Parasound Halo A21

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  • Pinktulip7
    Pinktulip7 Posts: 249
    edited December 2010
    dcoil wrote: »
    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?

    For HT I have 7.1 set up Emotiva UPA-1 powering Center Chanel Polk CSi A6 and Parasound Halo A21 powering up Fornt L/R Polk RTi A9,for side surround I am using Polk RTi A3 and for Rear using Polk FXi A6....Emotiva UPA-1 is great for Center Chanel whichone carry more than 50% of HT load..
    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
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  • Beta
    Beta Posts: 267
    edited December 2010
    I can't say that I noticed any difference in sound quality after a substantial break in period with my Halo gear. That's not to say it doesn't or didn't happen. In my case, I tend to be a little impatient. I have added, tweaked and moved pieces in and out of my 2 channel system more frequently than I probably should have.

    I did utilize Kimber 8TC cable and found it to be very good.
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  • Pinktulip7
    Pinktulip7 Posts: 249
    edited December 2010
    Earthy wrote: »
    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.

    How Halo P3 sound?
    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
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  • Earthy
    Earthy Posts: 488
    edited December 2010
    Pinktulip7 wrote: »
    How Halo P3 sound?

    I don't have anything to compare it to, but my P3 has found a long term home in my system. I love the sound.
    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



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  • Pinktulip7
    Pinktulip7 Posts: 249
    edited December 2010
    but how do u compare balance vs unbalance?
    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
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  • Earthy
    Earthy Posts: 488
    edited December 2010
    I don't have any balanced interconnects. I read several posts where unbalanced is claimed to sound "better" since it has fewer components to pass through. I just went unbalanced and called it a day.
    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



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  • dcoil
    dcoil Posts: 153
    edited December 2010
    I've read posts for both sides (balanced vs unbalanced), claiming 'much' better 'results' and lower noise. I think it is a function of componets and wiring. I think it would be worth trying both. JMHO:smile:
    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...
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  • playback
    playback Posts: 101
    edited December 2010
    The balanced connections on the A21 are more than just a hook up option its the best hook up option as stated in the manual. I used unbalanced for a year after reading and hearing there would be no difference. I wasted that year not hearing the A21 at its best which in my opinion the balanceds input puts it in another class all together.:biggrin:
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  • Vette C6.r
    Vette C6.r Posts: 1,560
    edited December 2010
    I have read that the balenced inputs are only "quassi-balenced" and that others liked it better with just the RCA inputs rather than the XLR's. Going to try that now.

    I will try to find the article and post it later.
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  • playback
    playback Posts: 101
    edited December 2010
    The A21 just sounds different in the balanced hook up, there is a nice increase in soundstage height and different placement of music during playback, don't forget to adjust for the gain difference, its mabe about 6db more!And the balanced connetors do need to burn in as well. keep us posted on your findings:smile:
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  • Pinktulip7
    Pinktulip7 Posts: 249
    edited January 2011
    What about low Bass ouput through Halo P3?
    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
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