Parasound Owners Thread - Page 37

4DHD: thanks very much for this - exactly what I was looking for.

Any chance you could expand similarly on the Bass and Treble tone controls?

Well, I do not use them, and have them out of the circuit by a push of a button.
One thing I really like is being able to adjust balance L/R, F/B on the fly, as some recordings are just not quite right in that respect. same with the sub levels, adjust on the fly.

Thanks - but can you describe for me how they are implements? as in are they similar to the sub trim - 0.5db increments from -10db to +10db or ... ?

I guess more technically I'm curious about how they are implemented inside - like is it just a "tilt" at a certain frequency?

Thanks again.

All 'tone' controls are tilts at a certain frequency at either end of the response curve.

I was told by someone at Parasound that future purchase of the faceplates is possible, but it would be a while. They seemed concerned about the installation by the user and how it might have implications for the warranty.

I bought an A51 last month and just love it! I can't get over how much richer and just more musical it is than the amp section in my Sony 6400ES receiver. I'm using the Sony now just as a pre/pro to drive Martin Logan front and center speakers (Theos and Motif) and Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 surrounds.. They seem much happier with the new amp, too! As soon as I get "permission" from my wife, I plan to upgrade to a separate pre/pro, possibly the new Marantz 8801.

Hi all,

Just picked up a 5250, it will be a little while untill I get a chance to hook it up.

Anyone have any idea on how long break in time should be?

Thanks in advance

Parasound's president Richard Schram told me 100 hours for the Halo A51. I think it has a different design from the 5250, but that might be a ballpark figure for you.

Thanks for the info., should of asked earlier, at what level? As per db with THX reference level being 0db.

Regards

If you are asking what level to run it on for break in, it doesn't have to run loud at all, just play music with a wide frequency range.

I am selling my C2 if anyone is interested, I am original owner, with box and all accesory's, I live in maryland, pm me if interested, thanks

I would think that some of the folks here who have been eyeing the P-7 would jump at your unit. Much more precise bass mgmt and functionality make it a steal of a deal. AFAIK, the C-2 and P-7 are sonic equals........correct?

I have one and love it.
Edited by Torqdog - 12/2/12 at 7:07pm

I was planning on using Parasound New Classic amps for a new HT, but I am wondering how much real world discernable difference might be achieved by upgrading to their Halo line? Has anyone heard these two amps side by side or familiar with them enough to comment?

The amps will be used to power Adam Audio GTC 88's for LCR speakers and Martin Logan's for the sides and rears of a 7.2 system. I've not decided on a processor yet. Maybe the Marantz 8801 or the Denon pre/pro.

The theater will be used 99% of the time for Blu-Ray and HD movies. Very little 2 channel audio listening.

I should probably add that the HT is a dedicated room with upholstered walls on top of THX drywall and that the LCR + Subs will be placed behind a perforated screen.

If I switched to their Halo line, I'd probably use their JC1's for the LCR's and a pair of their stereo amps for the rears and the surrounds. Or perhaps use only two JC1's for LC and RC and then use their A31 for the Center and sides with a stereo amp for the rears. Or what about a mix of their Halo amps with their New Classic Amps? Or?

Thanks for any advice or insight!

Since you want opinions, as a Parasound owner and MUSIC first lover, I'll give mine.

The JC mono blocks are overkill for a system that you will be using 99% of the time for HT and the speakers you have selected. Also, each mono block would cost way more than each speaker - not a good balance of expenditure when designing a system. Should be the other way around. I would think one New Classic 5250 V2 would get the job done with the Adams. The specs for your GTC 88's are the same as my Bach Grands - 90 db sensitivity at 4 Ohms - and I can push my 5.1 config to very high levels with a smaller New Classic 5125 without breaking a sweat. But if you really want HALO (as I do some day but for music being a more Class A amp), a single A51 or even an A31 & A21 combination would suffice. Hope this helps and good luck in whatever your decision is.

I use an A-51 for my home theater and 2-channel music. Very impressive, more power for greater head room. Love it and actually thinking of getting 2 more for 11.1 srround sound and future proofing.

Hi,

Hi,

My current system:

B&W 804 Matrix for front channels
B&W HTM for center channel
B&W 805 Matrix for surround
Dual B&W PV1D subs

Receiver: Denon AVR-4311ci
Source: DirecTV, Oppo BDP-105, Dune Smart H1

I am planning to upgrade and have approximately 8K. Which of the 2 upgrades do you think would be better for 50/50 music/movies?

1) Parasound A51 amplifier + Marantz 8801 pre/pro

or

2) B&W 804 Diamonds

Any other recommendations are welcome.

Thanks.

You will benefit from #1 with your subs, the additional amplification and other benefits of the AV8801. The #1 combo is a beast and I'm actually also looking into this (currently I have the AV7005/A51 combo). On the other hand, I'm a big fan of speaker upgrades since in general those have the most impact. But once again, I wouldn't pair the 804 Diamonds with the AVR-4311ci. It's a fine receiver, but for the 804s you want an amplifier like the A51.

Thus, my recommendation would be #1 and save some money before buying #2

Is there a reason you are not considering the matching Marantz MM8077? You will definitely notice the biggest improvement with the speaker change.

Hi pinoiski.

I would definitely upgrade your amplification. I own an A51 and love it.

If you really don't need a new processor and you like your speakers, you might want to look into investing in some acoustical treatments for your room, such as bass traps and broad spectrum absorption at reflection points. This can make a real impact on the sound you're getting out of your room. RealTraps is one of the best outfits in the business. You might also take a look at GIK Acoustics, which specializes in bass traps.

+1, I plan on adding the 8801 and a possible Oppo 95 to 105 upgrade, I have an A21 and Anthem MCA30 this is for an 80% music 20 HT setup, my hope is the best of both worlds:cool:

I will eventually get the 804 Diamond if I go with amp/pre/pro first. I am not sure if the Marantz MM8077 can efficiently drive the 804. I like to listen loud.

Besides hiring an audio professional to do room treatment, how do you actually find the optimum placement of the treatments? How much effort will be required? I would imagine I will need some measurement software and lots of trial and error.

Pinoski, you have 8K budgeted for upgrades and you did say you already have a Denon 4311ci, right? Why not keep your Denon 4311 and use it as your processor? Whats a dedicated pre-pro going to give you that the Denon does not have?

Meanwhile, get a Parasound Halo A31 at 3K for your LCR, use the Denon to power the surrounds (they don't need as much power) and start looking for a used pair of B&W 804Ds with the 5K you have remaining. Or consider upping the budget a little and going new out of the gate and get the whole system done at once. The key is keeping the Denon 4311 as your pre-pro. Many of us use AVRs as pre-pros. To tell you the truth, this is the only way I would do it considering the cost of dedicated pre-pros and how they lag behind in features.

Not the 8801, plus your negating the potential sonic upgrade as well by not having the amps on board (save your breath I've done the receiver as a preamp) less heat and lower noise floor, but its a cost effective solution but depends on ones priorities!

No way do you need an audio "professional". Nor do you need any sophisticated equipment. Your ears will tell you what you need to know. There are a few rules of thumb and if you follow them you will have an improved sonic experience. There is educational information online, including at the web sites of the two manufacturers I mentioned. Bass trapping is most effective in corners and elsewhere where two planes come together but can be used almost anywhere. It will help even out frequency response and reduce decay times, giving your bass better definition. Broad spectrum absorption is used at the point of first reflection of the sound coming from your speakers, whether on a side wall or the ceiling, which you can determine by using a mirror. This will improve imaging and focus at the higher frequencies. Believe me, acoustic treatments work!

Not sure what you mean by "not the 8801", but it appears you are advocating the use of a dedicated pre-pro vs. using an AVR as a pre-pro. Thats OK, its your perogative - I said many of us use AVR's this way. You're obviously one that doesn't. I really don't think having unused amps onboard an AVR or even a few being used to power surround speakers will generate that much heat to negate a "sonic upgrade" but again, its a difference in opinion. Pinoski asked for add'l suggestions and my post is what I offered. Its a way of doing everything he wants right now and at his budget but only if he considers keeping the 4311 in his system. Its also the route I would take if I were in his situation. You would do differently. I hope he gets further suggestions so he make the best decision possible as to what is right for him.
Edited by Paraneer - 12/4/12 at 7:18pm

I meant the 8801 is as advanced as any receiver to date, and yeah +1, as long as he gets what he wants!

A quick question for some of those who have been here awhile. I recently came across the Parasound’s Halo C 2 thread and just finished reading it start to finish. It seems as though the thread was locked down and much of the content is missing with 02/11/2004 being the last day. It was still a very active thread.

Does anyone remember what happened? Is there some way to retrieve the missing dialogue? It was very mysterious as there didn't seem to be any animosity between participants and everyone was getting along just fine.

Moderators may have closed it due to inactivity. If you want to get it going again, you might try sending one of the moderators a PM to get it reopened.