I am looking to upgrade my current power amp for my Triton Reference speakers. I currently have a Parasound Halo A21. I am running a Dolby Atmos 7.2.6 system with 2 Emotiva amps, ( XPA 6 and XPA 5) through a Marantz AV 8805 processor for the rest of the speakers.

My short list is the Bryston 14B3 and Parasound Halo JC5. The Bryston costs twice as much as the Parasound so I have to keep that in mind too. What amp do you recommend for this dual purpose system?

Hi, Boggswade

Interesting user name! As an ex Mass. resident and Red Sox fan, any connection to THE third baseman?

Great set up you have already!

Sorry, I haven't heard the Parasound Halo JC5 or the Bryston14 B3, so can't offer a direct comparison. I have T Ref's also, currently powered by an AT 525NC 5 channel amp, that reviewers compare to the Parasound Halo A series, similar power spec's, dynamics, sound quality etc. A great amp IMO.

Any reviews I've seen of the Parasound JC5 have been very complementary, and it's pedigree is impressive, in that it has the designer John Curl's name stamped right on it, so I guess he's pretty happy with his "baby". The only slightly negative thing I've seen written is a reviewer powering REALLY power hungry speakers with a 84 efficiency rating, saying occasionally amps with more watt reserves handle dynamics a bit better, but with efficient Ref's only needing external amp power for the 2 mid/bass drivers and tweeter, the JC5 would have power to spare, and with larger transformer and cap's than the the A21, dynamics should be top notch.

You are looking at two well respected brands in the Parasound and Bryston options you are considering. I suspect ether would "float your boat" well indeed. As always, there's diminishing marginal returns in this hobby, as in most endeavors, and probably the pricier Bryston would win a close dead heat. But listening preferences play a role also. Do you love the sound quality you have now with the Parasound amp? The JC5 would probably be just a little better at everything. A Bryston might be a bit different, whether that would be "better" even if technical measures place it a tad above the JC5, is in part how you LIKE the sound.

Other options? ATi 54XNC series, the power step up from the 52XNC series (all are class D with Hypex NCore technolgy) , the AT 6000, McIntosh, D-Sonic, tube/solid state hybrid amps from Vincent etc,.... There are lots of reputable brands that drive the high efficiency powered Tritons very well indeed.

Best of all worlds, audition some options if you can. You sure are looking at some great two options, already, and more choices out there if you want to explore.

Have fun with your project!

Rick

Thank you Rick for your reply. I am originally from MA as well. I played for UMass Amherst and followed Wade Boggs hence the name. I appreciate your input.

As Rick has stated, there are a lot of choices out there. Recommendations are endless. Everyone has an opinion on this subject. Of the two amps you are considering (Parasound Halo JC5 & Bryston 14B3) neither of which I've heard, both amps would do a Fantastic job. But after reading several reviews, I'm inclined to go with the Bryston 14B3. The reviews keep stressing how the Bryston grabs the speakers in a vice like grip and won't let go. More watts can do just that...put a vice like grip on your speakers, even at extraordinary volumes.

Thank you for the reply’s. I pulled the trigger today and placed an order for the Bryston 14B3 and also the GoldenEar Super Center Reference. My dealer gave me an awesome trade in deal on the Halo A-21 and SuperCenter XXL that I had purchased from him about 5 years ago.

Congratulations! Two great additions to your system.

I think you’ll love the SuperCenter Reference. It is a perfect match with the T Ref’s.

Please let us know how you like the Bryston amp and how it compares to the A21 it will replace.

Happy listening!

Rick