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Experience with Parasound P5?

I I have been looking at a pre upgrade for my main system of AcurusR11, McIntosh MC250 with upgrades/ATI 1502, Sony Sa5400cdp, Ohm Walsh 2-100S3, Squeezebox. I have never had a more modern pre with these amps and I have heard consistently that the pre is a weakness. I have a chance to get a NIB Parasound P5 for a really good price from a dealer on the Mainland so no chance to test it. Wanted to see if others have heard or bought this unit and their thoughts as to quality, impact or if anyone has used it it's a similar amp.





joekapahulu
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
Depending on what features you need and how much you're getting it for, it may or may not be the best option. I would get a Quick Silver basic pre if I were paying more than $700 for the P5.
erik_squires
16,318 posts
 
@MTdunn I actually e-mailed Richard Schramm / CEO of Parasound about the DAC in the P5 vs. the integrated.

He said the DAC in the P5 was just a convenience, but the Integrated has a much more serious and better sounding DAC built in. I personally have not heard either.

I can tell you I've heard the ZDac v.2 and for the price, it is a very very good performer.

Best,

E
joekapahulu OP
251 posts
 
Well, got sick (back) and ended up missing out on the P5 so I am still looking at a new used preamp. I remembered recently that one of the best experiences I had was with an older CJ PV4 tube preamp. It was the old CJ sound but still had some warmth that beat my Acurus but without the detail. Made me wonder if a CJ tube preamp would make a good match. Ideally, one with a remote as my back has me living in a recliner more than I like (though it is a good excuse to play the stereo). I see some ET3 units for sale around $18-00-2000?  Are there other tube pres people recommend that have a remote, might be more in the $1k -1500 range and match the MC250? 
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