Rega Planar 3, Parasound Halo pre, their 2125v2 amp. Upgrade:TT, cart, or poweramp?


Hey all.... so, I've got the itch. Was just looking at DACs, but... I think mine is good enough anyway. So... still itching, I started browsing. 

I have a Rega Planar 3 w/ an upgraded subplatter, the Ania (not pro) cartridge, added the Neo PSU, use their Fono MC phono preamp. 

The Halo P5 preamp I feel like I'm happy with (especially with the HT bypass, since I do incorporate this stereo setup, for music only, to also be able to use the same front speakers and power amp along with my receiver/Atmos setup.

The poweramp is also from Parasound - great stuff for the money, but it's the 2125 classic, which is lower than the line associated with the Halo (I believe if I purchased integrated, It'd be the equivalent of the same preamp, but with the A21 or A23 poweramp). 

Now, I've never really heard much in terms of pre/power amps for HiFi systems outside of cheaper integrated setups, or just whatever I used to use back when I used AVR receivers, so I've not much to compare to (and live in the boonies so trying stuff out is near impossible - I rely on reviews, forums, online discussion, etc). 

So, all that said... where should I go? I've invested a lot already, and... Idk, I love the P3 and feel like it's great, but also feel like it could be better. Could it be as simple as a cartridge swap? Or is getting something better than the Ania throwing something... I guess "too good" on the table? Or upgrade the arm? I'd consider something new altogether, but I love how easy Rega makes mounting/aligning their carts. Wish I just got the P6 to begin with lol (or wish I could find a P6 or P8 used being sold without the PSU and cart since I already have 'em, but I digress). 

Then, I also can't help but feel like my power amp could be better. But I base that off of nothing other than its cost compared to my other components, and knowing what amp Parasound typically pairs with the preamp I have, so... then there's that. 

I like my speakers, so nothing I want to change there. 

Idk. Anyone have any thoughts? Should I just not blow money? lol. Or maybe I should just look into a new DAC (currently using a pro-ject pre box s2, and an m1 mac mini, I guess, as my streamer. Also have/use a SugarCube to rip and declick all my vinyl, and store this on my NAS, so I am getting more into digital listening. And currently using Roon w/ all of this to stream my local files [vinyl rips/collection] along w/ my Tidal subcription, so... yeah. I just dont know how much I'd need to spend to warrant a worthwhile upgrade from my current DAC. 

Apologies for the book, thanks in advance for any thoughts, advice, insight, etc. 

ns2357

Showing 1 response by erik_squires

I like Halo but they are also very laid back, so depends on how you pair them with your music and speakers and room.