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Amp / Speaker combo ~5k

I am close to purchasing a Parasound Halo Integrated, to pair with either Sierra Towers or Revel F206 (I have heard the Revel but not the Sierras). Any thoughts on this combo, or perhaps other good integrated amp combinations in the 5k ballpark? This system is in a main room so for the amp I need multiple source inputs, practicality, and reliability. Thanks.
braudio7
mzkmxcv
777 posts
 
The Sierra towers need the RAAL upgrade, bringing it to ~$2900-$3000. I would say the Sierra’s would image a bit better than the F206’s, and have deeper bass.  
  
The F206’s are also $3500. So unless you are getting a discount on either/both, that would be $6000 with the Halo.  
 
I think spending 50% of your budget on the amp is very wasteful.  
 
I would get an Emotiva PT-100 + XPA- Gen3.

That leaves $3700. 

A similar company to Ascend Acoustics is Philharmonic, and their tower, the Phil 3. It’s better than the Sierra tower, and it has more then enough bass.

There is also the KEF R700 which is also $3000 right now.

Room treatment is also important.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,388 posts
 
I  had a Parasound Halo for almost 2 years.  It was ok, but not as great sounding as the magazines would have you think.  There was a thinness in the upper mids which I never liked.  I bettered it with a McIntosh MA6600 Integrated which went for 6500.00 new and I purchased mine used from Audio Classics for 3300.00.  It is a night and day difference for the better and I now spend many hours a day listening to it.
braudio7 OP
35 posts
 
Interesting, stereo5. Do you mind sharing what speakers you were using with the Halo? This is a family room system, so I need a flexible, reliable amp with multiple inputs.
audionoobie's avatar
audionoobie
357 posts
 

My first post was here was similar to yours--looking for a system for around $5k. I was given a lot of excellent advice. I ended up choosing the Belles Aria Integrated and a pair of Vandersteen 1ci’s (both new). Which you could pick up for around $3.5k and have money left over for cables and room treatments.

I then traded up to the Vandersteen 2ce Sig II’s which sound great. But in retrospect I really would’ve liked to hear what the 1ci’s and a pair of subs would’ve sounded like. If my memory recalls correctly the 1ci’s were perhaps a tad faster and more airy.

I too listened to the Parasound Halo a couple of times and was not that impressed.

Good luck on your search!!!

tutetibiimperes
202 posts
 
Here are some options for speakers:

Salk Song3A - $3,895
Philharmonic Audio Phil 3s - $3,700
These pre-owned Revel F208s on Audiogon (no affiliation to me) - $4.000
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis8hg7a-revel-performa3-f208-hg-walnut-trade-in-full-range

Possible Integrated Choices:

Outlaw RR2160 - $799
https://www.outlawaudio.com/products/rr2160.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2sncvL7V2gIVjz2BCh313Q_lEAQYASABE...

NAD C388 (one here on Audiogon for $1,200, again no affiliation to me)
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis8h456-nad-c-388-w-manufacturers-warranty-authorized-dealer-soli...

Schiit Saga + Modi2 Uber + Vidar for $1,200 
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