by the preamp For the rest, #1 is a bit more involving, but too "shaggy"; #2 is more timbrally accurate, but laid back. In both cases, the preamp is the odd one out in the system.
@blackhawk3498
4 жыл бұрын
By the way, congrats on the new speaker and amplifier purchase. Can't wait to see and hear them. I will take a guess on the speakers even though you have discussed much about speaker preferences. Based on what you have had before and the ones you liked, I would say either the Focal Grande Uptopia EVO or you got a good deal on a pair Wilson XLF 🤔
@rororo444
4 жыл бұрын
i thought they were pretty close. The Merrill 10% better with the highs/mids.
@pokrog
Жыл бұрын
The Merrill was so thin sounding. God I'm so glad I went with a pair of A21+ with my LRS+. With a pair of Rythmic F12s in my pretty modestly sized room, I couldn't ask for anything more.
@roberthart9886
4 жыл бұрын
IMHO the 118s sound more immediate, which I like
@datka3
4 жыл бұрын
Jay does Merrill benefit from being powered on for a while ? Since it’s a class d I wonder how it works , JC 1s liked to be nice and hot on hi bias
@MMaatthhiieeuu
4 жыл бұрын
I'd LOVE to hear your throughs about Nagra
@pennfootball71
4 жыл бұрын
The best amps I ever heard were Audionet...I am curious on which one you got! I have Mola Mola Kaluga monoblocks and YG Carmel 2 speakers with a Lampizator baltic DAC and tube preamp in one.
@chadisrc
4 жыл бұрын
Looking forward to the new speakers, can't wait. I hope they are horns, but unlikely. I predict the new amplifier will be the Mephisto. Especially since Jay mentioned he is predicting it will blow the others way without even listening. If that is based on experience with the Colosseum, it makes sense. Either way, can't wait to see what that ends up being. Keep it up Jay, easily one of the best hifi channels on youtube.
@everettspain2739
Жыл бұрын
Both really good but the Parasounds were definitely more in your face, in front of the music, bringing the sound more in the room with a slightly wider stage, crisper highs but not harsh, phenomenal mids and really good bass which was surprising from the mags...unless you had the subs running. Parasounds are great amps for the money and present good competition to much more expensive amps.
@aabuahro
4 жыл бұрын
Jay how do they compare to the older jc1’s?
@spacejaime
4 жыл бұрын
With all the the limitations of listening music on KZitem from a laptop to headphones, I can tell you that the AR Ref6SE needs break-in.....treble hash! Both amps are VERY good. Class D always impress for the first couple of minutes and then reveal their shortcomings....the Merrill's are impressive. Both brands here punch in the BIG LEAGUES! Thanks!
@johnvalatos4073
4 жыл бұрын
Parasound easy, more believable more real. The bass is not coming through well as before.
@Smood47
4 жыл бұрын
Jay for the text please just display it, this overlapping thing with slow scroll up is weird.
@samuellord8576
3 жыл бұрын
Jay, how do you match the gains? You could use a Manley Skipjack but even that is a compromise. Dunno if that even does balanced. It _is_ possible to make comparisons by going above _and_ below on volume, adjusting to taste every time, but for youtube comparisons you need to use a dmm to match, an spl meter is way too imprecise. Do you have the files available? Thanks.
@chadisrc
4 жыл бұрын
Interesting comments, I preferred the Merrill's. Quite like them with that tube preamp.
@ΓιαννηςΓκουλιακος
4 жыл бұрын
Parasound is better with ref6.how many hours has ref 6?
@stevenp9555
4 жыл бұрын
Impressive sharing
@rx4unyc
4 жыл бұрын
jc1 merrill dry mechanical
@1crenshaw488
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Jay can you tell me is it good to use a xlr Y connection cable to vertical biamp, to me it seems it lost bass, different what's your thoughts. thank you
@soundinsight
4 жыл бұрын
The Para was clearly better It had more depth, not mechanical sounding like the Merrill.
@noemontalvo2305
3 жыл бұрын
Both amps for me was very close, but when I heard the vocal, it was like I was there with the Parasound. I'm listening with a 12+ years system, AVR 4800 Denon, Vandersteen 2Ce signature. On your next video, I see that the Parasound are not on the floor. Did trade them for the PASS?
@СергейСабаев-ь5г
3 жыл бұрын
Hello. Thanks for your work. Did you personally like the parasound jc1 + with audio research ref 6 se synergy?
@JimmyG91
3 жыл бұрын
Is it just me or was the bass and timing better on merryl but all other jc1+?
@GH-zs8eq
Ай бұрын
Personally I feel the Merrill Audio trumped the Parasounds by a great margin! The Merills sounded like they woke the maggies up, had the groove and soul and transparency that panels ought to have. The Jc1s sounded abit dull and lifeless….and lacked rhythm and prat.
@i0001w
4 жыл бұрын
Can you try Purifi amp ?
@davidrivera4289
4 жыл бұрын
JC1 has a bigger bottom end punch, but the MA 118's are more transparent and benefit more from the AR tube pre-amp (warm and fuller sound). Many will choose the JC1 based on their dynamic punch. They are both are decent amps, but not particularly impressive.
@GlennHerman-n8o
Ай бұрын
Parasound easily.
@cdimi13
4 жыл бұрын
Parasound was more 3d,more musical and better timing. Merrill had a flatter 2d sound lacking the reality, and unfortunately sounded more out of sync. No timing or rhythm compared to the parasound.
@rfoliente1
4 жыл бұрын
You need to take back your comment that you aren't going to mix amps and preamps from different companies because "it's not what the manufacturer intended." It looks like you're going to be mixing brands whenever it suits your fancy. FWIW, the Ref6 infuses the Element 118s with much needed soul. I think the Momentum HD would do an even better job with the Element 118s.
@jaysaudiolab
4 жыл бұрын
Yes but people complain about the sound of the element 118s. I thought the tube preamp would give people an idea of what the amps can do when adding a tube preamp.
@rfoliente1
4 жыл бұрын
@@jaysaudiolab Agreed. It was a good move to do it.
@davidnargi8283
Жыл бұрын
JC1 more Livelier and detail and more transparency more forward
@mervynaugustine257
Жыл бұрын
Parasound!
@csack7904
4 жыл бұрын
12:32 19:35
@jclar3565
3 жыл бұрын
I find a true audiophiles are the ones that really fuss with speaker placement
@MrRichardyc
4 жыл бұрын
Merrills version sounded like the singers were in a concert rehearsal without an audience, they are just going thru the motion slowly, I guess you can call it lifeless. Parasounds dont sound that much better, maybe it is just thru youtube, hope they'd sound a lot better in person.
@gordthor5351
Жыл бұрын
JC1+ is definitely better (more musical, more soul).
@hitechburg
4 жыл бұрын
Is there a pair or RELENTLESS MONOBLOCKS in your future?
@jaysaudiolab
4 жыл бұрын
Probably
@jfarlandutube
3 жыл бұрын
Nice comparison.
@danielesbordone1871
3 жыл бұрын
Merrill.
@referenceanalog
4 жыл бұрын
Never heard a parasound I liked. Maybe the new generation is better.
@zimga
3 жыл бұрын
Parasound👍
@mikehoward4583
4 жыл бұрын
The merrills with the tube pre amp sound better the the parasound withe the same pre amp. The maggies are not my cup of tea. The only planar speaker I have heard that I like were made by apogee.
@joelowens5211
4 жыл бұрын
I don't know how people love this digital stuff. It's like people eating bland food. Once you know what amazing food taste like you don't want the other stuff. You can't get lost in the music without the soul. Digital that's clean likely great for parties and techno but can't really get laid back and lost with it.
@jaysaudiolab
4 жыл бұрын
You'd be surprised
@fanlaz959
4 жыл бұрын
Yea man, say it. When i am saying this, they stairing me like i am a weirdo. F digital
@vdm54
3 жыл бұрын
Joel Owens_- Do you love colored vinyl sound? Don't you feel the distortion of the cartridge?
@marianoarias5799
3 жыл бұрын
Jc1
@Smood47
4 жыл бұрын
Jay relentless is waiting for you ;)
@jaysaudiolab
4 жыл бұрын
I wish !
@Smood47
4 жыл бұрын
@@jaysaudiolab Well you said you don't know where to go from the amp you are getting. You do now!
@hectoralvarez941
4 жыл бұрын
@jay’saudiolab not sure where you going next , but you hinted at something more expensive ....darZeel NHB-18ns, audionet Humboldt ....?
@jaysaudiolab
4 жыл бұрын
@@hectoralvarez941 can't comment... stay tuned
@Smood47
4 жыл бұрын
@@hectoralvarez941 Ewwww audionet lol
@kennethlui2268
Жыл бұрын
Parasound JC1+ is better
@gzubeck3
4 жыл бұрын
There must be a lot of viewers out there with very poor headphones because the merrils destroyed the parasounds. It's not even close. The smoothness and coherency of sound-field blended like fine booze. The parasounds sound like over powered amps that just fart out the sound. The merrils you can sit back and let er rip and forget you have the amps in the system. The parasounds I constantly noticed their lack of control and smoothness. By the way I've hated most class d implementations. This is the first one that I think competes with anything out there.
@markclark1605
3 жыл бұрын
The Merrill's sound to shallow in the mids presents a small sound stage imo.
@imosolar
4 жыл бұрын
Keep up the good work and can you recommend some power amplifier for under $5?
@roberthart9886
4 жыл бұрын
If it's still available, I saw a EVS1200 on Audio Asylum: For Sale ads. I have one and it is SPECTACULAR. The guy is asking $1600. I promise you won't regret it
@Scottlp2
4 жыл бұрын
@@roberthart9886 Did he just stop making power amps or is there a successor to the EVS 1200? Thanks.
@roberthart9886
4 жыл бұрын
@@Scottlp2 Check with him
@alexanderdimitrios3146
4 жыл бұрын
Congratulations on the new Vitus amps that you are buyng.
@jaysaudiolab
4 жыл бұрын
Hahah
@Toki1908
3 жыл бұрын
Meril for me
@andrismorozovs2399
3 жыл бұрын
Parasound > Merill !!!
@tetrapro2010
3 жыл бұрын
hey, merrill presents more layers and resolve better, more transparent. better imaging for sure.
@JingoLoBa57
4 жыл бұрын
Rather sharp transparent sounding, lacks soul. Usually because bass articulation isn’t as good as the Gryphon for example. Nice but clinical. Tube AR impact not obvious.
@rickzehr5712
3 жыл бұрын
If you think you can hear a meaningful difference captured by a mic and reproduced on a computer, you have a screw loose.
@jaysaudiolab
3 жыл бұрын
True
@carlosoliveira-rc2xt
4 жыл бұрын
Merrill 118s had more depth and contrast than the Parasounds. Not even close here. Parasounds sound white washed, lacking colour in comparison.
@jaysaudiolab
4 жыл бұрын
I agree with more depth. That instantly jumped at me
@audiogabby9808
3 жыл бұрын
Merrill Audio takes it. More detail and refinement. In my view its not even close.
@user-tk7kz1fl2r
3 жыл бұрын
Both sound really good, but the music is really crap.who listens to that cowboy stuff ?
@blugatti168
4 жыл бұрын
In this set-up, Merrill definitely fared better-well and alive. JC1s sounded lil’ vague and lifeless.
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