2. home-theater
  3. 182478-161686

HT Bypass from Parasound or NAD?

Can't bring myself to get rid of my AVR for home theater. A few TV shows and an occasional movie are all it's used for, but still, it sounds great when I do use it. So, to improve on my music listening I need a good stereo amp with HT bypass. My AVR being a NAD T758, I thought the NAD C268 or C298 would be great for driving my mains (Harbeth P3s). But then the Parasound NewClassic 200 caught my eye. I like its form factor and features, it's also a class D amp. Are there are current NAD or Parasound 200 users who can share their experience if using in an HT system? Thanks in advance!

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kota1
2,706 posts
 

@rongvk 

It's nice when you get more use out of the equipment you already own. I am using Audyssey Pro and I went in and tweaked the settings after running it to get it just right.

soix
9,456 posts
 

So, to improve on my music listening I need a good stereo amp with HT bypass.

No, you don’t need a stereo amp, you need a stereo integrated amp.  Why?  The preamp section of your AVR sucks, so just replacing the amp only gets you halfway there.  Buy a good integrated amp with HT bypass and run the front L/R preouts from your AVR into it and you’ll get a much better result.  Also, no stereo amps have an HT bypass — only stereo preamps or integrateds can do that.  Best of luck. 

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rongvk OP
20 posts
 

Thanks @soix. Yes, I do understand that. The NAD products are both stereo amplifiers while the Parasound is an integrated stereo amp. Part of why I'm leaning toward it, or something similar if there is anything else out there. 

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