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Parasound Owners Thread - Page 5

post #121 of 2046
7/22/09 at 10:30pm
Thanks John--very interesting...
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post #122 of 2046
7/23/09 at 7:18am
Quote:
Originally Posted by moonhawk View Post

Thanks John--very interesting...

You're welcome. And better than the read are the results of C-C network. Although due to the cost, one woulld only want to build those networks for higher end speakers. There are many speakers where the C-C network would cost more than the speakers.
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post #123 of 2046
7/23/09 at 8:03am
Quote:
Originally Posted by blackholeopaleye View Post

Most people on this thread has the heavy weight equipment (nothing wrong with that). Where are all the new classic owners?

I've been a NewClassic owner since March of this year. I have a 2100 preamp and a 2250 amp for my 2-channel listening. I use them to drive my Salk HT2-TLs and my source is a Roku M2000 connected through my PS Audio DLIII DAC.

I use the home theater bypass on the 2100 with my Onkyo 876 receiver. I let the Onkyo drive my center channel (Salk HT2 Center) and my in-wall surrounds. I'm not really big into HT, so music performance comes first. I've been relatively happy with the sound, but I'm looking for the next step. I love the flexibility a preamp with HT bypass provides. I should have gone this direction years ago.

Since my 2-channel preamp with HT bypass has proved to work so well. I have been considering upgrading to a P7 preamp with an A21 (or A23) amp. I'm not too thrilled about the silver color and I'm not certain how much of an upgrade I'll get going to the Halo series. I've also considered upgrading my DAC to Cullin Level 4. I'm just not certain what to do...

Nonetheless, I have no regrets about the NewClassic 2100 and 2250. They sound really decent for the money.
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post #124 of 2046
7/23/09 at 12:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Denophile View Post

anyone compared the a23 as a monoblock to the jc1's or a21?


I'd call Parasound up on their 800 number and ask that question.

FWIW, I've got a stereo Halo A21 amp and think well of it, but have no experience with the other two Parasound amps you mentioned.

Given that my paid for www.audiogon.com blue book (usually reasonably close to real current "retail" - - or try www.audioadvisor.com which last time I checked is Parasound's one on-line outfit), shows that the price of a current new Parasound:

1. Halo A-23 (stereo) 100w, class A-B, bal in, introduced 2001, new $800

So, as a monoblock, x2 for stereo = new $1,600 (not sure of monoblock specs)

2. Halo A-21 (stereo) 250w, class A-B, bal in, introduced 2001, new $2,000 (Odds are that this $2k new price is too low; check AA; also be sure to search for a factory refurb (which are generally the best deal and come with a full warranty), and/or call them (AA) up and ask for a call when the next A-21 refurb comes in; they're excellent about calling back.)

3. Halo JC-1 (monoblock) 400w, introduced 2002, new $3,000(? so a stereo pair goes for $6,000?)

If money means anything to you, the A-21 looks like the one for stereo.

Cheers
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post #125 of 2046
7/23/09 at 3:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by OtherSongs View Post

Halo JC-1 (monoblock) 400w, introduced 2002, new $3,000(? so a stereo pair goes for $6,000?)

yes, these [expensive] mono-blocks are supposed to be beautifully pristine sounding, and dynamic, amp's. Supposedly way up there on the refined sound-quality comparison.
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post #126 of 2046
7/24/09 at 7:13am
Thread Starter 
Ok let's open this up for discussion... and maybe we could pass this on to the guys at Parasound...
If Parasound does a Blu-ray Player what would you like to see it do/ not do?
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post #127 of 2046
7/24/09 at 7:18am
Hey all,

I have been directed here by another member as I am looking for an 2ch amp.

HCA1500 looks like a fine amp, I might pick up a used one. Any comments, thoughts, suggestions on this or other comparable amps?
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post #128 of 2046
7/24/09 at 7:22am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ethenolas View Post

Hey all,

I have been directed here by another member as I am looking for an 2ch amp.

HCA1500 looks like a fine amp, I might pick up a used one. Any comments, thoughts, suggestions on this or other comparable amps?

Welcome... hmmm i am a dealer have not seen an HCA in a while... got some deals on NC no HCA sorry may wanna ask some other members.
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post #129 of 2046
7/24/09 at 8:38am
Quote:
Originally Posted by pal1982 View Post

Ok let's open this up for discussion... and maybe we could pass this on to the guys at Parasound...
If Parasound does a Blu-ray Player what would you like to see it do/ not do?

Isn't the BR already in development?
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post #130 of 2046
7/24/09 at 8:40am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ethenolas View Post

Hey all,

I have been directed here by another member as I am looking for an 2ch amp.

HCA1500 looks like a fine amp, I might pick up a used one. Any comments, thoughts, suggestions on this or other comparable amps?

You have to look on ebay, audiogon and such places for the HCA series, they were available 8~10 years ago.
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post #131 of 2046
7/24/09 at 9:00am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by 4DHD View Post

Isn't the BR already in development?

its in prototype stages
open for ideas still last i heard
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post #132 of 2046
7/24/09 at 9:33am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by WestCoastD View Post

yes, these [expensive] mono-blocks are supposed to be beautifully pristine sounding, and dynamic, amp's. Supposedly way up there on the refined sound-quality comparison.

I love my JC1's they go up against amps 2 and 3 times their price... i think for the price you cannot beat them... its one of those listen and you'll know deals
P.S. they're $3500/ea.
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post #133 of 2046
7/24/09 at 10:41am
Quote:
Originally Posted by pal1982 View Post

Welcome... hmmm i am a dealer have not seen an HCA in a while... got some deals on NC no HCA sorry may wanna ask some other members.

I don't think he was looking for you to sell him one, I think he wanted to get opinions on the amp from knowledgable people with first hand experience. If you used to sell them, you probably had many hours of listening experience and know their positives as well as their negatives.

Give the parasound people a call, they are real friendly and may be able to answer your questions.

I've never heard them, wish I could be more help.
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post #134 of 2046
7/24/09 at 10:57am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by boblopes View Post

I don't think he was looking for you to sell him one, I think he wanted to get opinions on the amp from knowledgable people with first hand experience. If you used to sell them, you probably had many hours of listening experience and know their positives as well as their negatives.

Give the parasound people a call, they are real friendly and may be able to answer your questions.

I've never heard them, wish I could be more help.

If you look earlier i talked about some of the flaws of the HCA to the NC series.... the HCA had less amperage vs. the NC... the HCA tends to clip a little at higher volumes as well... i just liked the NC better i feel its built better
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post #135 of 2046
7/24/09 at 11:18am
Quote:
Originally Posted by pal1982 View Post

If you look earlier i talked about some of the flaws of the HCA to the NC series.... the HCA had less amperage vs. the NC... the HCA tends to clip a little at higher volumes as well... i just liked the NC better i feel its built better

What about the HCA 2200 MKII?

I'll just have to do research I guess... Thanks all!
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post #136 of 2046
7/24/09 at 11:41am
Thread Starter 
OK so who wants so nitty gritty cool Parasound news that i just got from Paul like 5 mins ago?
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post #137 of 2046
7/24/09 at 12:09pm
Thread Starter 
Yes there is a Parasound Blu-ray player in the works there is a prototype out right now and currently Paul has it.
They are focusing mainly on the AUDIO side of it to make it a great Universal player for SACD/DVD-A/CD as well as the Blu-ray audio codecs. As Paul stated you can spends thousands and thousands on video processors but in logic sense the best ones are all 99% percent perfect so why spend SO MUCH time on trying to improve the video side when the video thats available already looks great.
Sorry no price yet. So don't ask.
Paul said next year they will probably start posting in here... Cool huh?

Also he said why not put down some features that us Parasound junkies wanna see on the new BD player and he'll take a look and see if he can oblige... how's that for customer service???

He did not state if the player will be Halo/ NC or both or neither.

1st or 2nd Quarter of 2010 you'll see it!

There is a new John Curl (JC) phono stage in the works... it will rival some of the best out there now... it will be made to go hand in hand with the JC2.

The JC2 is going to be getting a HT bypass in the 1st quarter of 2010 most likely an add on for an extra price.

There are other things they are working on... New projects but the BD player and Phono Stage takes first priority! So cool huh?
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post #138 of 2046
7/24/09 at 12:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by pal1982 View Post

If you look earlier i talked about some of the flaws of the HCA to the NC series.... the HCA had less amperage vs. the NC... the HCA tends to clip a little at higher volumes as well... i just liked the NC better i feel its built better

That would have to be damn loud to clip. I've never clipped my HCA-2205A.
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post #139 of 2046
7/24/09 at 6:58pm
My $.02 on the recent discussion.

Audio Advisor is a great way to go. They are good to work with and have a good working relationship with Parasound. Also, they are the only ones authorized to sell factory refreshed, Demos, and open box specials. I saced over $1000.oo buying a P7 and A52 amp open box. Both brand new with full factory 5 year warranty.

Ethanolas: If you're looking for a deal on an relatively inexpensive 2 ch amp, try AA and look for one of those special deals on say a Halo A21. Probably won't cost you much more than the lesser series brand new.

AS far as the Bluray player goes, I would like it to do a good job of upconverting SDVDs, but I applaud there concentrating on audio. Richard told me in an email that it was sounding really good. I have been hoping to get a Denon DVD A1HD, but i may have to wait until there are some comparative reviews out there and check out the UBlu, or whatever they call it.

Very interesting about the HT bypass for the JC2. I wondered if it had that feature.

Lastly, it is a pleasure doing business with a company like Parasound. Class act all the way.
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post #140 of 2046
7/24/09 at 7:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by pal1982 View Post

Blu-ray player... They are focusing mainly on the AUDIO side of it to make it a great Universal player for SACD/DVD-A/CD as well as the Blu-ray audio codecs... Also he said why not put down some features that us Parasound junkies wanna see on the new BD player and he'll take a look and see if he can oblige

OK.

Include HDCD decoding, please.
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post #141 of 2046
7/24/09 at 8:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by moonhawk View Post

My $.02 on the recent discussion.

Audio Advisor is a great way to go. They are good to work with and have a good working relationship with Parasound. Also, they are the only ones authorized to sell factory refreshed, Demos, and open box specials. I saced over $1000.oo buying a P7 and A52 amp open box. Both brand new with full factory 5 year warranty.


Yes, I was looking at their open box gear the other day, saw a 2100 pre-amp w/bypass for $399, that's the same price as the Emotiva pre-amp. And I'd consider the 2100 to be better than that ugly Emotiva.
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post #142 of 2046
7/25/09 at 12:28am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ethenolas View Post

Hey all,

I have been directed here by another member as I am looking for an 2ch amp.

HCA1500 looks like a fine amp, I might pick up a used one. Any comments, thoughts, suggestions on this or other comparable amps?


I have a rack full of hca1500a's and love them for critical music listening and movies. Great sound, dynamic and smooth. You can find them on eBay for about $400 if in prestine condition. I especially like the 12v triggers.
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post #143 of 2046
7/25/09 at 4:27am
Are there any specific speaker brands / models that the JC-1 and A-21s match-up really beautifully with?

What speakers does Parasound normally use at trade shows to demonstrate their products?
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post #144 of 2046
7/25/09 at 2:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by WestCoastD View Post

funny, I've read such mixed impressions of these Onkyo/Integra processors- mostly pretty good, but then comments like "I had it for a month and sold-it, got something else". I don't know what to make of this? Seems these unit's (the Onkyo-Pro and Integra) have a great mix of features and capabilities for the price? I guess must be pre-amp sonic character differences?

Listen, for the price you can't beat the Onkyo Pro/Integra units. But I guess I was naive to believe that it would rival the sound of a high end processor. If you've never heard a Lexicon or any other high-end processor and you're stepping up from a receiver, then the Onkyo Pro is a great buy. But don't think that especially the analog section is anywhere near that of high-end processors or even the Marantz. To me, the Onkyo Pro sounded flat, digital and lacking a punch. Perhaps it's personal, since I prefer a warm, 'surrounding' sound where you can't locate speakers. The Onkyo Pro just didn't do that for me.

[quote=WestCoastD;16870894]
interesting........so you switch back-and-forth between units? Is this because the Lexicon is not HDMI capable?

I wanted the best of both worlds: Lexicon sound and HDMI HD Audio/switching, so this is a great solution to hold me over until I can find a 'all in one' unit that will be sonically as equal as the Lexicon. Hopefully the new Lexicon platform!

Quote:
Originally Posted by WestCoastD View Post

very interesting. So it sounds like the Marantz, essentially, has a better pre-amp (analog audio) section?

Without a doubt.
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post #145 of 2046
7/25/09 at 4:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by 4DHD View Post

Yes, I was looking at their open box gear the other day, saw a 2100 pre-amp w/bypass for $399, that's the same price as the Emotiva pre-amp. And I'd consider the 2100 to be better than that ugly Emotiva.

My Parasound gear is from Audio Advisor; great company and great prices.

I have the 2100 and it's an outstanding piece for the money. I've been following the new Emotiva USP-1 preamp with HT bypass, and it looks to have a BIG flaw. You can't use the full-range outputs with HT bypass. I can't believe Emotiva made such a big mistake. Nonetheless, I like the looks of the Emotiva preamp (and other gear), but the flaw makes it a no go for me (and most I suspect).
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post #146 of 2046
7/25/09 at 4:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by pal1982 View Post

its in prototype stages
open for ideas still last i heard

Well, here's an obvious one: SACD (DSD) and DVD-A over HDMI!
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post #147 of 2046
7/25/09 at 6:06pm
Considering the potential price for a Parasound Blu-ray. I'd demand 2 HDMI outs.
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post #148 of 2046
7/25/09 at 10:16pm
Personally, I have no use for HDMI audio. YMMV, of course, but I can't count on the fingers of one hand the processors, if you follow the threads, where there aren't multiple complaints of issues with HDMI audio implementation.

Put a very high quality set of DACs in the player, and output over analobg to a good pre amp or pre pro.

Skip all the fancy processing--It's not what the director intended anyway.

HDMI audio is a severely compromised idea, at least in current implementations, with a few notable exceptions.
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post #149 of 2046
7/25/09 at 10:21pm
Also, I would like to see the new player not only be able to convert Redbook CDs to high resolution, I would like to see it be able to play music from a server or discs that is already high resolution, such as downloaded high res files. Instead of having to reconvert them or whatever, that is, just play them natively.
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post #150 of 2046
7/26/09 at 8:06am
Thread Starter 
These are all good ideas i think Parasound will try to go for a Price that is not ridiculous i mean there are some BD Players out there even brands i carry that are asking $4000 that just is not worth that much but they can ask it cause they can cause they have the only type in the market as far as what it does.
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