Parasound p5 vs avr ???????

Not sure where you're getting this info about the P5, Eric.  Are you basing it on your own experience with the P5?  

I've got the P7 myself and was debating the P5 when I found a used P7.  I did much research on the P5 and never heard or read anything critical of it for the price.  The Parasound Classic 2100 is the basic performer here, not the P5.  The 2100 is again quite nice sounding for the price, and the P5 is a good step up from that.  The P7, though quite good, employs op amps  and not discrete circuits.

I dont know abiut the clasxic, but just take a look inside.  ;)  im not saying its a terrible preamp, but that the p7 is a much better value.

Rightly or wrongly in this audio adventure, I finally decided that how it sounds is the bottom line for me.  That's why I sold the Oppo and various Emotiva gear and ended up with Parasound and some Nad pieces.

Anyway, as for this P5, it does look a little empty on the inside for sure(the Oppo 95 looked amazing on the inside but was bested by a Nad C565bee), but I've never heard one.  I do remember that the early ones had an issue with the volume pot, and Parasound had owners ship them back for warranty repair.  

If I was in the market for a $1100 pre today, I'd have the P5 on my short list, because I've come to trust Shram, it's a solid company that really does put audio first.  Still, I'm quite happy with the P7.

@213runnin Sound trumps all if you want to live with it. If you are going to resell it, that's another story. :)

Erik

Wish I could find a used p7 in black