Parasound P5 XLR out Question

OldSchoolPolk

I'm looking at the P5 to use w/ active monitors via the XLR outs. I'm hoping to avoid a power amp by going active monitors and an SVS SB2000. Can someone tell me if the tone controls work via the XLR outs? Thanks in advance

tratliff

Yes they do. I have my P5 connected to a A21 with XLR and the tone controls do work. Don't use them and go direct but they do work.

OldSchoolPolk

Thanks guys. My hope is to pair the P5 w/ the A23 and Ascend Acoustics Sierra 2s down the road. One can dream.

I'm shooting for the P5 first as I'm using the Sony as a preamp and would assume the P5 would make the most diff. in sound quality. I appreciate all the insights of those who own the P5.

Has anyone heard much about the Parasound Integrated? Especially, would base management only work through the RCA outs? They don't seem to be in the loop between the internal amp and speaker posts. As the Integrated has 160W why would you need an external amp?

erniejade

Some of the sony es preamps are very good. What sony are you using?

ZLTFUL

Looks like he's a Sony DA80ES for 2 channel duty according to his sig.

erniejade

The mobile view on the cell or my cell phone, it doesn't show the sig so I cannot see the equipment list. Thanks for the 411 Zltful.

The DA80ES is not a bad unit. I am a fan of the ES stuff from Sony. The difference in sound in my opinion you might hear between the two units, the P5 will definately be warmer sounding and dig a little bit deeper to bring some of the background out BUT, in your post you said you were considering going to active monitors. Without even asking you, just from that statement I am going to asume you like a little bit more on the top / mid end of things vs warm and fuzzy feeling of the spectrum yes? If so then the p5 might not be your cup of tea. I am not saying the P5 doesn't have a good top / mid end, far from it but, it is a warmer sounding preamp where the Sony would be more on the high / mid side of the spectrum.

ZLTFUL

erniejade wrote: »

The mobile view on the cell or my cell phone, it doesn't show the sig so I cannot see the equipment list.

Kind of figured that was the case.

OldSchoolPolk

Yep, I got the DA80ES 18 months ago at a thrift store ($20) and have been quite surprised and happy with it. It now has a slight hum at idle which can't be heard when music is playing but I assume its on the way out.

I hooked up my JBL LSR 308s via the Sony's pre outs and it worked great until recently when the hum started. Though the JBLs themselves are dead silent at idle.

I also switch out my DT SM55s every so often and keep them in play for 2-3 weeks at a time. They have what I assume ernijade refers to as a "warm and fuzzy" sound which I like more than I thought I would as I do tend to like the hotter top end the JBLs exhibit. The longer I have the SM55s in the loop the more I like them.

I like the idea of a one-box solution with the P5 and it has all options I want. I'm more worried about the P5>SM55 combo being too warm but, I might like it too. The tone controls just might even things out when switching in various speakers.

Any thoughts on the Parasound 2100. I like it too but by the time I add a DAC its close to the price of the P5. I'm 55 and doubt I can hear a clear difference in most DACs so I think I'd be happy with the one in the P5.

Thanks again, any input/ideas are appreciated.

erniejade

I am not going to try to stereotype this but I don'know how to say it without doing so... soooo I am going to use my own life as an example.

When I was younger, I looked for the "true" sound. I liked a hotter top and mids that were more like studio monitors. When I say younger I mean mid 20's. Because before that I was still in the infinity sm/ vega type sound. Just loud and aot of bass. As I got older the top end just started bugging me and my ears would just hurt and have become more sensitive to higher frequencies. I started preferring a warmer sound.
After a pair of Carver Amazing speakers I found out sizzling highs wasnt the truth or what I wanted anymore. I wanted clear but able to sit and listen for hours. I wanted transparency and wanted it in a warmer sound. I quickly learned you can still hear all details without killing my ears. It took me a little to get adjusted to it but I find I prefer it especialy for long listening.

To me, it almost seems as we get a little bit older, we start to lean towards a little bit warmer/ bloom sound. Still accurate but just a different interpretation of it. I am not saying thats all. But it just seems to be a pattern I see.

tonyb

erniejade wrote: »

To me, it almost seems as we get a little bit older, we start to lean towards a little bit warmer/ bloom sound. Still accurate but just a different interpretation of it. I am not saying thats all. But it just seems to be a pattern I see.

Good observation and one I hold as well. Also why some older folks ditch the digital music and return to vinyl. I know in some instances, we say the older you get the less your hearing is able to discern some frequencies. That may be true, but also as you age it seems other frequencies become more acute, so we old farts tend to gravitate to brands with better tone and a warmer musical feel.

Nothing right or wrong about that, and we should be glad we have such a variety in gear to please every ear.