Current Halo software version and update issues

[Chetk]

I think he means cost. I hope they're in the sub-$300 range.

[bhuskins]

Keep dreaming...HDMI, new dacs, or anything similar would be a major and substantial upgrade to the Halo platform. One that also has substantial costs in development. I don't think there is any company around charging that little for something so substantial. Expect it to be double if not triple that of $300. It would be like getting a whole new unit if these types of changes are made with the current platform. My guess is a 1/3 of the cost of a new unit...a C2 anyway. Anybody know what Anthem is suggesting their HDMI upgrade will cost if it ever gets released? I would figure both companies would charge similar amounts for HDMI by itself.

Brent Huskins

[Chetk]

Right, but would it be HDMI pass-through? Input HDMI AND output HDMI? There's only room for one card. Why would I need to switch HDMI inputs if there's only one? I'm missing the point.

Perhaps you mean HDMI input to component out?

Maybe I'm just not understanding. Will HDMI provide higher bit-rates for audio or something?

My HDTV doesn't have a DVI/HDMI input. How can HDMI improve things for me? What devices, currently (not talking about HD-DVD or Blu-Ray) support HDMI output?

[Chris D]

I currently have HDMI on a DVD player and satellite receiver, and DVI on my computer. Add to that a DVD recorder/Tivo that many people have for the basic devices commonly using the two. Even with out the great digital benefit of passing digital video, HDMI adds the capability of passing pure digital audio.

So envision this, Batman... you hook up your Halo DVD player to your C1 with ***ONE*** HDMI cable. This passes all digital video (high-def or not) without signal loss. It also passes PCM audio, Dolby Digital, DTS, DTS ES, DVD-A, SACD, and Windows Media High-Def straight to the C1 for processing without D/A, A/D converters or any signal loss. Pure unadulterated high-def, and only one wire! Configuring multiple items like this with HDMI switching in the C1 acts as an audio/video switcher and source controller at all times, and only one cable in per device, one master cable out to the video display.

[Chetk]

Sounds great! Sign me up...but wait...If the C1 only has room for one expansion card, wouldn't that be just enough for one input and one output (if they are on the same card). Why would anyone need to switch between 1 HDMI source?

[jprafter]

Chris,

Did you see this article...

http://news.designtechnica.com/talkback45.html

Are you sure they are 5.1 now?

[bhuskins]

I think that article should be dated January 10th, 2004 not 2005...It's outdated information. 5.1 HDMI is here now.

Brent Huskins

[Chris D]

I agree. For example, looking on Denon's website at DVD players, they clearly state that multi-channel audio can now be passed via HDMI.

Looking specifically at that article, the author refers to 2005 as the "future", and that the Denon DVD-5910 will be released "next year" when it's already out.

The problem with HDMI is that the specs keep changing, from HDMI 1.0 to 1.1 to 1.2. For any manufacturer to include HDMI right now, (i.e. Parasound) you're going to have to use the current standard which is HIGHLY in flux even more than usual, I think.

[bhuskins]

6.86 is now the current version...for those interested or that are having quirky behavior after 6.8 was installed

Brent Huskins
Media Design
HT Guide Sponsor

[Peter Nielsen]

6.86 is now the current version...for those interested or that are having quirky behavior after 6.8 was installed

I just re-downloaded the upgrade ZIP from http://www.parasound.com/halonew/C1downloads.php . I noticed that the Installation Instructions.PDF and G6_686.HEX have been updated on 7/28/2005.

However, the PDF only mentions v6.80... Is the PDF wrong, or do we need to get v6.86 from somewhere else?

Peter

[bhuskins]

I assume the PDF needs to be updated...the v6.86 file you downloaded is the correct one.

Brent Huskins
Media Design
HT Guide Sponsor

[starford]

That's all well and good, but what was fixed? I'm hoping the "stereo out the back speakers" problem was fixed.

Has anyone else noticed how slow Parasound has been to update their software? Look at Anthem; they produce patches regularly, as did Lexicon. This is my #1 gripe with the C1/2 series.

[bhuskins]

That's all well and good, but what was fixed? I'm hoping the "stereo out the back speakers" problem was fixed.

Any anyone else noticed how slow Parasound has been to update their software? Look at Anthem; they produce patches regularly, as did Lexicon. This is my #1 gripe with the C1/2 series.

The latest software solves any known issues that were in 6.8...if you didn't report a problem to Parasound it probably didn't get fixed. If you did report it, then it probably did get fixed. There is nothing new in it that wasn't already in 6.8. By the way, this is the 2nd software update in the last 4 months.

What updates would you like to see? They've added all of the latest modes that are available...you might want more bass management flexibility or room correction software, but these items are more opinionated and Parasound may not have the same thoughts as you. If you want different flexibility, you should look at another product. The sound quality might suffer, but you'll get the features you want.

When you produce quality software you don't need a lot of updates. My #1 complaint about Anthem is how bad some of their software updates have been over the past couple of years...just read the threads over at AVS. From a dealer's perspective that's the last thing I want is a bunch of customers with bum software. I would much rather see an update 2 to 3 times a year to keep up with current formats, etc. than seeing them every few weeks to just fix the problems that were created with the previous release.

By the way, have you compared the Audio quality of the C1/2 to AVM30? There is no comparison.

When it comes to the next 6 months of the Halo line, I would expect to see solutions for HDMI, DVD players and possibly a new model or two (not replacements, but additional units that fill certain gaps.) Speaking of HDMI, I'm glad Parasound waited. Most early adopters are going to be screwed when version 1.2 of HDMI starts rolling out, unless they bought a unit that the manufacturer will support/update.

Brent Huskins
Media Design
HT Guide Sponsor
huskins@charter.net

[Peter Nielsen]

What updates would you like to see?

Brent,

I'd like to be able to specify explicit crossover frequencies to speaker groups, instead of just setting the group to SMALL and controlling the frequency with a "global" control like it works now.

Instead of just setting my center, surrounds, and rears to SMALL, I would like to be able to set them to center=80Hz, surround=35Hz, rear=80Hz.

One nice way to implement this would be to have the speaker type selector let you choose LARGE, SMALL (like they do now) and in addition you would have a full list of frequencies to choose from. So, instead of SMALL, you could pick a specific frequency. The LARGE and SMALL options would work exactly like they do now. If you pick SMALL, it works like now; the global crossover setting decides. So, in my case setting center=SMALL, surround=35Hz, rear=SMALL and crossover=80Hz would work the same as if I did center=80Hz, surround=35Hz, rear=80Hz.

Logistically, implementing this feature should be pretty simple since it does not "break" current functionality. It only adds more options to existing selectors. Should be pretty easy to document...

Any chance that you can lobby for adding this feature?

That's really the only feature I'm missing badly in the C2.

Thanks,
Peter

[starford]

By the way, this is the 2nd software update in the last 4 months.
Yes, because the first update in over a year was damaged and required repair. So, this is actually one update (in two parts) since the release of the device.

When you produce quality software you don't need a lot of updates.
I agree, though Parasound does not qualify for this description. I'd be interested to see if any regular on this board thought the release version of software on their C1/2 was 'quality'. Functional, yes. 'Quality'? I think no. I ran into several odd behaviors on the C1 during the first day of installation.

By the way, have you compared the Audio quality of the C1/2 to AVM30? There is no comparison.
No, because they aren't in the same category. The AVM30 is $2999 and the C2 is $4000 and my C1 was $6000. A better comparison would be the Anthem D1, at $5000. This device is a significant leap beyond where the Halo is, technically, but this thread isn't about A/B comparisons.

What updates would you like to see?
Well, perhaps this is the crux. Why complain about slow updates without a wish list? Gladly, this readership has assembled just such a thing on this board, and I'm sure you (Brent) and others have alerted Parasound of it's existence. I see this as an excellent way of communicating needs and wants in a community forum without pounding on Flextronics (sorry, Parasound) directly.

I'm not a HT processor designer, so I can't tell them how to do their jobs. As a consumer, I wish the component inputs had been better integrated with the system. As it stands now, the component inputs might as well be a seperate module, a la Bryston (no display on the front panel screen; they pass video when the system is off- is this a feature?). I also wish I had a way to hub & switch HDMI, but that's a 'now' thing, and I wouldn't have wished for it when I bought the C1 at first. I really wish it upconverted video.

I wish the Zone controls were easer to use. Lexicon got this right in a big way. I wish the IR inputs actually did what they were supposed to do with respect to Zone 2 (this may have been fixed; I just haven't tried it).

I wish they had used better DACs, or even dual differential DACs, but again this is hindsight, and I'm no hardware engineer. Lastly, I wish there were discreet IR codes to toggle the front panel display on/off.

[Hirogen]

Just to be sure about this newer FW release (I used 680 on my C2) I sent an e-mail to Parasound and this is the answer I got:

"The only difference between the 2 versions of SW is a reset feature on the 6.86 version. The latest version addresses intermittent error messages after upgrading the C1 to 6.80 SW. I would not recommend updating the SW w/the C2. There are no sonic improvements or features w/the 6.86 SW".

What a relief to know I don't need to perform the FW-upgrade again!

[bhuskins]

Brent,

I'd like to be able to specify explicit crossover frequencies to speaker groups, instead of just setting the group to SMALL and controlling the frequency with a "global" control like it works now.

Instead of just setting my center, surrounds, and rears to SMALL, I would like to be able to set them to center=80Hz, surround=35Hz, rear=80Hz.

One nice way to implement this would be to have the speaker type selector let you choose LARGE, SMALL (like they do now) and in addition you would have a full list of frequencies to choose from. So, instead of SMALL, you could pick a specific frequency. The LARGE and SMALL options would work exactly like they do now. If you pick SMALL, it works like now; the global crossover setting decides. So, in my case setting center=SMALL, surround=35Hz, rear=SMALL and crossover=80Hz would work the same as if I did center=80Hz, surround=35Hz, rear=80Hz.

Logistically, implementing this feature should be pretty simple since it does not "break" current functionality. It only adds more options to existing selectors. Should be pretty easy to document...

Any chance that you can lobby for adding this feature?

That's really the only feature I'm missing badly in the C2.

Thanks,
Peter

I would like to see a more flexible bass management scheme just like what you've suggested Peter. We're definitely on the same page. I think the issue is whether or not it will impact the overall sound in a negative way due to the additional processing. That's why I was commenting about Anthem earlier. They try to do too much of a good thing and their sound suffers. The over processed sound is even noticeable in the D1. Until you directly compare the C1/C2 to a D1 or AVM30 you wouldn't notice the difference. But directly compared it's very easy to distinguish. I believe that Parasound is committed to offering new and useful features, but just not at the expense of the overall sound. Maybe more horsepower is needed under the hood to accomplish this at a level that Parasound would be sonically satisfied. Add a couple more Motorola chips and who knows...

Brent Huskins
Media Design
HT Guide Sponsor

[bhuskins]

No, because they aren't in the same category. The AVM30 is $2999 and the C2 is $4000 and my C1 was $6000. A better comparison would be the Anthem D1, at $5000. This device is a significant leap beyond where the Halo is, technically, but this thread isn't about A/B comparisons.

See previous post...I'll add that technically it may be ahead, but it is not sonically, which is the real reason anybody buys a Pre/Pro in this price range anyway.

I see this as an excellent way of communicating needs and wants in a community forum without pounding on Flextronics (sorry, Parasound) directly..

Actually it's Vinci Labs, but pounding on them would get you no where anyway as they have no direct influence on the future of Halo. Parasound (being Vinci Labs largest customer) dictates their own future and Vinci is merely an engineering partner that help make that a reality for Parasound's Pre/Pro products.

As a consumer, I wish the component inputs had been better integrated with the system. As it stands now, the component inputs might as well be a seperate module, a la Bryston (no display on the front panel screen; they pass video when the system is off- is this a feature?).

I would prefer the component inputs to be displayed whether it's 480i, 480p, 720p or 1080i as well (on the built in display.) I would like the display to be 16x9 as well...maybe on a C1u?

I also wish I had a way to hub & switch HDMI, but that's a 'now' thing, and I wouldn't have wished for it when I bought the C1 at first.

Be careful what you wish for ;)

I really wish it upconverted video.

I wouldn't mind that because it's one of those features even the cheap receivers are starting to have, BUT I would want it to be completely defeatable in case a scaler is going to be used and/or utilize top notch upconversion with multiple output resolutions. Then they would have something special.

I wish the Zone controls were easer to use. Lexicon got this right in a big way. I wish the IR inputs actually did what they were supposed to do with respect to Zone 2 (this may have been fixed; I just haven't tried it).

Did you update your remote with the new discrete, single button Zone 2 commands? It adds a whole new page to the remote for easy and direct control. The IR inputs on the back can be very picky. I always stay with RS232 control whenever possible because the control set is much more specific and discrete. I would like to see Pre/Pro's including Halo to incorporate IP controllability. It would make integration a snap with AMX and Crestron. It's already pretty good with RS232, but IP has a lot of advantages.

I wish they had used better DACs, or even dual differential DACs, but again this is hindsight, and I'm no hardware engineer.

Most reviews of the C1 have been most impressed with the performance of their DACS. It's not all about the chip as much as how the chips are implemented. Would I like them to use the latest and greatest Wolfsom or Burr Brown DACs and implement them as well as their current DACs, you betcha!

Lastly, I wish there were discreet IR codes to toggle the front panel display on/off.

Me too.

BTW - thanks for sharing! Good comments like yours gives Parasound the feedback they need from real users and not just dealers like me.

Brent Huskins
Media Design
HT Guide Sponsor

[misterdoggy]

I wish that the C1 had the software design of the Rotel 1098. It was thought out better. The sound out of the C1 is superior.

Assigning different sources to different speaker settings was easier, individual rather than only the global settings

Also the LCD provided is unreadable except from directly in front and 6 feet away. I just kind of look at the "pattern" to see whether its stereo or dobly surrround movie or music.

I probably will switch to something like Krell, or Theta, or Lexicon. I like to see little lights telling me what mode I'm in, what speakers are on, and other little indicators that make you feel you are in the right place. Whether or not Ebass is on, THX, or the many possibilities.

It comes up shortly on the lcd with all the info, but its unreadable. I'd rather have little lights. They make you feel more "reassured".

[Chris D]

Well, there's a new release of the MXEditor Live Update as of 27 Dec 05, and this one seems to be a bit more significant than the others. However, as I've experienced with Live Update before, I've found a bit of a discrepancy.

I had a problem with the "MXEditor v2" before, doing a Live Update, so my desktop is running the original Parasound MXEditor program. When I ran the Live Update yesterday, it downloaded a major update that improved the Live Update functions, the MXEditor program, and the IR database. The version now lists at 1.12.255.

On my laptop, though, I just did a new Windows XP OS install, so I had to do a new installation of MXEditor. I downloaded the latest Parasound MXEditor program straight from the Parasound website. It's still listed as "v2", although it now contains commands preset for the new Parasound Halo D3 DVD player. After doing a Live Update yesterday, it downloaded and installed an update, but did NOT do the major upgrade to the Live Update function like my other program did, and it's now listed as 1.11.184.

FWIW, if you click on the "Update History" link under the Help menu, it takes you to Universal Remote's website and tells you the history of what has been updated. However, the two program versions take you to two different webpages. My desktop, running the OLD version of Parasound MXEditor, takes me to http://universalremote.com/htm/updatehistory/index.php which lists 1.12.255 as the 27 Dec 05 update. It also says that the 13 Dec 05 update added a "software algorithm change for Live Update".

Conversely, my laptop, running the NEW version of Parasound MXEditor, straight from Parasound's website, takes me to http://www.urcmx.com/mxeditor/update/updatehistory.html which last lists an update on 20 Dec ***2004*** with version 1.12.224. Incidentally, is doesn't specifically list 1.11.184, but it appears it would have been an update sometime Aug-Nov 2003.

I know that the Parasound MXEditor program doesn't exactly line up with the standard MXEditor, but something screwy is going on. The "new" version seems to not be properly updating. i.e. after running the latest Live Update, the "old" version of MXEditor contains codes for the new XBox 360, but the "new" version doesn't. The "new" version straight from Parasound's website has the D3 Halo DVD player pre-loaded, though, where the "old" version doesn't, of course. Neither version actually has the D3 contained in the IR database.

[Peter Nielsen]

Krell, or Theta, or Lexicon.

Don't forget Meridian and Goldmund! Both these have IMHO more to offer than Krell and Lexicon...

When you make the switch, be sure that you get a PrePro with DIGITAL outputs. If you don't, you will see your self upgrading in no-time again.

I just had a look at Lexicon, and they don't seem to offer digital outputs....

Peter

[starford]

I can't wait to swap out of my C1. I'm fed up with flaky software loads, cryptic menuing and unpredictable behavior. The box still doesn't do some of what it's supposed to do (like Zone 2 IR control). All the complaints here are valid.

I'd by the Lexicon 12B if it wasn't so ancient. But, gentle friends, look at how hard Lexicon (Harmon) is working to keep the 12B current. This is the model Parasound should be following; it's costing them customers.

The Meridian and the Theta are where I'd like to be, but I don't have a $12k budget. These both are, essentially, computers with I/O cards, optimized for A/V.

I hadn't seen Goldmund, so thanks for the tip Peter.

While on the subject of AV computers, have you seen the Kelidascape? http://www.kaleidescape.com/

[nicholtl]

Doesn't Goldmund's entry-level stuff ring in somewhere to the tune of $40K?

[eduardw]

I know this a thread about the halos, but I would like to know if there is any news about new software for the 7100 pre. The 7100 is now out for more then a year. I have no direct wishes for new software features, but any new improved features would be appreciated.

Thanks

Eduard

[Chris D]

Eduard, just like Parasound didn't release any OFFICIAL Halo software updates posted on their website for 2-3 years, they haven't officially released any for the 7100, either. Now, this is not to say that they haven't developed any in-house for common bugs that are being found (if any). If you've got something that isn't working quite right in the 7100, Parasound might be able to provide an update like that, that they've developed, but in general they don't release small bug updates as people tend to create more problems installing them than they fix. Major updates that add functionality like the Halo DPLIIx addition will be publicized.

My rough gut guess is, due to length of time that the Halo processors have been out, we'll first see a hardware upgrade for them, then perhaps a hardware or software upgrade for the 7100 after that. Thinking about it, though, I'm not too sure of what you could add for the 7100 that would only be software-based right now. It's got all the latest capabilities and toys, and anything more, like HDMI audio decoding, would take major hardware, not just software.

[rocasi]

Well, it took long enough, but I finally got around to updating my C2. I was very concerned about potential problems with USB cables and just decided to move the C2 near my desktop and use a direct cable. I happened to be re-wiring my system, so it was a good time.

The update went perfectly as per the directions. THe DPLIIx seems very nice. I will have to learn about the other features. Thanks for all the tips guys.

[Chris D]

As I posted in the other thread about the new MX Editor software program, MX Editor itself has a new update dated 25 Jul 06. The new software version is 1.12.267, with an IR database of 1.76.

http://www.htguide.com/forum/showthread.php4?t=21551

However, Universal Remote Control is releasing a new remote control editing program called "Complete Control" that will update all of URC's remotes, presumably including Parasound's remote controls that are made by URC.

[slayer]

Anything new from Parasound for the C1 and C2's? Or are there no other plans for software updates?

[Chetk]

I don't think any other plans are underway. It's my belief that Parasound is still trying to figure out what the acronym "HDMI" stands for. :)

[Chris D]

:) Good question, and good answer.

[sprout]

I don't think any other plans are underway. It's my belief that Parasound is still trying to figure out what the acronym "HDMI" stands for. :)

Perhaps they are actually the wise ones who realised like a lot of people that it stands for:

HUGELY DEFECTIVE MULTIMEDIA INTERFACE :rofl:

[Chris D]

Well, I've learned of a lot of HDMI problems, so I'm no longer in the "HDMI is the ultimate goal" camp.

But in all reality, HDMI still gives me the best video color and detail in my theater, so until something better comes around, it's still the best option IMHO.

[nicholtl]

Well I've already sold my C2 and A51 NOT because I didn't love them anymore, but simply because I wanted to downgrade to a smaller system while I move into a new apartment for now...

In the meantime, I bought a Pioneer Elite 84TXSi which has 4 HDMI ports, and it's quite refreshing to use it in conjuction with HDMI-capable DVD/DVD-A/SACD players (had to get rid of all my analog Kimber Hero's). Plus the fact it can upconvert all video sources to 1080i...well, that is almost worth the price of admission alone.

[Loffen]

Here it is...

http://www.parasound.com/zcustom/zhd.php

Of course it has a 600 USD retail


The Zhd - HDMI Switcher is designed to select up to five HDMI sources and route them to a single HDMI output. It switches the entire HDMI signal, including video, audio and the critical encryption signal for copyright protection. It does not decode HDMI signals. It does not alter or degrade the HDMI signal in any way. The Zhd also includes a switchable HDMI boost function to increase the strength of the HDMI output when it is attached to a long HDMI cable run. The Zhd is fully HDCP compliant. You can control the Zhd by the front panel, IR remote, RS-232 or automatically, by linking it to a Parasound 7.1 Channel Surround Sound Controller. The Zhd does not have to be visible or accessible unless you wish to operate it manually with its front panel buttons.


Zhd Specifications

HDMI 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 certified
Fully HDCP compliant
Five inputs, one output HDMI video and audio switcher
Supports video resolutions up to 1080p and high resolution multi-channel digital audio
Switchable HDMI booster for extra-long HDMI cable runs
Links to Parasound 7.1 channel surround sound controllers (Halo C 1, C 2, NewClassic 7100) for seamless, automatic input switching
IR remote control handset included; discrete IR codes
HDMI output temporary 'mute' function
Illuminated front panel indictors for input and boost
RS-232C two-way communication with DB9 connector
Unsolicited automatic RS-232 feedback for easy system integration
External IR repeater input and loop out jacks
Detachable IEC AC power cord
Switchable 115v / 230v operation
1u half-rack space chassis
(W x D x H): 9 ½" x 9" x 2 ¼" / 1 ¾" without feet
(W x D x H): 242mm x 229mm x 57.5mm / 44.5mm without feet
Parasound 10 year parts, 5 years labor warranty
(For US & Canada purchases only)

[Chris D]

Yes, I've got one of the Zhd's myself... several threads about it here. Works great, very good solution!

[LuckyLuke]

Here it is...

http://www.parasound.com/zcustom/zhd.php

Of course it has a 600 USD retail


The Zhd - HDMI Switcher is designed to select up to five HDMI sources and route them to a single HDMI output. It switches the entire HDMI signal, including video, audio and the critical encryption signal for copyright protection. It does not decode HDMI signals. It does not alter or degrade the HDMI signal in any way. The Zhd also includes a switchable HDMI boost function to increase the strength of the HDMI output when it is attached to a long HDMI cable run. The Zhd is fully HDCP compliant. You can control the Zhd by the front panel, IR remote, RS-232 or automatically, by linking it to a Parasound 7.1 Channel Surround Sound Controller. The Zhd does not have to be visible or accessible unless you wish to operate it manually with its front panel buttons.


Zhd Specifications

HDMI 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 certified
Fully HDCP compliant
Five inputs, one output HDMI video and audio switcher
Supports video resolutions up to 1080p and high resolution multi-channel digital audio
Switchable HDMI booster for extra-long HDMI cable runs
Links to Parasound 7.1 channel surround sound controllers (Halo C 1, C 2, NewClassic 7100) for seamless, automatic input switching
IR remote control handset included; discrete IR codes
HDMI output temporary 'mute' function
Illuminated front panel indictors for input and boost
RS-232C two-way communication with DB9 connector
Unsolicited automatic RS-232 feedback for easy system integration
External IR repeater input and loop out jacks
Detachable IEC AC power cord
Switchable 115v / 230v operation
1u half-rack space chassis
(W x D x H): 9 ½" x 9" x 2 ¼" / 1 ¾" without feet
(W x D x H): 242mm x 229mm x 57.5mm / 44.5mm without feet
Parasound 10 year parts, 5 years labor warranty
(For US & Canada purchases only)

No analog 7.1 output :(

[Loffen]

No analog 7.1 output :(

Ehh.......

This is just a HDMI switcher that will work with the C1,C2 and 7100 and talk to them via a RS232 so you do not need to use an extra remote.

The 7.1 analog we have some where else :T

Espen

[LuckyLuke]

Just a HDMI switcher at 600 USD retail .................
tssssssss..

[Chris D]

I think what he was getting at there is the the Zhd only does HDMI switching. (EDIT: oh, and also has the HDMI signal boosting function) It is not a receiver or processor, that may receive a HDMI audio signal and break it out to multichannel analog outputs.

[Chris D]

Semi off-topic... just saw that we hit 20,000 views of this thread. Kinda cool!

[mahdlokg]

Since this thread is the only one on here that has recent posts about Parasound, I'd like to get some opinions/feedback by Parasound owners as to how they like their gear and which products I may want to look at. I'm looking at the Audio Advisor website and see there are two lines (Halo and New Classic) Anyone have any experience with these multi channel amps and/or processors? How do you compare them with other equipment you have demo'd and which pieces do you have? Thanks for any input! :D

[Chris D]

Hey, mahdlokg, welcome to the Guide and Club Parasound! :banana:

You may get more responses to your question by posting in a dedicated thread so people know the topic. But yes, both lines are very, very good equipment, and I myself own a C1, A21, A51, Zhd, Zpre2, Ztuner, 2 Zamps, and 2 Zfans. For the price, (this is key... there are better things out there, but at a much more expensive price point) I haven't yet found anything that can sonically match the C1/C2, or the 7100 at its respective price point. There are models out there that have more current features, such as accepting HDMI audio, (i.e. new Denon, Integra, etc) but I haven't found them to be as precise in clarity/fidelity yet.

I'd recommend looking in our FAQ thread (which has come time for me to update yet again) and doing a search through the hundreds of threads here in the club, we've got all sorts of opinions, both plus and minus, from owners on their various Parasound gear. Good hunting!