Differences between new and "vintage" Parasound pre-amps significant?

dbaldus

I'm considering picking up a pre-amp now that I've got a decent little 2 channel setup (see my signature) and am wondering what the differences between the older and newest Parasound pre-amps would be?

The pre-amps I am considering are:
1. Parasound PHP-850
2. Parasound New Classics 2100

I'm concerned about the differences in sound quality, NOT things such as having a remote for one but not the other. Just curious how much pre-amp technology has progressed in the 10-15 years or so between these models being produced as I can probably pick up a PHP-850 for a fraction of the price of the 2100 if the differences are minimal.

Side note: Now I just have to figure out what the hell is going on with my 2200II... :mad:

Thanks!
Derek

disneyjoe7

I wouldn't think so, but the new one I'm sure has auto turn on, where the older model most likely didn't.

billbillw

Well, if you can find one of the higher end preamps from Parasound (P/LD-2000, 1500, or 1100), then there is quite a difference. Those were extremely well built preamps that would cost a fortune to build today. IMHO, the HCA-2200II deserves a better preamp. The 850 is not quite up to the rest of the line. The sacrifice you make is no phono preamp (on the P/LD series), but that opens you up to some very nice stand alone phono stages.

dbaldus

billbillw wrote: »

Well, if you can find one of the higher end preamps from Parasound (P/LD-2000, 1500, or 1100), then there is quite a difference. Those were extremely well built preamps that would cost a fortune to build today. The 850 is not quite up to the rest of the line. The sacrifice you make is no phono preamp (on the P/LD series), but that opens you up to some very nice stand alone phono stages.

So, just to be clear, you feel that the quality of the P/LD-2000, 1500, or 1100 would be better than the New Classics 2100?

Any idea on the differences between the PHP-850 and the New Classics 2100?

By the way, I'm not interested in a phono stage and would be using a CD player as a source...

Thanks again...
Derek

billbillw

dbaldus wrote: »

So, just to be clear, you feel that the quality of the P/LD-2000, 1500, or 1100 would be better than the New Classics 2100?

Any idea on the differences between the PHP-850 and the New Classics 2100?

By the way, I'm not interested in a phono stage and would be using a CD player as a source...

Thanks again...
Derek

Yes, much better. If you don't want/need phono, then I would definitely think about a PLD-1100. I can't really compare the 850 vs New Classic, but based on the description of the 2100, it doesn't sound like its built to the standards of the old Parasound.

Have you seen this:
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showpost.php?p=703713&postcount=459

disneyjoe7

Interesting thanks for the input, learning something every day. It did surprise me what you're saying, but from Parasound.

megasat16

billbillw wrote: »

Have you seen this:
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showpost.php?p=703713&postcount=459

Very nicely built pre. I think the newer Halo P3 pre would be comparable to this in terms of sonics.

Since a lot more pre are built with digital in mind these days, there are less analog components and even more importantly, most components are SMD and circuits are smaller. I still prefer the old Analog pre over the newer pre but Halo JC2 is very highly reviewed and praised.

billbillw

megasat16 wrote: »

Very nicely built pre. I think the newer Halo P3 pre would be comparable to this in terms of sonics.

Since a lot more pre are built with digital in mind these days, there are less analog components and even more importantly, most components are SMD and circuits are smaller. I still prefer the old Analog pre over the newer pre but Halo JC2 is very highly reviewed and praised.

Not even close. The Halo P3 has nowhere near the build or sonic quality of that old PLD2k. The JC2 is the closest thing in the current lineup, but of course, surpasses it in both build quality and sound.

megasat16

PLD2K sure is very nice preamp and you really got me interested in it. I got to listen to it one day. I always like John Curl Designs.

dbaldus

billbillw wrote: »

Yes, much better. If you don't want/need phono, then I would definitely think about a PLD-1100. I can't really compare the 850 vs New Classic, but based on the description of the 2100, it doesn't sound like its built to the standards of the old Parasound.

Have you seen this:
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showpost.php?p=703713&postcount=459

Thanks so much for the tip - I just won a PL/D 1100 on eBay for $233.67 and can't WAIT to get it home with me!

Not a bad price, in my opinion, especially compared to the NewClassics 2100, which sounds like its a lesser pre. Now I'm just hoping that these old Parasound pre-amps were built to last and that it won't fall apart on me...

billbillw

dbaldus wrote: »

Thanks so much for the tip - I just won a PL/D 1100 on eBay for $233.67 and can't WAIT to get it home with me!

Not a bad price, in my opinion, especially compared to the NewClassics 2100, which sounds like its a lesser pre. Now I'm just hoping that these old Parasound pre-amps were built to last and that it won't fall apart on me...

It is definitely built to last. You shouldn't have any problems with it. I had a ground loop problem with mine, but that was easily solved.