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Parasound Model 2100 preamp owners thread - Page 3

post #61 of 621
10/26/09 at 1:46pm
Book shelfs huh? I have the Dreamcatchers and Rainmakers that would qualify.
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post #62 of 621
10/26/09 at 2:07pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chicagorep View Post

Book shelfs huh? I have the Dreamcatchers and Rainmakers that would qualify.

Yup, Bookshelfs this time around. We have done the towers and mid/higher priced stuff in the past. Its time for more entry level tests
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post #63 of 621
10/30/09 at 1:54pm
I am currently connecting the subwoofer to Denon 3808 through RCA cable and I also want to have a sub on the 2100. Can I just buy that Y connector and connect both 3808 and 2100 on one end and the other end to the sub?

Thanks,
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post #64 of 621
10/30/09 at 2:17pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by rockets97 View Post

I am currently connecting the subwoofer to Denon 3808 through RCA cable and I also want to have a sub on the 2100. Can I just buy that Y connector and connect both 3808 and 2100 on one end and the other end to the sub?

Thanks,

rockets,

You would not need a "Y" connector as you would connect an RCA cable from the LFE output of the 3808 to the 2100's Bypass Input-Sub1 and then a RCA cable from Sub Out of the 2100 to your sub. Are you using an external amp with the 3808?

If you do not have the 2100 yet here is a link to the 2100's product page that has a download for the owners manual. On page 8 of the manual it shows a diagram on how to connect the 2100 using the HT Bypass feature.

http://www.parasound.com/nc/2100.php

Bill
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post #65 of 621
10/30/09 at 2:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by rockets97 View Post

I am currently connecting the subwoofer to Denon 3808 through RCA cable and I also want to have a sub on the 2100. Can I just buy that Y connector and connect both 3808 and 2100 on one end and the other end to the sub?

Thanks,

No. You'll connect your speakers and subwoofer to an amplifier and the 2100 (speakers to the amp, RAC's from amp to the 2100's "Pass Out's" and the subwoofer to the 2100's "Sub Outs"). Finally, you'll run RCA's from the 2100's "Bypass In's" to the Denon's "preout's). It sounds confusing, but its pretty easy. Here's a rundown in order:

- Subwoofer(s) to 2100's "Sub Out(s)"
- Speaker wire to external amplifier
- RCA cables from external amplifier to 2100's "Pass Out's"
- RCA Cables from 2100's Subwoofer and Speaker "Bypass Input's" to the Denon 3808's "preouts" (subwoofer and L & R).

What this does is initially run everything through the 2100, but if it's off or in "bypass mode" the signal runs straight through to the receiver (unmolested or changed) and allows the receiver to control everything. It is a best of both worlds scenario, at least in my opinion.

Does that makes sense? Honestly, I had to look at the manual the first time to fully comprehend. I hope that helps.

Edit: Bill beat me to it.
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post #66 of 621
10/30/09 at 3:20pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nuance View Post

Edit: Bill beat me to it.

Hey Brandon,

Yes I did but your version is better. I had to look at the manual as well when I cabled up the 2100 so don't feel bad.

Bill
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post #67 of 621
11/2/09 at 8:30am
Thanks Bill & Brandon, the instruction on page 8 of the manual is really help. I guess from now on I need to read the manual first
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post #68 of 621
11/11/09 at 1:04pm
Nuance i have a question for you:
If I had two pre-amps, Parasound P7 and 2100 and I was going to give them to you free. You could only use the one you chose for your music and Home theater system combined.
Which one would you take?
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post #69 of 621
11/11/09 at 2:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by vulcan00 View Post

Nuance i have a question for you:
If I had two pre-amps, Parasound P7 and 2100 and I was going to give them to you free. You could only use the one you chose for your music and Home theater system combined.
Which one would you take?

For FREE? The P7! DUH!!!
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post #70 of 621
11/11/09 at 4:25pm
Since he already called dibs on the P7, may I have the 2100 for free?

Pretty please?
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post #71 of 621
11/12/09 at 12:22am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by vulcan00 View Post

Nuance i have a question for you:
If I had two pre-amps, Parasound P7 and 2100 and I was going to give them to you free. You could only use the one you chose for your music and Home theater system combined.
Which one would you take?

I would take the P7 as well. The P7 should sound better and has many more features as it should for a $1300.00 premuim. But I would love to do a DBT to see if I could tell the difference between the two. Hey if someone gives me a P7 I will gladly give away my 2100.

Bill
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post #72 of 621
11/12/09 at 6:13am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill Mac View Post

I would take the P7 as well. The P7 should sound better and has many more features as it should for a $1300.00 premuim. But I would love to do a DBT to see if I could tell the difference between the two. Hey if someone gives me a P7 I will gladly give away my 2100.

Bill

I have heard both units hooked up to an A21 and I couldn't tell the difference. The 2100 shares many of the internal components as the P7. The P7 has many more inputs/features/functions than the 2100, hence the higher price. Just goes to show how good the 2100 is.
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post #73 of 621
11/12/09 at 7:29am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chicagorep View Post

I have heard both units hooked up to an A21 and I couldn't tell the difference. The 2100 shares many of the internal components as the P7. The P7 has many more inputs/features/functions than the 2100, hence the higher price. Just goes to show how good the 2100 is.

Robert,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the P7 and 2100 comparison. I have always thought the 2100 was an excellent sounding preamp but your thoughts between the two make me feel even better.

Bill
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post #74 of 621
11/12/09 at 9:05am
I think the 2100 is THE BEST bargin out there for people like me who want HT and good music. I just like the looks of the P7 better, not a good reason but I cant help it.
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post #75 of 621
11/12/09 at 10:59am
The P7 is definitely the better looking sister of the 2
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post #76 of 621
11/12/09 at 11:23am
Quote:
Originally Posted by vulcan00 View Post

I think the 2100 is THE BEST bargin out there for people like me who want HT and good music. I just like the looks of the P7 better, not a good reason but I cant help it.

Sexy looks are a big part of audio for me. I live with what I have as the sound is fantastic, but my 2100 is far from sexy. I too think the 2100 is one of the best bargains in home audio for features and performance. Thankfully I was told this information earlier this year from someone I trust very much.
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post #77 of 621
11/12/09 at 2:37pm
Thread Starter 
[quote=vulcan00;17521397]

Quote:


I think the 2100 is THE BEST bargin out there for people like me who want HT and good music.

Especially if you were able to score the 2100 from Audio Advisor during the "open box" sale.

Quote:


I just like the looks of the P7 better, not a good reason but I cant help it.

I agree that the P7 is definitely the better looking unit especially when teamed up with a Halo amp. But the 2100 is a much better looking unit than the Emotiva USP-1 by far. In my rack the 2100 just kind of blends in with no flashy metal work or bright lights.

The one preamp that I would love to hear in my system is the Wyred 4 Sound STP. But it is $1795.00 and does not have a sub out/crossover feature. Someday.

Bill
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post #78 of 621
11/13/09 at 7:22am
Yep I have heard good things about that unit and the intergrated wyred.
Also: juicy peach, No.380, Modwright 9.oSW, Van Alstine Hybred,Ayred,ect ect ect

I think the pre-amp is an improtant choice for me. I cant audition anything here.
I am really having a hard time with this.
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post #79 of 621
11/13/09 at 8:02am
I don't know know who started all this hoopla surrounding the 2100











Vulcan, On a serious note,
The 2100 was probably the best addition to my setup other than upgrading speakers. A decent neutral preamp can be leaps/bounds better than most receivers for 2 ch listening! I can't see upgrading this in a very long time. If you can snag one from AA, I would give it a whirl.

best of luck,
Brandon
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post #80 of 621
11/13/09 at 9:21am
Quote:
Originally Posted by vulcan00 View Post

Yep I have heard good things about that unit and the intergrated wyred.
Also: juicy peach, No.380, Modwright 9.oSW, Van Alstine Hybred,Ayred,ect ect ect

I think the pre-amp is an improtant choice for me. I cant audition anything here.
I am really having a hard time with this.

Vulcan, where do you live? DOn't say planet Vulcan. Find a Parasound dealer in your area, if he doesn't have a 2100 to let you audition he can get one sent to him from Parasound.
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post #81 of 621
11/13/09 at 2:29pm
Thread Starter 
[quote=merrymaid520;17527750]

Quote:


I don't know know who started all this hoopla surrounding the 2100

Hey Brandon,

It had to be someone from WI.

Quote:


Vulcan, On a serious note,
The 2100 was probably the best addition to my setup other than upgrading speakers. A decent neutral preamp can be leaps/bounds better than most receivers for 2 ch listening! I can't see upgrading this in a very long time. If you can snag one from AA, I would give it a whirl.

I agree as well with Brandons thoughts.

I took some time today to listen to some music comparing different listening modes with my Onkyo 886. I then did some comparisons between the 886 and the 2100. I found the Stereo mode with Audyssey enabled to sound very muted and lifeless. I tried some of the surround modes including DDPLII but it was not for me. I always found the Pure audio mode with the 886 to be my favorite but no sub output with this mode.

I then did a direct comparison of the 886 in Pure mode and the 2100 with the full range outputs with no sub. I was surprised at how close the SQ was between the two but I found the 2100 offers just a bit more depth, imaging and clarity over the 886. I then compared the two using the HP outputs and the sub output of the 2100 which is my normal configuration.

This is where the 2100 really shines as the added impact of the sub just seems to open up the soundstage over the 886 with no sub. I have the sub volume on the 2100 backed off just a little under half volume so it is not that in your face "slam" but a nice compliment to my Ascend Sierra-1s.

I have had several 2 CH preamps with HT Bypass in my system.

Proceed Pre
PS Audio PCA-2
Rogue Audio Perseus
Bel Canto PRe3
TAD Tadac DAC/preamp

I enjoyed all these preamps but the 2100 is just the right fit for me as far as features and SQ. The best part is it is the least expensive preamp I have owned. This shows that I did not have to spend a whole lot to get a great sounding preamp with all the features I need.. I think my next project will be adding some acoustical panels and basstraps in my room. I think till I do that I will really not need to upgrade any components. Famous last words.

Bill
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post #82 of 621
11/16/09 at 9:00am
I live in Alabama Chicagorep. The vulcan I am using isnt meant to relate to Star Trek
I need to change my name everyone thinks that.

Bill I have a onkyo 875 paired with a parasound power amp. On the 875 there is a button on bottom of the remote that allows me to cycle through my type of audio processing;hmdi,optic/coax,multichannel,or analog. The multichannel not to be confused with the format dsp multichannel is 7.1 analog. If I choose Pure mode and have selected multichannel analog 7.1 connections the sub will play.

You mean the 2100 is a better sounding unit that the Bel canto pre3? wow that is saying alot.
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post #83 of 621
11/16/09 at 2:17pm
Thread Starter 
[quote=vulcan00;17543511]
Quote:


Bill I have a onkyo 875 paired with a parasound power amp. On the 875 there is a button on bottom of the remote that allows me to cycle through my type of audio processing;hmdi,optic/coax,multichannel,or analog. The multichannel not to be confused with the format dsp multichannel is 7.1 analog. If I choose Pure mode and have selected multichannel analog 7.1 connections the sub will play.

So what you are saying is if I connect the R&L analog outputs of my CD player to the R Front and L Front of the 7.1 input of my 886, then select the Pure mode there will be a signal output to my sub? Or are you saying if the analog M/C outputs of a DVD/BR/SACD/DVD-A are connected to the 875 7.1 input the sub will play in Pure audio mode?

Quote:


You mean the 2100 is a better sounding unit that the Bel canto pre3? wow that is saying alot.

No I am not saying the 2100 has better SQ than the PRe3. I am saying the 2100 has very good SQ, features that I am looking for most of all a sub out with analog bass management. I did not do a direct A-B comparison of the 2100 vs. the PRe3 so I really can not honestly say. Going off memory for comparisons does not work for me as my memory is very bad.

Bill
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post #84 of 621
11/17/09 at 7:27am
Bill:

Hmmmmmmmm, I was hoping my onkyo 875 receiver operates in similar way as your onkyo Pro- processor. This may have been my mistake. However the Pure Audio format is an option on my 875. With my 875 when using HMDI audio connection and choosing Pure Audio mode- the subwoofer does not work.

If you first select the Audio to play via the input( 7.1 in from DVD,BD, or SACD player) and output 875 receiver 7.1 output or in your case the 886) analog connections and select the pure mode the subwoofer will play.


I hope this makes sense. I may not be correct about your 886 but it seems to me it would function like my 875.
Best Regards
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post #85 of 621
11/17/09 at 7:37am
Opps I forgot one thing the bass management of course does not work when the analog 7.1, multichannel, pure audio route is chosen. I have to perform this in my player. Or in my power sub.
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post #86 of 621
11/17/09 at 1:33pm
Thread Starter 
I was just checking Audio Advisor and they have "Factory Refreshed" 2100 at a great price.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo...umber=2PAC2100

Bill
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post #87 of 621
11/17/09 at 1:49pm
I see. I should get that. There is also one on Audigon.
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post #88 of 621
11/17/09 at 3:34pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by vulcan00 View Post

I see. I should get that. There is also one on Audigon.

The one on Audiogon does not have a warranty as Parasound warranties are not transferable. The one from AA has a full Parasound warranty as if new. Also if you bought the one from AA it would I believe have the 30 day return policy if you were not happy with it. The 2100 I bought from AA was a "open box" that was never opened and actually a brand new unit.

Bill
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post #89 of 621
11/19/09 at 10:58am
Well, I just ordered a P7
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post #90 of 621
11/19/09 at 1:04pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill Mac View Post

The one on Audiogon does not have a warranty as Parasound warranties are not transferable. The one from AA has a full Parasound warranty as if new. Also if you bought the one from AA it would I believe have the 30 day return policy if you were not happy with it. The 2100 I bought from AA was a "open box" that was never opened and actually a brand new unit.

Bill

Just as a note, the AVS store quoted me a better price than that refurbished price and I assume you'd get the full warranty from them.
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