Parasound Halo Integrated Amplifier Great choice for your speakers, designed by the master John Curl, bi-polar output stage with heaps of wattage and current ability for your speakers. Loaded with features, dac, phono stages all remote and 5 year warranty. Has the goods, backed up by Stereophile measured test and reviews also by Absolute Sounds. http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/parasound-halo-integrated-amplifier/ Cheers George |
I' ve become a big Parasound fan after acquiring an A21, and then a P7. Their house sound is great, a gorgeous midrange with detailed highs that aren't harsh. It was so much better than the Emotiva and NAD stuff I had and really brought my speakers to life. I haven't heard the Integrated, but my research on Parasound and the owner, Richard Schram, revealed a top notch company that will not put out compromised gear. I actually considered selling my Parasound set up to fund buying the Integrated, as I probably don't use half the watts of the A21, but in the end decided the sound would probably be pretty much the same. Hope this helps. |
I demoed the Parasound integrated from Audio Advisor this summer. I did not keep it, not because it wasn't a good amp for the money, but it just wasn't to my taste. It is loaded with good features. The phono stage is quite good for an onboard phono pre. I am familiar with the NAD sound (had a c326bee and now have an older c352 in a second system). The Parasound is clearly superior to the NAD. I recommend trying one from Audio Advisor. They have a 30 day money back option if for any reason you aren't satisfied. Their customer service is friendly and responsive. I believe I dealt with Kaan, a good guy. |
It depends on the speaker, the Kef LS50 is a little hard to drive in the bass with 4ohms and -55 degrees phase angle, this could equate to a load seen by the amp as low as 2ohms at that frequency, 100-200hz. The Halo can push good current for this load, I don’t think the NAD could equal that. As well the Halo is designed by a very highly regarded designer, "John Curl" you just have to look at his cred. Cheers George |
O.K. I've tried Parasound Halo Int. and I really can't justify the price of 2.5K. With the Focal's the sound is same as with the NAD C356DAC. Of course, Parasound is an excellent amplifier but I really don't need that power and extra features. Yesterday I received 6 Emails from the fellow audiogoners suggesting to change the speakers but I really like the sound of the Focal's. So I am still looking for the neutral to warm, transparent sounding Integrated amplifier up to $4000.00. |
