Parasound Halo P7

Nicknice · May 2010

Does anyone currently use a parasound halo p7 in there setup? I want to get a preamplifier for my system and I'm thinking about this one, because of the HT bypass. I would just like some opinions on this pre, and its overall sound quality.

TG Meat · May 2010

Yes, I have one. What are your questions?

TG Meat · May 2010

Oops, you are interested in sound quality...sorry. I noticed greater musical detail right out of the box. Before the P7, I was using a Pioneer Elite AVR as my preamp, so I had certainly expected that result. It is currently fed by a Bryston DAC and it goes out to Parasound's A21 to B&W 804 speakers. One feature I liked was the analog bass management it provides. I used it for some time, with good results, although I now run the mains at full range. I was happy with my subs in the mix on some music, but not on all. So, you will need to play with it, if the P7 will do bass management for you. I am planning on getting an OPPO se for Bluray playback around Thanksgiving, I will run analog outs through the P7 and take the Pioneer out of the loop. I was so impressed with the addition of Bryston's DAC for music, I am thinking the OPPO will do something similar for Bluray audio. I also like the Theater Bypass feature, which works like a charm, easy to set up and works well. Parasound's JC2, which I considered, but discounted, because it lacked the Theater Bypass, is said to soon be offered with this feature. On one hand, I feel like I should have waited, but I dont think the new JC2 will be able to take 7.1 analog, like the P7. I hope this information helps. Let me know if I can answer any specific questions you might have.

Nicknice · May 2010

Thanks for your reply. A big improvement over the AVR is what I wanted to hear, because I'm currently using a Denon AVR-3808ci as my preamp. Does the HT bypass change the sound of the AVR? Or is the signal just passed through? I am also considering getting an external DAC or a new cd player because the one I have now is very loud, and the DAC's probably aren't the best, but it is a universal player. Maybe I could also kill two birds with one stone and get the OPPO se.

TG Meat · May 2010

I have not noticed that the P7 changes the sound in the bypass mode and its not meant to.

comfortablycurt · May 2010

Sometime down the line when I've got my 2 channel rig "completed", and I get around to putting together an HT system again, I'll probably get a P7 to integrate into it for 2 channel listening. I really like the bass management, and the fact that it has HT bypass for a full surround setup. Even though I never listen to music in surround sound, it is nice to have the option, without having to deal with the crappy SQ from an AVR.

FYI, there is going to be a new version of the JC2 released this summer, that is going to have HT bypass. I heard this direct from Richard Schram, president of Parasound over an email conversation. It definitely won't have HT bypass for a multi-channel setup though, since the JC2 is purely a 2 channel preamp. The JC2 will most likely be an eventual 2 channel upgrade for me...but not for a long time to come. I'm getting a Halo P3 pretty soon though...I can't wait!! Should make for a very nice upgrade over the preamp I'm using currently(Acurus L10).

Also FYI, the HT bypass function is simply a pass through, and won't change/alter the signal from your AVR at all.

Parasound Halo P7

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