Parasound Owners Thread - Page 12

Originally Posted by Saturn94

I am concerned about some posts where owners experienced buzzing from their speakers (especially the one that said Parasound indicated it was normal).

Any help/suggestions welcome.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by Jmouse007

As I have mentioned before we own the Parasound Halo A51 and A23 power amps. They are hooked up to our ONKYO PR-SC5507p pre-pro with 1 meter EMOTIVA XLR balanced cables and our power amps are D E A D Q U I E T. I can not hear a thing, nothing, nada. They are supurb.

If someone is having a hum problem with their Parasound amps, send them back and get them replaced or repaired if they are still under warranty. Parasound has outstanding customer service

By the way, we love the sound of our Parasound HALO amps and they are worth every penny... no regrets!

Originally Posted by prepress

Hello,

I am looking into a possible change in amplification later this year (much later, due to wallet issues), and have assembled a tentative list of contenders. I've just added the Parasound JC-1 monos to that list. I'm currently using 2 pair of 200wpc B&K monos to drive my Mirage M3-si speakers (6 ohms nominal impedance, 4 minimum, recommended power 100-300 watts) and I'm not unhappy with the sound, but wonder if I could replace the two pair with one pair of something that will be as good or better. It's a stereo setup.

I'd use the JC-1s at the low bias setting to preserve power and keep them somewhat cool; my rack has only 8" per shelf. Also, what would maximum power consumption be at 6-8 ohms? The manual gives 1280 for max output into 4. I'm concerned, even though I wouldn't expect to come anywhere near max power output, because these or whatever I get) would run on a regular household non-dedicated line. Any input from JC1 owners on power or other considerations would be appreciated.

Originally Posted by Saturn94

Any Parasound amp owners using it to drive Magnepans?

How well do Maggies and Parasound amps play together?

For reference I'm considering a Parasound 5250 and may consider getting maggies later.

Originally Posted by prepress

Hello,

I am looking into a possible change in amplification later this year (much later, due to wallet issues), and have assembled a tentative list of contenders. I've just added the Parasound JC-1 monos to that list. I'm currently using 2 pair of 200wpc B&K monos to drive my Mirage M3-si speakers (6 ohms nominal impedance, 4 minimum, recommended power 100-300 watts) and I'm not unhappy with the sound, but wonder if I could replace the two pair with one pair of something that will be as good or better. It's a stereo setup.

I'd use the JC-1s at the low bias setting to preserve power and keep them somewhat cool; my rack has only 8" per shelf. Also, what would maximum power consumption be at 6-8 ohms? The manual gives 1280 for max output into 4. I'm concerned, even though I wouldn't expect to come anywhere near max power output, because these or whatever I get) would run on a regular household non-dedicated line. Any input from JC1 owners on power or other considerations would be appreciated.

Originally Posted by Saturn94

Not sure if this helps, but I'm considering the Parasound Classic 5250 (5x250wpc @ 8 ohms, 5x385wpc @ 4 ohms, max power requirement 2500 watts at full output) and Richard at Parasound assured me that a regular 15 amp household circuit was fine.

Originally Posted by 7ryder

Hi Prepress -
I just purchased a pair of JC-1s a couple weeks ago as well as an A51 which I use for center and surrounds. All three are plugged into an old Powerwedge 116 which is plugged into a standard outlet. I'm running the JC-1s on high bias and most of the time, only the JC-1s are running, but my Classe SSP-800 is set up to trigger the A51 when I watch video and need surround sound. The JC-1s are driving Usher Dancer Mini 2s which are 4 ohm loads and they have more than enough power to drive these speakers to any volume level I want...probably more!

I have not experienced any problems with these amps tripping the 15 amp breaker (even with all three running) so I wouldn't worry about it. These do run hot though and I am going to have to find a way to get some air exchange going in the 300 cubic foot closet I have my equipment racks in. While I do have fans built in to the closet door to vent some heat, it gets to 95 degrees+ in there when all the equipment is crankin'!

BTW, the JC-1s have two sets of speaker connections on them so you can run bi-wired if you want.

As I replied to someone else on this thread, drop a note to Parasound, they'll be able and happy to answer all of your questions. I have never heard the B&Ks, but the JC-1s are stellar (as is the A51, but the JC-1s are clearly in another league) and I won't be looking at amps anytime soon.

Happy listening,

Originally Posted by prepress

Hello there,

Thanks for the input. I have Sanus Euro racks so theyre'd be only .375" of clearance on top of the JC-1, which makes me a bit uncomfortable. High bias is 25w at class A; normal is 10w. Have you run them on normal, and if so was there a significant difference in sound quality? My biggest concer with thes amps is their heat and power consumption (250w at idle!). It'd be noce if they came in black, too. Still, the sound is very good from what I read so they're on my list. Based on Michael Fremer's review I should like them.

Originally Posted by Audiodork

Hello,
I have used Martin Logans with Parasound amplification for years. Given they both pose similar challenges to a partnering amplifier, I think you will be fine.

I would recommend either a used HCA-2205AT or used/new A51 or A52. These amplifiers have much higher current, larger power supplies, and higher amount of filter capacitance than do the New Classic Series (5250,2250, etc)

If on a budget, I highly recommend a used 2205 as it has a 2 kVA toroidal transformer and 150,000uf capacitance. For comparisons sake, the A51 has a 2.2 kVA transformer and 164,000uf of capacitance. Both were designed by John Curl as well and are unbelievably similar. However, the 2205 can be found for around a grand while the A51 sells for 5k.

Parasound does not list the power supply for the New Classic Series but does say the 5250 is capable of 45 amps per channel whereas the 2205/A51 are rated at 60 amps per channel. The New Classic Series does not have nearly as much power and current as the Halo/HCA Series.
Cheers,
AD

Originally Posted by gary cornell

For JC1's with the Sanus Euro rack use the 12" rods - 4" more clearance than the 8" rods. For the JC2 i use 8" rods. Helps that you can put casters on this rack.

Originally Posted by moonhawk

Richard Schramm told me Parasound Amps have virtually zero warm-up time, due to circuit design, so you don't need to leave them on all the time. He did say the power company would thank me, though, if I chose to do so. (I have the A52).

Originally Posted by prepress

Yes, the JC 1s use 250W each at idle. I could imagine doing that during the summer along with the AC. I could also imagine having no money left due to the electric bill. However, I continue to read and investigate. An e-mail to Parasound may be in order.

Originally Posted by pal1982

I looked around and see no actual Parasound owners thread, lots of off shoots, like an a51 thread and the sort but no official PARASOUND thread, so this is it! We welcome all into here that are looking, have questions about, want to buy, or want to talk about Parasound Halo, New Classic and Z series! Benefits of coming in here is finding out about new things (we've been a Parasound Halo dealer for over 6 years and have a very good one on one relationship with them) getting questions answered and talking to others and getting real life experience... i may be able to coax the Parasound guys to pop in here every so often too :-) Remember keep in clean, keep it friendly and my mailbox is always open so shoot me a PM or email if you need to i answer usually within an hour or two!
Thanks for stopping in!

Originally Posted by 4DHD

I just ordered a P7 pre-amp from AA. Should be an improvement over running an AVR for MC music. Also to compare it for use with the TT that had been connected to a 30 year old HK Citation pre-amp, that just recently went down.

Originally Posted by REShaman

First time posting at this thread, but have been keeping up with the posts. I am contemplating ordering a P7 pre-amp, A21 and A51. I have a Oppo BDP-83SE modded by Oppo. Enjoying the dedicated 2ch analogue as well as Mch analogue DACs. I am very interested in what your experience of the P7 is as well as from others who are using any of Parasound's equipment. Richard Schram has been very generous with his time and comments. Still there's nothing like direct experience and second to that what others are finding. I am planning to also purchase from AA as well. Still in saving-up-for mode. Appreciate whatever you care to share about the P7 and everything else that relates to Parasound and AA experiences. Thank you in advance. Good fortune and listening with your new equipment. I am excited for you.
Best,
Richard

Originally Posted by prepress

For what it's worth, I haven't ordered any Parasound from AA but I have ordered other products from them before and have never had a bad experience.

Originally Posted by Jmouse007

You are going to love the sound of the Halo A51 and A21, they are outstanding amps.

Originally Posted by REShaman

Thank you double 07. Mouse, Jmouse. (Couldn't resist).
You're assessment is a pleasure to read. I know SQ is subjective, and greatly appreciate your experience and feedback. Overall, the feedback in reviews online/magazines and posts at Parasound threads are so favorable for A21/51. Read some negative experiences about hash sounding/sibilance etc. With electronics and different configurations, stuff happens. I continually read that Parasound's technical support is excellent. That has been my experience with Oppo. It all makes for a very inviting purchase down the line.
Best,
Richard