Parasound Halo A21

2

Comments

  • Pinktulip7
    Pinktulip7 Posts: 249
    edited December 2010
    All I can say wow...wow and wow...Excellent Amp very detail sounding,Deep Bass and little warm on high,it blow my two Carver out of the window...
    TV :>Panasonic TC-P55VT50
    RECEIVER :> HARMAN KARDON AVR 7300
    FRONT :> L & R :> POLK RTI A9 500 W
    AMP :1> PARASOUND HALO A21 250 W
    AMP :2> EMOTIVA UPA-1 200 W
    CENTER :> POLK LSiM 706c 250 W
    SURROUND SIDE :> POLK RTi A3 150 W
    SURROUND REAR :>POLK FXI A6 150 W
    DVD PLAYER(HD) :>TOSHIBA HD X-A2
    DVD PLAYER(BLU-RAY) :>Panasonic DMP-UB900
    POWER CONDITIONER :> PANAMAX M5400-EX
    SUBWOOFER :A> SVS SB16-Ultra 1500 W Front
    SUBWOOFER :B> SVS SB16-Ultra 1500 W Rear
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Vette C6.r
    Vette C6.r Posts: 1,560
    edited December 2010
    Damn Pink this isn't help me be patient for mine to come.

    Are you using the balanced inputs ???

    Is yours new or used ??

    How many hours do you have on it ???
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Pinktulip7
    Pinktulip7 Posts: 249
    edited December 2010
    No using unbalalance input...Factory Refreshed from Audio Advisor came with brand new retail packaging with Five yrs warrenty....only listen two hrs
    TV :>Panasonic TC-P55VT50
    RECEIVER :> HARMAN KARDON AVR 7300
    FRONT :> L & R :> POLK RTI A9 500 W
    AMP :1> PARASOUND HALO A21 250 W
    AMP :2> EMOTIVA UPA-1 200 W
    CENTER :> POLK LSiM 706c 250 W
    SURROUND SIDE :> POLK RTi A3 150 W
    SURROUND REAR :>POLK FXI A6 150 W
    DVD PLAYER(HD) :>TOSHIBA HD X-A2
    DVD PLAYER(BLU-RAY) :>Panasonic DMP-UB900
    POWER CONDITIONER :> PANAMAX M5400-EX
    SUBWOOFER :A> SVS SB16-Ultra 1500 W Front
    SUBWOOFER :B> SVS SB16-Ultra 1500 W Rear
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • schwarcw
    schwarcw Posts: 7,338
    edited December 2010
    Congrats! Welcome to the Halo A21 experience! The amp will get a little warm, but never "hot". Not even in a semi confined area. Good luck and enjoy!
    Carl

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Pinktulip7
    Pinktulip7 Posts: 249
    edited December 2010
    Only one complain Amp triger came with 2.5 MM but I only have 3.5 MM Triger Device....Auto Sensor turn the Amp of in middle of the Movie..any idea?
    TV :>Panasonic TC-P55VT50
    RECEIVER :> HARMAN KARDON AVR 7300
    FRONT :> L & R :> POLK RTI A9 500 W
    AMP :1> PARASOUND HALO A21 250 W
    AMP :2> EMOTIVA UPA-1 200 W
    CENTER :> POLK LSiM 706c 250 W
    SURROUND SIDE :> POLK RTi A3 150 W
    SURROUND REAR :>POLK FXI A6 150 W
    DVD PLAYER(HD) :>TOSHIBA HD X-A2
    DVD PLAYER(BLU-RAY) :>Panasonic DMP-UB900
    POWER CONDITIONER :> PANAMAX M5400-EX
    SUBWOOFER :A> SVS SB16-Ultra 1500 W Front
    SUBWOOFER :B> SVS SB16-Ultra 1500 W Rear
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • punk-roc
    punk-roc Posts: 1,150
    edited December 2010
    haha, I had been eye'ing that refurbished A21 on AA for a couple months.. glad someone grabbed it so I can forget about it for a little while =) I love my HCA-1200mkII

    Jason
    2-Channel - So far...
    Pre: Dodd ELP
    DAC: W4S-Dac2
    Source(s): Computer and Denon 2910
    Amp: Parasound HCA-1200II
    Speakers: LSi9s - Vr3 Fortress Mod
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TG Meat
    TG Meat Posts: 159
    edited December 2010
    Pinktulip7 wrote: »
    Only one complain Amp triger came with 2.5 MM but I only have 3.5 MM Triger Device....Auto Sensor turn the Amp of in middle of the Movie..any idea?


    Yeah, I agree with you on the trigger issue. There are 2.5mm to 3.5mm trigger cables that you can get out there. Also, I think Radio Shack sells an plug in adapter, but not sure if it works. You can also ask Parasound to send you one. If you cant find one, let me know, I may have an extra I can get to you.
    Anthem D2v
    NAD M50 Music Server
    B & K Reference 200.5
    Parasound A21
    B & W 804 (Mains)
    B & W HTM1 (Center)
    Polk Rti4 (Surrounds)
    PS3
    Seaton Submersive HP
    Pioneer PDP 6010FD Kuro
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Pinktulip7
    Pinktulip7 Posts: 249
    edited December 2010
    TG Meat wrote: »
    Yeah, I agree with you on the trigger issue. There are 2.5mm to 3.5mm trigger cables that you can get out there. Also, I think Radio Shack sells an plug in adapter, but not sure if it works. You can also ask Parasound to send you one. If you cant find one, let me know, I may have an extra I can get to you.

    Thx very much..I am using Emotiva ET-3 whichone comes with one 12V power adapter and four 3.5mm trigger output cables but Halo A21 onlu use 2.5MM Cable!!!!do u think 2.5 to 3.5mm cable will work with ET-3 ?:confused:
    TV :>Panasonic TC-P55VT50
    RECEIVER :> HARMAN KARDON AVR 7300
    FRONT :> L & R :> POLK RTI A9 500 W
    AMP :1> PARASOUND HALO A21 250 W
    AMP :2> EMOTIVA UPA-1 200 W
    CENTER :> POLK LSiM 706c 250 W
    SURROUND SIDE :> POLK RTi A3 150 W
    SURROUND REAR :>POLK FXI A6 150 W
    DVD PLAYER(HD) :>TOSHIBA HD X-A2
    DVD PLAYER(BLU-RAY) :>Panasonic DMP-UB900
    POWER CONDITIONER :> PANAMAX M5400-EX
    SUBWOOFER :A> SVS SB16-Ultra 1500 W Front
    SUBWOOFER :B> SVS SB16-Ultra 1500 W Rear
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TG Meat
    TG Meat Posts: 159
    edited December 2010
    Yes, it will work. I trigger my a21 out of my Anthem, which is 3.5mm and I trigger my zBreeze out of my B&K, which is 3.5mm. I use a 2.5 to 3.5 cable in each case.
    Anthem D2v
    NAD M50 Music Server
    B & K Reference 200.5
    Parasound A21
    B & W 804 (Mains)
    B & W HTM1 (Center)
    Polk Rti4 (Surrounds)
    PS3
    Seaton Submersive HP
    Pioneer PDP 6010FD Kuro
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Pinktulip7
    Pinktulip7 Posts: 249
    edited December 2010
    I missed it!!!Parasound did send a 2.5 MM TO 3.5 MM cable along with 2.5 MM cable...it works perfect..I thought both cables are 2.5 MM...
    TV :>Panasonic TC-P55VT50
    RECEIVER :> HARMAN KARDON AVR 7300
    FRONT :> L & R :> POLK RTI A9 500 W
    AMP :1> PARASOUND HALO A21 250 W
    AMP :2> EMOTIVA UPA-1 200 W
    CENTER :> POLK LSiM 706c 250 W
    SURROUND SIDE :> POLK RTi A3 150 W
    SURROUND REAR :>POLK FXI A6 150 W
    DVD PLAYER(HD) :>TOSHIBA HD X-A2
    DVD PLAYER(BLU-RAY) :>Panasonic DMP-UB900
    POWER CONDITIONER :> PANAMAX M5400-EX
    SUBWOOFER :A> SVS SB16-Ultra 1500 W Front
    SUBWOOFER :B> SVS SB16-Ultra 1500 W Rear
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Beta
    Beta Posts: 267
    edited December 2010
    I have my A21 in a rather confined wood cabinet with a glass front door. Even though I have 10 inches of open space above the unit, removed the rear panel of the cabinet and only ran the amp with the glass door open, I had issues with it overheating. I placed a Parasound Zbreeze fan on top a couple of years back and it solved the issue. I have not had any problems since installing the fan.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Pinktulip7
    Pinktulip7 Posts: 249
    edited December 2010
    heatsink or mosfet located in both side of the Device not in the back,u should have at least 3" clearence both side of the Unit,it does get little warm in the open Rack but never too hot..Portable Fan always is good idea...
    TV :>Panasonic TC-P55VT50
    RECEIVER :> HARMAN KARDON AVR 7300
    FRONT :> L & R :> POLK RTI A9 500 W
    AMP :1> PARASOUND HALO A21 250 W
    AMP :2> EMOTIVA UPA-1 200 W
    CENTER :> POLK LSiM 706c 250 W
    SURROUND SIDE :> POLK RTi A3 150 W
    SURROUND REAR :>POLK FXI A6 150 W
    DVD PLAYER(HD) :>TOSHIBA HD X-A2
    DVD PLAYER(BLU-RAY) :>Panasonic DMP-UB900
    POWER CONDITIONER :> PANAMAX M5400-EX
    SUBWOOFER :A> SVS SB16-Ultra 1500 W Front
    SUBWOOFER :B> SVS SB16-Ultra 1500 W Rear
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Vette C6.r
    Vette C6.r Posts: 1,560
    edited December 2010
    Have you guys messed with that THX setting on the back of the amp.

    Never really heard of 2 channel THX, this is a new one on me.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Pinktulip7
    Pinktulip7 Posts: 249
    edited December 2010
    Thx recomended setting or Gain should be set to high.............
    TV :>Panasonic TC-P55VT50
    RECEIVER :> HARMAN KARDON AVR 7300
    FRONT :> L & R :> POLK RTI A9 500 W
    AMP :1> PARASOUND HALO A21 250 W
    AMP :2> EMOTIVA UPA-1 200 W
    CENTER :> POLK LSiM 706c 250 W
    SURROUND SIDE :> POLK RTi A3 150 W
    SURROUND REAR :>POLK FXI A6 150 W
    DVD PLAYER(HD) :>TOSHIBA HD X-A2
    DVD PLAYER(BLU-RAY) :>Panasonic DMP-UB900
    POWER CONDITIONER :> PANAMAX M5400-EX
    SUBWOOFER :A> SVS SB16-Ultra 1500 W Front
    SUBWOOFER :B> SVS SB16-Ultra 1500 W Rear
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Vette C6.r
    Vette C6.r Posts: 1,560
    edited December 2010
    Any idea why Pink ??? Just curious.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • punk-roc
    punk-roc Posts: 1,150
    edited December 2010
    Let me see if I can find my Parasound manual.. my HCA-1200mkII said the same thing.. can't remember why.. one sec..
    2-Channel - So far...
    Pre: Dodd ELP
    DAC: W4S-Dac2
    Source(s): Computer and Denon 2910
    Amp: Parasound HCA-1200II
    Speakers: LSi9s - Vr3 Fortress Mod
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • punk-roc
    punk-roc Posts: 1,150
    edited December 2010
    from the HCA-1200ii manual, "...will sound best with its level controls set to maximum, or 'THX Level,' where they are effectively out of the audio signal path. However, if your preamp has a very high gain, and its volume control cannot track properly for left-right channel balance near its minimum position, it may be necessary to reduce the input level control settings"
    2-Channel - So far...
    Pre: Dodd ELP
    DAC: W4S-Dac2
    Source(s): Computer and Denon 2910
    Amp: Parasound HCA-1200II
    Speakers: LSi9s - Vr3 Fortress Mod
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Pinktulip7
    Pinktulip7 Posts: 249
    edited December 2010
    100% Gain sound optimal where Pre-Amp Or Receiver default sound level set to low like -55 or -50
    TV :>Panasonic TC-P55VT50
    RECEIVER :> HARMAN KARDON AVR 7300
    FRONT :> L & R :> POLK RTI A9 500 W
    AMP :1> PARASOUND HALO A21 250 W
    AMP :2> EMOTIVA UPA-1 200 W
    CENTER :> POLK LSiM 706c 250 W
    SURROUND SIDE :> POLK RTi A3 150 W
    SURROUND REAR :>POLK FXI A6 150 W
    DVD PLAYER(HD) :>TOSHIBA HD X-A2
    DVD PLAYER(BLU-RAY) :>Panasonic DMP-UB900
    POWER CONDITIONER :> PANAMAX M5400-EX
    SUBWOOFER :A> SVS SB16-Ultra 1500 W Front
    SUBWOOFER :B> SVS SB16-Ultra 1500 W Rear
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • unbridled_id
    unbridled_id Posts: 179
    edited December 2010
    Never heard a bad word about the A-21.
    The greatest enemy of truth is very often not the lie - deliberate, contrived and dishonest - but the myth - persistent, persuasive and unrealistic.

    Blaming the prince of the fools should not blind anyone to the vast confederacy of fools that made him their prince.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Vette C6.r
    Vette C6.r Posts: 1,560
    edited December 2010
    Anyone out there using the Halo P-3 pre-amp with the A 21 ???
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Beta
    Beta Posts: 267
    edited December 2010
    Vette C6.r wrote: »
    Anyone out there using the Halo P-3 pre-amp with the A 21 ???

    I was using the P 3 with my A 21. An excellent combination that I enjoyed very much. I have since moved to the JC 2.

    If you are interested in leaning about the neuaunces of this preamp and about the performance of the A 21/P 3 combination, you may want to consider calling Parasound. I did so before I moved to the JC 2. I was blown away when I called and the operator directed me to Richard Schram, founder and president of the company. Apparently, he enjoys talking to end consumers about their experiences with Parasound products. He spent a significant amount of time on the phone with me.

    My experience with Parasound has been similar to my experience with Polk. I have found them to be honest and to have excellent customer service and support.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TG Meat
    TG Meat Posts: 159
    edited December 2010
    I used the P7 with the A21 and thought it was a great combo. +1 on the customer support. I just wish the C3 would have become a reality, as I am sure it would have been a nice unit.
    Anthem D2v
    NAD M50 Music Server
    B & K Reference 200.5
    Parasound A21
    B & W 804 (Mains)
    B & W HTM1 (Center)
    Polk Rti4 (Surrounds)
    PS3
    Seaton Submersive HP
    Pioneer PDP 6010FD Kuro
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Pinktulip7
    Pinktulip7 Posts: 249
    edited December 2010
    so balance input will sound better than unbalance input?How is the P3 Bass response compare to other Pre-Amp?
    TV :>Panasonic TC-P55VT50
    RECEIVER :> HARMAN KARDON AVR 7300
    FRONT :> L & R :> POLK RTI A9 500 W
    AMP :1> PARASOUND HALO A21 250 W
    AMP :2> EMOTIVA UPA-1 200 W
    CENTER :> POLK LSiM 706c 250 W
    SURROUND SIDE :> POLK RTi A3 150 W
    SURROUND REAR :>POLK FXI A6 150 W
    DVD PLAYER(HD) :>TOSHIBA HD X-A2
    DVD PLAYER(BLU-RAY) :>Panasonic DMP-UB900
    POWER CONDITIONER :> PANAMAX M5400-EX
    SUBWOOFER :A> SVS SB16-Ultra 1500 W Front
    SUBWOOFER :B> SVS SB16-Ultra 1500 W Rear
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Beta
    Beta Posts: 267
    edited December 2010
    I found base response with the P 3 to be excellent. I only utilized the unit's XLR inputs. Therefore, I can't comment on the RCA inputs. IMO, the P 3 is an excellent preamp for it's price point.

    If you are thinking about acquiring this pre, you may want to keep an eye on Audiogon. I have found that used (8/10 & 9/10) P 3's can be had there at excellent prices.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Vette C6.r
    Vette C6.r Posts: 1,560
    edited December 2010
    They have a matching D 3 Universal Player. It seems to have fallen of the face of the earth. I would be nice to have an entire set to include the CDP but I can't seem to find one anywhere.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Pinktulip7
    Pinktulip7 Posts: 249
    edited December 2010
    after four/five days of serious listening of Music and HT I came to the conclusion that one Parasound Halo A-21 is much much better than two(2)Carver Amp(Bi-Amp)!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    TV :>Panasonic TC-P55VT50
    RECEIVER :> HARMAN KARDON AVR 7300
    FRONT :> L & R :> POLK RTI A9 500 W
    AMP :1> PARASOUND HALO A21 250 W
    AMP :2> EMOTIVA UPA-1 200 W
    CENTER :> POLK LSiM 706c 250 W
    SURROUND SIDE :> POLK RTi A3 150 W
    SURROUND REAR :>POLK FXI A6 150 W
    DVD PLAYER(HD) :>TOSHIBA HD X-A2
    DVD PLAYER(BLU-RAY) :>Panasonic DMP-UB900
    POWER CONDITIONER :> PANAMAX M5400-EX
    SUBWOOFER :A> SVS SB16-Ultra 1500 W Front
    SUBWOOFER :B> SVS SB16-Ultra 1500 W Rear
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Earthy
    Earthy Posts: 488
    edited December 2010
    I've been loving my A21/P3 pair since moving up from my Adcom 555II. I can't imagine looking to replace it anytime in the future. It really brings out the best in my 2.3TL's
    Polk Audio SDA SRS 2.3TL
    Parasound Halo A21
    Parasound Halo P3

    Home theater
    Polk LSiM 707, 706c, 703, 705
    Polk Blackstone TL3 for height
    SVS PB12-ISD Sub
    Denon AVR-X6400h
    Parasound Halo A51
    LG OLED65B7A
    Sony UBPX800
    Logitech Harmony Elite
    PC LSiM 703
    Spare LSIM 702 and 706c

    Home Theater #2
    Polk Audio LS70, CS350LS, LSF/X, S4
    Onkyo TX-NR808



    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Vette C6.r
    Vette C6.r Posts: 1,560
    edited December 2010
    Did you guys notice a big difference in SQ after break in ??

    How long did you A-21 take to break in ???
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dcoil
    dcoil Posts: 153
    edited December 2010
    Pinktulip7, can you tell me how you have your system hooked up? You list the A21 (2 channels) and the UPA-1 (1 channel) but list 7 speakers? Also, I'm considering the Emo XPA-2 as an entry level separate. Would you comment on the sound quality and your experience with the UPA-1?
    SDA SRS modded: X’ovrd, de-polyed, inductorized, interconnectorized, re-posted, dynamited, RDO’d, spiked, gasketed, ringed (Larry's), and grill cloth blinged! Done this on my own? Not a chance. Thanks to Raife and all who forged easy to follow upgrades. At least a 100% improvement in sound and my personal listening pleasure! :cheesygrin:Pass XP-10 preamp, Parasound A21 amp, Pioneer Elite DV-58AV (Ric Shultz modded), Audioquest Sky IC's, No longer need my Sunfire sub after mods...
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Earthy
    Earthy Posts: 488
    edited December 2010
    Vette C6.r wrote: »
    Did you guys notice a big difference in SQ after break in ??

    How long did you A-21 take to break in ???


    I only have about 15 hours on my A21 and P3. I just put some fresh Kimber Kable 8TC speaker cables on today, and honestly didn't notice any difference over my well used KK 4VS. All I can say is going to this A21 was the biggest step I have noticed since getting the 2.3TL's.

    Maybe I'll notice a change over time, but honestly, it sounds great just the way it is.
    Polk Audio SDA SRS 2.3TL
    Parasound Halo A21
    Parasound Halo P3

    Home theater
    Polk LSiM 707, 706c, 703, 705
    Polk Blackstone TL3 for height
    SVS PB12-ISD Sub
    Denon AVR-X6400h
    Parasound Halo A51
    LG OLED65B7A
    Sony UBPX800
    Logitech Harmony Elite
    PC LSiM 703
    Spare LSIM 702 and 706c

    Home Theater #2
    Polk Audio LS70, CS350LS, LSF/X, S4
    Onkyo TX-NR808



    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter