Parasound Halo P 5 Stereo Preamplifier Preview
Looking around at some of the high end two channel offerings available today, it's quite possible you'd think that the zenith of stereo reproduction would be represented by a bare bones analog preamplifier fronted by a fine turntable, feeding a power amplifier, which in turn powered a pair of loudspeakers. While such a system can sound quite good, the fact remains, this is 2013, not 1973. The advent of digital audio and bass management has changed the landscape of audio significantly, and for the better. Fortunately, not all manufacturers opt to stick their head in the sand, case in point Parasound with their new P 5 stereo preamplifier. Priced at $950 and boasting three digital inputs (USB, coaxial, and optical) as well as analog bass management, the P 5 preamp appears to have what it takes to be the brains of a modern, high end two channel system. How does it stand up to a first glance by the Audioholics? Read on to find out.
Priced at $950, the two-channel Parasound Halo P 5 isn't your average preamplifier, in that it has a feature set beyond a handful of analog inputs. Nice aesthetic, good price; is it for you?
Steve Munz
— August 30, 2013 00:00
in AV Preamp and Processor Reviews