Experience with Parasound P5?

I have been running the P5 and recently swapped in a McIntosh C39 preamp.  I notice the C39 has some sratchiness on the balance control knob and was convinced the left speaker would drop in volume at times.  I put the P5 back in my setup and am happy.  I will take the cover off the The MAC and try to clean the pot and see if that helps and compare the two.  In the mean time I'm happy with my P5.

Thx for all the input. I really like the sound of the amps I have and really want to see if I can improve this with a good pre. I used a Luminous audio passive for a while. It was good with the Mac but not the ATI. The Mac is really the main amp.As an old unit though it periodically needs maintenance. I would like to maintain two systems  with this as the vintage one. I need to get off the upgrade merry go round so if this doesn't work I may just end up buying a new integrated and getting rid of the separates. That would just start another search and end my vintage pursuit/obsession. That would make my wife happy.

Given your system, thats not a bad idea. Parasound makes a Halo integrated amp that has a built in DAC for $2500. I think it would look and sound better than what you have now.

I personally think the P5 is overpriced, but not sure how much you are being charged for it.

The P7 is a little pricier used (usually) but a much better pre.

Best,

E

I am interested in the P5 as well.  My biggest concern is the DAC.  Does anyone use this portion of the preamp to stream music?