2. amps-preamps
  3. 127959-68346

Replacing Parasound p7, but with what?

The rest of the system is a Nad c565BEE player and a Halo A21.  Speakers are Sierra 2 or Tannoy Saturn DC6, depending on my mood.  With Wireworld Oasis 7 speaker cables and MA3 Morrows with Eichmann bullets.  Also one pair of  Silver stager Solids.  I've got a iPhone doc that passes digital into the Nad, which does a pretty good job with the processing.

It'a half open basement concept, about 500 square feet, but the main listening area is about 17 by18 with 9 foot ceilings, carpeted.  The sound is on the warm side, I fine that the top frequencies are reduced and I've heard that that's Parasound's sonic signature.  I've also read that their amps are better than their preamps.  Also, I suspect that the imaging isn't as good as it could be for that kind of money with the pre.  

So, any thoughts or suggestions?  I've considered the Wyred STP-SE, Nad C165BEE and selling the amp too for Nad's new c388 integrated.  Emotiva won't do it for me, but I'd like a little more top end.
213runnin
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,967 posts
 
The reason the Parasound is softer on top isn't because it has less high end!

Its because it has less distortion! John Curl (the designer) is well aware that the higher ordered harmonics in trace amounts can cause brightness, since the ear converts distortions of all types into tonality.

This is why tubes tend to sound smooth BTW. They don't make as much higher ordered harmonic distortion.

If I were you I would hang on to the amp- if you want more high end I would look into cables and possibly a preamp with tone controls, or do something with the room to make it more lively (the room is 50% of any system's sound so this might be the place to start).
213runnin OP
914 posts
 
Just to be clear, the C356BEE is an integrated amp and the Nad C565BEE was their top CD player.  With an ipod doc I can connect my phone and pass digital to the C565BEE as it has digital inputs and also functions as a DAC.  Either way, thank you both for your thoughts, perhaps I do have to do some more experimenting.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
dbphd
1,631 posts
 
I agree with atmosphere's comments, but your A 21 would pair well with a Parasound JC 2 preamp.  The used market seems to be around $2K.  The JC 2 has been characterized as approaching an ideal strait wire with amplification.

If you want to integrate it into an HT setup, Parasound can add a BP capability so any channel can be unity gain.  The cost of the mod is reasonable.

Disclosure:  I use a JC 2 BP with a pair of JC 1 monoblocks.

db 
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,418 posts
 
The Parasound Halo A21 is a fine amp, it would be a mistake to swap it for an integrated. The preamp is largely responsible for the timbre and sonic signature of the system. 
There are many options for a preamp with more dynamics and extended range.
213runnin OP
914 posts
 
I think the JC2 would be out of my budget at this point. I’d like to keep the amp for sure unless a really fine integrated is an option. I listened to the P7 again after I started this thread, and it really does sound pretty nice. I’m just wondering is there a stand alone 2 channel pre that would supersede it for say under 1100 new or used.

As for a replacement preamp, I’m kind of scratching my head for something that has at least a few inputs and a phono stage.  I don't need to integrate it into a theater set up, I have a separate system for that.
More to discover