I have been researching pre-amps myself in this price range(under 1000) and have looked into these models. The Parasound P3 is now discontinued. I've read the impressions of several owners that were underwhelmed with it. The 2100 was apparently an attempt to get the sound of the P7 at a lower price. It seems to be fairly well received with the one caveat that the phono section is entry level, for those needing a good one.
The Emotiva USP-1 is good for the price, but concerns on this one is the brighter sound. If you have warmer speakers it might be fine, but then the volume control is odd. Small turns of the knob seem to give larger than usual increases, and owners have mentioned this. An entry level price, so compromises are made.
The one I'm most interested in is the NAD C165 BEE. It has a better phono section with unique options, better specs and Class A circuitry. Not as much feedback online yet, I think it's newer. I asked an online dealer what he'd recommend(he carries several brands including NAD and Parasound) and for SQ he recommended the NAD. Not sure if he has sales quota to meet, but he seemed genuine.
I'll update when I made the upgrade. Right now I have a Parasound A21, Oppo 95 connected directly to the amp, and Paradigm Signature S6.
The Emotiva USP-1 is good for the price, but concerns on this one is the brighter sound. If you have warmer speakers it might be fine, but then the volume control is odd. Small turns of the knob seem to give larger than usual increases, and owners have mentioned this. An entry level price, so compromises are made.
The one I'm most interested in is the NAD C165 BEE. It has a better phono section with unique options, better specs and Class A circuitry. Not as much feedback online yet, I think it's newer. I asked an online dealer what he'd recommend(he carries several brands including NAD and Parasound) and for SQ he recommended the NAD. Not sure if he has sales quota to meet, but he seemed genuine.
I'll update when I made the upgrade. Right now I have a Parasound A21, Oppo 95 connected directly to the amp, and Paradigm Signature S6.