Parasound halo D3 for 2 channel music

Beta
Beta Posts: 267
edited October 2008 in 2 Channel Audio
A while back some of the folks who visit this forum were nice enough to provide me with a little guidance. I have a pair of RT2000i speakers. I was powering them with a Denon 3802 AVR. I was not at all happy with the sound.

I ended up purchasing Parasound's halo A21 2 channel amp and P3 preamp. Huge difference.

Anyone have any insight on the Parasound halo D3 universal disc player? My use would be strictly for music only. Not movies.

Right now I have a Denon DCM 380 5-disc player hooked into my set up. I am wondering if I would experience any significant sound improvement by upgrading my CD player? I am open to any brands.

I am only toying with the idea of acquiring the D3 because it matches the rest of my halo gear, it's being discontinued by Parasound and can be obtained at a fairly reasonable/reduced price.

Thanks
Post edited by Beta on
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited October 2008
    They are on the street for very nice prices and it's much better than the Denon.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • schwarcw
    schwarcw Posts: 7,337
    edited October 2008
    Greetings Beta!

    Glad you like the Halo equipment. I own several pieces including a pair of A21's like you have. I do not have experience with the Halo D3 universal payer. Are you looking for strictly a CD player or truly a universal player?

    I suggest that you go and hear some pieces before making a decision, and even buying several that will offer you a 30 day trial period. You may be able to get that deal on that Halo D3. Also, consider some of the Marantz players. They make players from $200 to $8,000. Buy used or B-Stock. Check out the link to a nice Marantz universal player Here.

    That player is very reasonably priced and has SACD, DVD-A, etc. It's not silver so it won't match your nice Halo components:( I think this is a better player than some other popular low price brands like Oppo, etc. Good luck on your search.
    Carl

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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited October 2008
    There are endless possibilities. I'd stick with the Parasound. www.audioadvisor.com WAS blowing them out.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • schwarcw
    schwarcw Posts: 7,337
    edited October 2008
    dorokusai wrote: »
    There are endless possibilities. I'd stick with the Parasound. www.audioadvisor.com WAS blowing them out.

    This is probably the best option. I seem to remember that sale in the Advisor. I usually just look at that chick.
    Carl

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  • Beekyman
    Beekyman Posts: 150
    edited October 2008
    schwarcw wrote: »
    This is probably the best option. I seem to remember that sale in the Advisor. I usually just look at that chick.

    The blonde or the brunette? :)
    2 Channel Rig
    Source 1 - Apple TV
    Source 2 - Parasound D3 Universal Player
    Source 3 - Parasound Tuner T3
    Pre-amp - Parasound HALO P3
    Amplifier - Parasound HALO A21
    Speakers - Martin Logan Vista
    Power Conditioning - Panamax M5100-EX
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  • schwarcw
    schwarcw Posts: 7,337
    edited October 2008
    Beekyman wrote: »
    The blonde or the brunette? :)

    The brunette is smoking hot!:D
    Carl

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  • Beekyman
    Beekyman Posts: 150
    edited October 2008
    Having previously owned and enjoyed a Marantz 8260, I personally really enjoy my D3 player but as you can see from my signature it would appear that I am somewhat biased! :) Don't be afraid to use the D3 for video playback either!
    The price is right and the performance is excellent. I too dig the aesthetics of matching equipment and it factored a bit in my decision. Parasound's warranty cant be beat either! Go ahead and get one for yourself and I am sure that you'll be very pleased in the long run.
    2 Channel Rig
    Source 1 - Apple TV
    Source 2 - Parasound D3 Universal Player
    Source 3 - Parasound Tuner T3
    Pre-amp - Parasound HALO P3
    Amplifier - Parasound HALO A21
    Speakers - Martin Logan Vista
    Power Conditioning - Panamax M5100-EX
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  • Beekyman
    Beekyman Posts: 150
    edited October 2008
    schwarcw wrote: »
    The brunette is smoking hot!:D
    Agreed! Although I do have a certain fondness for the blonde! The brunette definitely gets more exposure in the catalog!
    2 Channel Rig
    Source 1 - Apple TV
    Source 2 - Parasound D3 Universal Player
    Source 3 - Parasound Tuner T3
    Pre-amp - Parasound HALO P3
    Amplifier - Parasound HALO A21
    Speakers - Martin Logan Vista
    Power Conditioning - Panamax M5100-EX
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited October 2008
    I agree with you guys....thank goodness they upgraded the hotness in that catalog. Sheesh.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • schwarcw
    schwarcw Posts: 7,337
    edited October 2008
    WOW! The D3 is selling for $849, it listed new for $2,500. Look Here
    Carl

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  • Sami
    Sami Posts: 4,634
    edited October 2008
    You might also want to talk to AndyGwis, he had quite a few nice CDP's for sale. I think majority of them, if not all, played SACD. Just thought I'd mention since you're open to other makes and models.
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  • Beta
    Beta Posts: 267
    edited October 2008
    Sounds like the D3 is the way to go for me (CD music listening use only, not video).

    Audio Advisor is selling the unit brand new for $999.00. They have a demo unit at $849.99.

    My guess is, because Parasound has discontinued the product, with a little work one might be able to push the price down a bit further.

    Thanks everyone for your input. Much appreciated!
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  • schwarcw
    schwarcw Posts: 7,337
    edited October 2008
    Beta wrote: »
    Audio Advisor is selling the unit brand new for $999.00. They have a demo unit at $849.99.

    My guess is, because Parasound has discontinued the product, with a little work one might be able to push the price down a bit further.

    Beta,

    Let us know if you can negotiate the price down a little lower. I'd be very interested to know.

    I think you are right about this being a discontinued product. My guess is that they will be coming out with a high end Blue Ray player.

    Thanks!

    Carl
    Carl

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  • fossy
    fossy Posts: 1,378
    edited October 2008
    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1228609120&/Parasound-Halo-D3-barely-used-

    Comes with warranty -- no affliation
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