Parasound P3

ROHfan

I've been looking around for the P5 but it's pretty scarce. I have, however, found a few P3's on ebay that look to be in good shape. What would be the benefit of the P5 over the P3? Should I hold out for it or is the P3 a good transitional pre?

tonyb

Transitional ? As compared to what ?

The P5 is a better pre in every way, save your coin, one will pop up.

msg

Onboard DAC, sub out with crossover controls, and HT Bypass are the main standouts.

The P3 could be a good transitional pre if you really want Parasound, need one now, don't need any of the above, and can't wait for a P5 to show up.

I was in the same boat as you. I started with the 2100, considered the P3, but decided to hold off, and ended up waiting about a year and a half for a P5. I just used my other stuff in the meantime, and looking back I'm glad I waited.

If not, you might also consider the Model 2100 in the meantime? If you need these features, it's got HT Bypass and sub out, but crossover control is limited. It's got low-pass, but hi-pass is limited at 80Hz.

Not sure how the sound quality compares between the three, though. I feel like the 2100 is a little edgier than the P5, fwiw. I'd say hold out if you really have your heart set on the P5.

Parasound Halo P3

Parasound Halo P5

Parasound Model 2100

ROHfan

la2vegas wrote: »

You could pick up a P3 cheap and unload it when you finally find a P5. No affiliation. http://neworleans.craigslist.org/ele/5456828684.html Just a thought.

A little far from me, but thanks. I get my Energy RC70s this week so I'll see how it sounds just using the Teac DAC pre first.

Upstatemax

I love the flexibility of my P5. I thought that I would never use half the options, but I have since used all of them...

the sound quality of the P5 is awesome for the $$ and it is a versatile unit.

I say hold out for the P5.

Jaybeez

The P5 is on my short list as well. I'm holding out until I find one. Nothing else looks remotely close to meeting me needs for anywhere near the price.

ROHfan

I may wind up getting the 2100. I just got my new RC70s hooked up and they sound wonderful, but I'm using the volume control in my Teac DAC. Not sure if that's an ideal setup. The 2100 might round that out rather nicely, and I definitely need the sub integration and HT bypass.

tonyb

P5 in the FM right now for 650 bones.....run.