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I'm confused on HR 24bit VS A Parasound C2 Processor at 16 bit

I have been having a struggle trying to find something better than my Parasound C2 Processor. I bought the newest Node and received it tonight. Worked great but my Parasound C2 just running with a digital Toslink out of my Sony TV smokes it in every way. I know the TV is supposed to add noise in the signal and this is a old processor and only 16/48khz . Well I hooked the Node to it totally bypassing the Parasound DSP through it's 7.1 input RCA. This bypasses DSP.  So just using Parasound volume control.  Compared to the Parasound there is no comparison and that's even with the node playing Ultra HD. My amp is a Plinius SA102 and speakers are Klipsch RF-7II. This is my third attempt in trying to better my system. I bought a Plinius CD Lad and had it upgraded with auricaps that sucked and then a Parasound P7 just to try. This sounded better than the CD Lad. But sent it back C2 smoked it too. I can't believe after trying Hi rez through a streamer the C2 keeps coming out on top by alot. I'm sending back my Node now and just going to use my TV as a streamer with my Toslink digital out into my Parasound C2. My system sounds really good but I keep reading every day about HD music and streamers and preamplifiers  that I want to believe will be a huge jump from what I have. Why does this old Parasound C2 keep coming out ahead. I know this has dual dac chips in it but really surprised that it sounded better than 24 bit. Going to Chicago to the audio show soon and hope will hear something I want to buy

128x128guitarsukka
guitarsukka's avatar
guitarsukka OP
3 posts
 

Yes the C2 has a bass enhancement but is only activated if you add a sub. I guess the C2S just has a better dac than node but it's only 16 bit which does not make sense. I was originally going to buy the best dac I could buy for 2000$. I was going to go digital Toslink from TV to XLR out of dac into Parasounds XLR input which also bypasses DSP. Audio advisor told me the TV is adding noise to the signal that a streamer was a better option. I love using my TV to go through Amazon music and Spotify . Just don't want to buy a dac for that kind of money and the C2S wins again. Not sure

 

fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,600 posts
 

Then quit chasing the dragon and accept your lot in life.

guitarsukka's avatar
guitarsukka OP
3 posts
 

You might be right . I just have been wanting to try different things with my plinius because it's such a good amp. I had that completely rebuilt with auricaps and larger power supply. I used to strictly be a CD guy but love the new music platforms so much and trying to take it to the next level. I've been wanting to sell the Klipsch to but haven't gotten there yet. I'm hoping the Chicago audio show will help me make some good decisions

jerryg123's avatar
jerryg123
3,429 posts
 

Or just confuse you more.

I'm hoping the Chicago audio show will help me make some good decisions

erik_squires
16,058 posts
 

I hear where you are coming from. I’ve been in the same boat. I had a vintage Theta processor that was just a better DAC and preamp than a lot of more modern pieces of equipment. I tried replacing it with affordable HDMI capable processors for a long time and failed. Then had an Oppo / Parasound P7 setup which let me limp along within my budget.

Truthfully the Parasound DACs have been under rated. The ZDAC was a really great sounding mini DAC, especially for the price.  The one in the preamp was so so.

I am surprised you dind’t keep the node for the digital outs though. Did you try that?

I finally found a happy place of spend and music using a Raspberry Pi based Roon streamer and a Mytek Brooklyn DAC.

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