Pre with Parasound

sfosselman

After getting such an overwhelming response from the Parasound vs Emotiva post I thought I would inquire to the other Parasound peoples around here as to a suitable pre for my new hca-1200ii. Right now I am running a Rotel RSX-1055 running as a pre with preouts. I am looking for a good 2 channel pre to match up to the Parasound with HT bypass. They will be connected to my SDA 1C's. After some surfing I have been looking at the VTL 2.5 or something in the Parasound family. Any suggestions?

jeremymarcinko

I would imagine the new classic 2100 is the logical choice.
http://www.audioadvisor.com/mobile/prodinfo.asp?number=PAC2100

sfosselman

That is one of the contenders

txcoastal1

Unit has great reviews, and since you are receptive using tubes I can only give a thumbs up on the VTL...looks like a great bang for the buck

george daniel

Whatever per you get,, make sure it has TOOBS,,,maybe look for a Belles 21,, good per and it has a HT bypass.

Irrenhaus

I have a Cary Tube Pre using a 2125 and SDA 1C (not upgraded) and is a great combination.

Cheers

txcoastal1

Irrenhaus wrote: »

I have a Cary Tube Pre using a 2125 and SDA 1C (not upgraded) and is a great combination.

Cheers

The only Cary with HT bypass is the SLP-05, otherwise that you be on top of my list.

Irrenhaus

txcoastal1 wrote: »

Irrenhaus wrote: »

I have a Cary Tube Pre using a 2125 and SDA 1C (not upgraded) and is a great combination.

Cheers

The only Cary with HT bypass is the SLP-05, otherwise that you be on top of my list.

Ohhh did not see the HT bypass request. My HT bypass is manual labor...lol.

On his case a Parasound 2100 or a P5 will work. I did look at those but got the Cary instead. The tubes got me.....lol

Cheers

Nightfall

With a db meter you can use a pre without HT bypass. Connect the preouts from the AVR to a regular input on the 2 channel pre, adjust the 2 channel pre volume until the fronts are level matched to the rest of the system, and remember that spot - maybe mark it with a small piece of tape or something. Connect all your 2 channel gear to the 2 channel preamp and you're good to go.

sfosselman

That's a good idea with the db meter. I will look into the Cary tube pre...and models I should look at around 1k

george daniel

Belles

sfosselman

Any leads on one for sale George?

george daniel

Keep checking US Audio Mart ,A'gon,and audio Asylum,,,, I think you would really like it,,, I owned a 20 and my brother has a 21,,,well built,,dependable,and play above the used mkt price point

txcoastal1

A little over budget and not sure if Marvin sold it yet...$1380.00

Belles 21A tube preamp w/auricap upgrade

http://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/168668/belles-21a-tube-preamp-w-auricap-upgrade

Marvin is a great guy too, and a review writer for Stereo Mojo

sfosselman

I'll send him a PM and see if its still available... Thanks

george daniel

sfosselman wrote: »

I'll send him a PM and see if its still available... Thanks

Attaboy!

motorhead43026

He still has it.

sfosselman

PM has been sent

[Deleted User]

Post Mortem?
Good luck w/ the Belles if you get it and
post your impressions if you feel like it.

Upstatemax

I'm a big fan of the Parasound P5. HT bypass, sub management, built in DAC and phono...

Ohh, and it sounds great!

AudioAdvisor usually has them "open box" for around $960 with full warranty.

sfosselman

Yes a message about his preamp from beyond the grave I will keep everyone posted

voltz

I've been over Marvins house and heard his set up withe the Belles 21a & some Ushers! and it was one of the best systems I got to put my ears on.
When he went looking for a new preamp I could not understand why?

[Deleted User]

good morning Voltz!
putting you on the spot, better than your Vincents?
Still waiting for you to leap to the SP-331MK...

george daniel

The Belles w / Auricap is a very musical pre,, well built,,never had any issues,,, responds well with some Mullards

voltz

Morning Red well his entire set up is better then mine LOL but I think my Vincent preamp would hang tough with a lot of pre's. Would have been nice to have it over Marvins house. When he put it up for sale I didnt feel the need to replace my Vincent except it was about the price $$ I paid for my Vincent.

You cant beat German Quality made in China

sfosselman

I do like the connectivity of the Parasound P5 but the Belles seems like a step up in sound quality

tonyb

sfosselman wrote: »

I do like the connectivity of the Parasound P5 but the Belles seems like a step up in sound quality

More so just a different sound. The Belles is very musical as others already said. It will have you tapping your toes and not picking apart the musical presentation. The Parrasound has the connectivity going for it and a decent built in dac.

I don't think you can go wrong with either, just a matter of preferences is all.

cstmar01

Belles would be a good match.

If you can't get it I would honestly go with the VTL over the Parasound 2100. I had one and while it's a good pre the VTL would be a step or two above IMO.

Also check out BAT. I ran their VK 31 and was very impressed. However might be out of your price point as I think it runs $1500-2000. It's tube but does have a more solid state sound to it but not clinical or harsh.

sfosselman

Has anyone else compared to Belles to the VTL?

sfosselman

They will be similarly priced

george daniel

Have not heard the VTL pre amps,, just their amps,, however the tube pre ans ss amp combo can make you some magic!