Scarp
12-22-2003, 03:51 PM
Club Parasound F.A.Q.
(New information will be italicized to be easily identified)
1. Introduction
This is our FAQ for Club Parasound. We intend to add more as it becomes available or when we have time to update it.
Please feel free to contact the moderators if you have any good additions. (click on Chris D's name in any of the posts here, and select "send a private message) We will periodically update and expand this FAQ, so check back from time to time!
1.1 Club Parasound?
Yes, Club Parasound. A place within HTGuide to discuss anything related to Parasound. You can discuss general things about Parasound, as well as their equipment in Classic, Halo, Zcustom, and structural lines.
Anything not related to Parasound should not go in the club and will be moved to more appropriate places.
We are in no way related to the official company of Parasound, so all opinions shown here are those of public people and not those of Parasound itself.
Please do not dash off and pester Parasound about all of the discussions we have here, unless you need official information to operate or upgrade your equipment. This is all info gathered from various unofficial sources (except for info that's available on their website) as well as some "inside information" that some of us come across. :)
Please also read the following topic about contacting the Parasound company: Parasound contact information (http://www.htguide.com/forum/showthread.php4?t=6969).
1.2 Moderators
Chris D currently is the moderator for Club Parasound. Scarp, the original author of this thread, is no longer with us, but may come back. We both have experience with Parasound equipment, and both own current Parasound models.
As a basis for background information, Chris currently owns the following models:
In the Halo line, a C1 processor, A21 and A51 amplifiers, a T3 radio tuner, and D3 disc player.
In the new classic line, 5250 and 2250 amps.
In the Zcustom line, a Zpre2 preamplifier, Ztuner v.2 radio tuner, Zamp v.3 amplifiers, Zbreeze cooling fans, and Zhd HDMI switchers.
2. Parasound Equipment
Note: check The Parasound Website (http://www.parasound.com) for more in-depth information.
2.0.1 Where can I buy Parasound equipment?
Again, check the Parasound website for more infomation. We've also put more information THIS POSTING THREAD HERE (http://www.htguide.com/forum/showthread.php4?t=31198)
2.1 What products does Parasound offer?
Parasound currently specifies four product lines: New Classic A/V equipment, Halo A/V equipment, Z-Custom half-rack equipment, and "Architectural Speakers". Older "classic" models stopped being manufactured by Parasound in 2003.
The classic is still being offered on some sites and places, but in Europe it's nearly impossible to buy any of this new. The Halo series took over as their current series in 2002. The biggest differences are looks and specs. Most of the new Halo units are a more natural continuation of the classic series. E.g. the A51 follows the HCA2205, the C1/C2 follow the AVC2500, etc.
The "New Classic" line was debuted in 2004. They are named that because they are brand new models with the latest technology, but instead of having the silver appearance of the Halo line, they have the classic black look that Parasound has used with their products for years.
Parasound also has other current and classic products, such as architectural and outdoor speakers, D/A converters, CD players, tuners, etc. Parasound's full lineup is shown throughout their company website. We wholeheartedly would like to hear from ALL Parasound owners here in Club Parasound, regardless of what type of product you own or how old it is!
2.2 What amplifiers are in the Halo series?
Currently there are 5 amps:
1) Halo A23, a 2 channel, 2 x 125 watts amp
2) Halo A21, a 2 channel, 2 x 250 watts amp
3) Halo A52, a 5 channel, 5 x 125 watts amp.
4) Halo A51, a 5 channel, 5 x 250 watts amp.
5) Halo JC1, a high-end 1 channel (monoblock), 1 x 400 watt amp.
(all ratings @ 8 Ohms)
This gives a good range of stereo, multichannel, and powerful monoblocks. All units have very good power/performance ratios, and are THX Ultra2 certified with precise specifications.
The A51 is perfectly matched to the A21, for those who have a 7.1 setup and wish to use both amplifiers. (Chris does this) Similarly, the A23 is perfectly matched to the A52.
2.2.1 What amplifiers are in the New Classic series?
Currently there are 5 amps:
1) Model 2125, a 2 channel, 2 x 125 watts amp
2) Model 2250, a 2 channel, 2 x 250 watts amp
3) Model 5125, a 5 channel, 5 x 125 watts amp.
4) Model 5250, a 5 channel, 5 x 250 watts amp.
5) Model 275, a unique 2 channel, 2 x 75 watts amp.
(all ratings @ 8 Ohms)
Hmmm.... notice a similarity? 5 halo amps, 5 classic amps? Similar ratings. One big difference is the JC1 in the Halo line, a truly unique and high-end amplifier, whereas in the New Classic line you have the Model 275, a lower-powered slim amplifier for home theater solutions.
2.2.2 Okay, so if four New Classic amplifiers exactly match Halo amps in power specs and number of channels, what's the difference between the two?
Okay, let's see if I can give you a "no-bull" answer. Obviously, the first difference that's apparent is the exterior casing and appearance. Some people do actually feel that the exterior casing is one of the most important things of a unit, so if they don't like the modern silver look of Halo equipment, they'll buy a New Classic or vice-versa. It goes beyond that, though. If you were to open up a Halo and corresponding New Classic unit, you'd see that there are more robust innards to the Halo. The Halo is going to be the unit with a more hearty design and power supply. Halo amplifiers also add the capability of balanced XLR connections. Of course, the Halo unit is going to carry the higher price tag, too. :)
To answer the question that you're really asking, YES, the more robust Halo design will give you a performance gain over the corresponding New Classic model of the same power rating. However, New Classic models perform superbly, so don't feel like you're getting a "step-down, cheap model" by choosing it over the Halo line.
2.3 What amp should I get for my speakers? (surround setup)
Obviously this is a very difficult question to answer. It all depends on what money you have and what speakers you have.
In general, I would take this approach:
- If you're not really one demanding very detailed sound at high volumes, are on a very limited budget, or have very efficient speakers like horn-based Klipsch models, the 125W models will work just fine for you. Let's face it--if you're looking at Halo, you have an appreciation for fine audio. If you choose the 125W models, you're not settling at all, it's just that it only gets better from there with Parasound.
- If you've got the budget, the 250W models are highly recommended. They'll give you a cleaner, more detailed sound at all volumes, but will especially shine at higher volumes.
- If you have very INEFFICIENT speakers like electrostats, the 250W models are required as an absolute minimum. If you can afford it, I'd highly recommend stepping up to the JC1 monoblocks. If you're a high-end audio freak, the JC1's are going to shine on ANY speaker you throw at it.
Don't forget, that a certain amp may have enough power for your current equipment and room. However, people upgrade equipment and move houses, so unless you buy with future-proofing in mind, next year you may need to buy new amplifiers all over again because you didn't get something powerful enough the first time.
Scarp's ideas were:
(my reference is B&W Nautilus speakers, please try to make some sort of comparison to your speakers):
1) For difficult speakers like B&W Nautilus 801 or 800 (i.e., quite high end), the JC1 mono blocks are definitely recommended if a budget allows.2) For a great speaker like B&W Nautilus 802, I would suggest either JC1 mono blocks or a stereo A21. Also the A51 will be more than capable of handling these speakers. The others I don't recommend, since 802's require a good amount of power to give optimum result.
3) For speakers like the B&W N804 and N803, I recommend the A21 or A51. The amps will provide you with detail and power in the lower regions.
4) For speakers from the B&W 700 series, the A23 and A52 will be more than sufficient. Obviously the higher amps won't do any harm, but already with the 125 watts, you will get a kick out of those speakers. A JC1 would definitly be overkill for those speakers.
I used the Halo line as an example. However the Classic or New Classic lines will suit perfectly too. So instead of a A51 you can also use a HCA2205 or Model 5250, etc.
When getting a 7.1 system setup, my suggestion would be to take matched amplifiers, since this will give the most uniform result. So e.g. A21 for your fronts and A51 for the center/surrounds. Or A23 fronts and A52 center/surrounds.
However, it all depends on your specific system. In general take the most powerful amp for the most difficult or demanding speakers. Take less powerful amps for less difficult/demanding speakers.
2.4. What is a Controller?
A controller is also more generally called a surround processor or pre/pro (pre-amp/processor). This is the brain, or central control of your ENTIRE setup, so you can understand it's criticality. It controls your home theatre system, from sound to picture. You can route your video cables through the Controller, which automatically make you watch the picture that goes with the sound. If properly connected, only one selection for a source switches both sound and picture.
Many videophiles choose to run their video cables directly from source equipment to the video display, (i.e. connect your DVD player directly to your TV) in order to prevent any signal loss or distortion by having another connection and going through the controller. However, Parasound has made painstaking efforts to keep video paths clean through the C1 and C2 controllers with no signal degradation. So taking advantage of the video switching features of the C1/C2 will just make your setup that much simpler and easier to control. As an example, compare the 300MHz bandwith of the high-definition component video paths on the C1/C2 with other manufacturers, which bring down the bandwith as far as 50MHz or so. 300MHz is FAR more bandwith than you'll ever need to pass true high-definition video, even up to 1080p!
Besides that it will decode nearly any digital input from Dolby Digital, to DTS, to PCM (cd), etc, including new 7.1 digital formats like THX EX and DTS ES.
One important function is to do bass management on the multichannel (and also stereo) inputs. This will take the setting you give it and makes sure the bass is managed as it should be. The biggest advantage of doing that inside the Controller is that you can connect several pieces of equipment digitally and only have to arrange the speaker setup once.
2.5. What controllers does Parasound have?
Currently the Halo line has the C1 and C2, and the New Classic line has the 7100.
Note: As of CEDIA (September) 2008, Parasound has stopped production of the C1, C2, and 7100, and will sell all remaining stock. In their place, Parasound is releasing three all-new controllers: The Halo C3 and New Classic HDP70 high definition surround processors, and the HDR77 high definition surround sound 7-channel receiver with on-board amplifiers. All three units have HDMI audio/video capability, and will be released late 2008 or early 2009. See this thread here for more information about the new models coming out:
Click here for new Parasound HDMI controllers. (http://www.htguide.com/forum/showthread.php4?t=31150)
2.6. Now, what about the Halo P3 and new Halo P7? Aren't they controllers too?
Well, no, the P3 and P7 are considered to be pre-amplifiers. Two major differences between the P3, P7, and the controllers--the P3 and P7 don't handle any video signals, just audio. (Note that you can add the Zhd to the P7 to switch HDMI video externally, but there is no onboard P7 video capability, nor HDMI audio processing) And the P3 is a 2-channel stereo audio unit, not multichannel like the C1, C2, and 7100 for surround sound movies and such. The P7 is multichannel, but analog audio only.
Parasound has a third Halo pre-amp currently on the market, the JC2, which is a 2-channel pre-amp that is reference quality, and reported by some professionals to be one of the best in the world. (Hence the "JC" designation as the top-of-the-line, to match the JC1 amplifier) The Zpre2 is a pre-amp in the "Z Custom" product line of half-rack components. The Zpre2 is also a 2-channel pre-amp, but it adds the capability of switching composite video. The New Classic line has also added a 2-channel preamplifier, the 2100.
To summarize, current Parasound pre-amp models WITHOUT video capability are:
Halo: two-channel P3, two-channel JC2, and multichannel P7
New Classic: 2100
Zcustom: Zpre2
2.6.1 What's the difference between the controllers?
The C1 has an extra component input for three component video inputs versus the C2's two inputs, and a different power supply. The biggest visible difference of the Halo units is that the C1 has a TFT video screen on the front of the unit, which also makes the case larger than the C2. The screen can be used for many different functions, such as previewing video sources, (even one different than the source currently being sent to your screen), as well as navigating through various menus both in the controller and your source equipment. This can remove the need to use the On-Screen Display (OSD) of the C1 settings on your TV or projector, where every time you change or view a parameter it pops up on the screen over your video.
Besides the above mentioned differences, both Halo controllers give the same performance of audio and video. Also no other different internal components. Another big difference in the controllers, though, is the significantly lower price of the C2.
The 7100 provides many of the same features and capabilities of the C1 and C2. However, like the amplifiers, it is not as robust in construction and design as the Halo units, which still are the premier units for Parasound. Take a look at the back panel of the 7100, and you'll see many of the same connectors, but not necessarily the same quality such as the BNC connectors of the Halo. The 7100 still is an incredible performer with all the latest technologies, whereas Halo has had to have upgrades to have the latest. The 7100 does also have an upgrade port like the C1 and C2, so any upgrades to come will likely be for all three models. If you're looking for Parasound performance and quality on a budget, the 7100 may be for you.
2.6.2. Will there be upgrades to the C1/C2/7100?
As of CEDIA (September) 2008, since Parasound is discontinuing the C1, C2, and 7100, there will be no more updates or upgrades to these models. Through the life of those models, we saw several firmware revisions, fixing minor bugs, with one major update that added Dolby Pro Logic IIx, lip sync, and other features. (see next questions)
Right now, Parasound has not chosen to add HDMI switching directly to the C1/C2/7100. They have instead added the capability of HDMI switching via an external unit, the "Zhd" which actually falls in design and style with the Z Custom series. The Zhd is connected to the C1/C2/7100 via RS-232 cables for seamless control and switching, so it's like sticking the switcher right inside the controller itself! No audio or video goes into the C1/C2/7100 itself, it is only switched in the external unit.
2.6.3. What about firmware of the Controllers? And how can I tell what firmware version I have?
Please take a look at this discussion thread here (http://www.htguide.com/forum/showthread.php4?t=6968). In this thread, we track the current firmware version, and provide the latest information.
You can check which version you have by pressing and holding the front panel power button during power-on. This will show the current firmware version you have on your system.
2.6.4. When will there be a new firmware upgrade?
On 28 Feb 2005, Parasound released an official firmware update for the Halo C1 and C2 controllers. There's lots of goodies, including Dolby Pro Logic IIx, lip sync delay capability, tonal controls, discrete zone 2 remote control codes, etc. Information and instructions for the update can be found in this thread HERE. (http://www.htguide.com/forum/showthread.php4?t=12301)
As mentioned above, as of September 2008, ther will be no more firmware updates to the C1, C2, and 7100. The new models of C3, HDP70, and HDR77 will get firmware updates as required.
2.6.5. How does this doohickey or that whatcha-ma-call-it function on my Parasound unit?
I suggest you go to the Parasound website and download the manual. These are very good publications and very readable. (you'll even find some humor embedded in select places) Most of your questions should be answered in the manual.
If you got any questions after that, don't hesitate to post them on the forum -- we're all here to help each other out!
2.7. What DVD/disc players does Parasound have?
Currently none.
In 2007, Parasound released two universal disc players, the Halo D3 and New Classic D200, which could play all formats of that time--CD, DVD, SACD, DVD-A, and mp3. These have since been discontinued. However, many Parasound owners still own these units, as they were specifically exceptional audio disc players. (Chris still uses the Halo D3 as his top choice for CD, DVD-A, and SACD playback)
There are reports that Parasound is developing a high-end reference CD player in the Halo JC line that would complete and perfect a JC two-channel system.
2.8. What about a Blu-Ray player?
At CEDIA 2008, Parasound mentioned that this is being considered for future production. We will likely not see one before summer of 2009.
Stay tuned, and we'll keep you up to date here in Club Parasound!
2.9. What's up with the Z-series half-rack units? Those things are freakin' tiny!
Well, yes, they're designed to be. The Z series currently has available a phono pre-amp, a tuner, a 5-speaker selector, pre-amplifier, HDMI switcher, rack cooling fan, and a power amplifier. These models are specifically designed small for custom installations and places where space is at a premium. They can be mounted two units side-by-side in a standard rackmount, and also make excellent desktop mini-systems.
These units are very versatile, given their size, rackmounting capability, modular design, and strong performance. Z Custom units best fit needs for:
- Small spaces like office systems
- Rack mounted equipment stacks with little space available
- Multi-zone audio systems
The Zhd HDMI switcher can be connected to the C1, C2, P7, and 7100 to externally switch HDMI audio/video. It will automatically switch inputs as the controller switches, if connected via RS-232 cable. There is no HDMI audio processing capability with these, however.
Parasound continues to use and expand the Zcustom line with refinements, updates, and new models. We may see a 4-channel digital Zamp in the future, and we keep hoping for a Zcustom CD player.
3. Use and Operation of Parasound Equipment
3.1. Should I use balanced or unbalanced cables to connect my amplifiers to my controller?
This is a bit tricky to answer. First off all it depends on your cables. Using a better quality unbalanced cable is preferred over an inferior balanced cable.
Although the C1 and C2 offer balanced connections with XLR plugs, they are not FULLY differential and balanced. This means that they are not true balanced machines. This can be quite confusing to people who are unfamiliar with balanced connections, their design, concept, and operations. To learn more about balanced connections, flip through the Halo C1 or C2 manuals. Parasound actually gives a good basic discussion of balanced connections and to what extent they are included on Halo equipment.
General balanced concept: The design of balanced cables and jacks allows for noise rejection over long cable runs. A good summary is that Parasound partially balanced connectors keep the signal balanced from the external jack all the way through an XLR cable to the other end, providing noise rejection in those components. But because the design doesn't keep it balanced after it ENTERS the Parasound unit, it is not fully balanced. Bottom line, you'll get good noise rejection capability, but not as much as you would if it were fully balanced the last little bit.
This said there are benefits to balanced cables, even if they are not FULLY balanced, such as the case with Halo equipment:
* Better and firmer connections. The connectors used by balanced cables give a firm connection and can't easily be removed from the C1/C2.
* Better shielding for crowded racks. Because of the build of balanced cables they offer better shielding possibilities from electromagnetic interference and the possibility of this creating "noise" or static in your cables. Especially when you have a lot of cables running behind your equipment, this might offer better protection against outside influences.
* Balanced cables can be longer in length without introducing noise. This is obviously the biggest reason why studios always use balanced cables. They can run long cables without much problems. Most ideally for systems that use monoblocks, you can put the amp near the speaker, needing only a very short speaker cable and using a longer interlink from pre/pro to power amp.
3.2. Do Parasound amplifiers require a break-in period?
This is a common question. Short answer--yes, MANY Parasound users and prefessional reviewers have reported a noticeable increase in sonic performance and clarity after a break-in period of maybe 20 hours. So don't make a snap decision of Parasound equipment without giving them a chance. More than likely you'll be like me and have a great big smile on your face from the beginning anyway, and it will only get better as the amps break in.
3.3. There's a lot of confusing information out there about HDMI. What is HDMI, how do I use it, and does Parasound equipment support it?
HDMI is a type of audio/video cable that had the capability of carrying both high-definition video AND multichannel high-resolution audio, all in one digital cable. The industry is moving in the direction that, in the future, you will only need to connect ONE cable between each of your components to carry ALL audio and video information. Imagine!
Parasound has added HDMI capability to its line of products through the Zhd, a unit that does HDMI audio and video switching from 5 distinct audio/video sources. The Zhd also connects directly to Parasound 7.1 surround controllers (Halo C1, C2, and New Classic 7100) through a RS-232 cable for seamless connection. If you select a video source on your controller, the Zhd will automatically switch HDMI inputs as well. For consumers that do not own these controllers or even any Parasound equipment, the Zhd can be used as a completely separate unit as well, with infrared remote control and such.
Parasound has created a FAQ on the Zhd and HDMI that may answer your specific questions. See http://www.parasound.com/zcustom/zhd.php and click on "FAQ".
The new Parasound high definition surround controllers and receiver, set to be released late 2008 or early 2009, will all have full HDMI audio and video switching and onboard decoding capability. So you can now have just about every feature you've ever wanted regarding HDMI, including:
- HDMI 1.3 certification
- 5 HDMI inputs switched to 1 HDMI output
- Onboard decoding of all HDMI audio formats, including Dolby TruHD, PCM lossless, and DTS-HD Master Audio
- Upscaling of any video input to 1080p, transcoded to HDMI. (i.e. your 480i VCR output can be scaled to 1080p and output over HDMI
- Menu overlays on HDMI
More to come!
(New information will be italicized to be easily identified)
1. Introduction
This is our FAQ for Club Parasound. We intend to add more as it becomes available or when we have time to update it.
Please feel free to contact the moderators if you have any good additions. (click on Chris D's name in any of the posts here, and select "send a private message) We will periodically update and expand this FAQ, so check back from time to time!
1.1 Club Parasound?
Yes, Club Parasound. A place within HTGuide to discuss anything related to Parasound. You can discuss general things about Parasound, as well as their equipment in Classic, Halo, Zcustom, and structural lines.
Anything not related to Parasound should not go in the club and will be moved to more appropriate places.
We are in no way related to the official company of Parasound, so all opinions shown here are those of public people and not those of Parasound itself.
Please do not dash off and pester Parasound about all of the discussions we have here, unless you need official information to operate or upgrade your equipment. This is all info gathered from various unofficial sources (except for info that's available on their website) as well as some "inside information" that some of us come across. :)
Please also read the following topic about contacting the Parasound company: Parasound contact information (http://www.htguide.com/forum/showthread.php4?t=6969).
1.2 Moderators
Chris D currently is the moderator for Club Parasound. Scarp, the original author of this thread, is no longer with us, but may come back. We both have experience with Parasound equipment, and both own current Parasound models.
As a basis for background information, Chris currently owns the following models:
In the Halo line, a C1 processor, A21 and A51 amplifiers, a T3 radio tuner, and D3 disc player.
In the new classic line, 5250 and 2250 amps.
In the Zcustom line, a Zpre2 preamplifier, Ztuner v.2 radio tuner, Zamp v.3 amplifiers, Zbreeze cooling fans, and Zhd HDMI switchers.
2. Parasound Equipment
Note: check The Parasound Website (http://www.parasound.com) for more in-depth information.
2.0.1 Where can I buy Parasound equipment?
Again, check the Parasound website for more infomation. We've also put more information THIS POSTING THREAD HERE (http://www.htguide.com/forum/showthread.php4?t=31198)
2.1 What products does Parasound offer?
Parasound currently specifies four product lines: New Classic A/V equipment, Halo A/V equipment, Z-Custom half-rack equipment, and "Architectural Speakers". Older "classic" models stopped being manufactured by Parasound in 2003.
The classic is still being offered on some sites and places, but in Europe it's nearly impossible to buy any of this new. The Halo series took over as their current series in 2002. The biggest differences are looks and specs. Most of the new Halo units are a more natural continuation of the classic series. E.g. the A51 follows the HCA2205, the C1/C2 follow the AVC2500, etc.
The "New Classic" line was debuted in 2004. They are named that because they are brand new models with the latest technology, but instead of having the silver appearance of the Halo line, they have the classic black look that Parasound has used with their products for years.
Parasound also has other current and classic products, such as architectural and outdoor speakers, D/A converters, CD players, tuners, etc. Parasound's full lineup is shown throughout their company website. We wholeheartedly would like to hear from ALL Parasound owners here in Club Parasound, regardless of what type of product you own or how old it is!
2.2 What amplifiers are in the Halo series?
Currently there are 5 amps:
1) Halo A23, a 2 channel, 2 x 125 watts amp
2) Halo A21, a 2 channel, 2 x 250 watts amp
3) Halo A52, a 5 channel, 5 x 125 watts amp.
4) Halo A51, a 5 channel, 5 x 250 watts amp.
5) Halo JC1, a high-end 1 channel (monoblock), 1 x 400 watt amp.
(all ratings @ 8 Ohms)
This gives a good range of stereo, multichannel, and powerful monoblocks. All units have very good power/performance ratios, and are THX Ultra2 certified with precise specifications.
The A51 is perfectly matched to the A21, for those who have a 7.1 setup and wish to use both amplifiers. (Chris does this) Similarly, the A23 is perfectly matched to the A52.
2.2.1 What amplifiers are in the New Classic series?
Currently there are 5 amps:
1) Model 2125, a 2 channel, 2 x 125 watts amp
2) Model 2250, a 2 channel, 2 x 250 watts amp
3) Model 5125, a 5 channel, 5 x 125 watts amp.
4) Model 5250, a 5 channel, 5 x 250 watts amp.
5) Model 275, a unique 2 channel, 2 x 75 watts amp.
(all ratings @ 8 Ohms)
Hmmm.... notice a similarity? 5 halo amps, 5 classic amps? Similar ratings. One big difference is the JC1 in the Halo line, a truly unique and high-end amplifier, whereas in the New Classic line you have the Model 275, a lower-powered slim amplifier for home theater solutions.
2.2.2 Okay, so if four New Classic amplifiers exactly match Halo amps in power specs and number of channels, what's the difference between the two?
Okay, let's see if I can give you a "no-bull" answer. Obviously, the first difference that's apparent is the exterior casing and appearance. Some people do actually feel that the exterior casing is one of the most important things of a unit, so if they don't like the modern silver look of Halo equipment, they'll buy a New Classic or vice-versa. It goes beyond that, though. If you were to open up a Halo and corresponding New Classic unit, you'd see that there are more robust innards to the Halo. The Halo is going to be the unit with a more hearty design and power supply. Halo amplifiers also add the capability of balanced XLR connections. Of course, the Halo unit is going to carry the higher price tag, too. :)
To answer the question that you're really asking, YES, the more robust Halo design will give you a performance gain over the corresponding New Classic model of the same power rating. However, New Classic models perform superbly, so don't feel like you're getting a "step-down, cheap model" by choosing it over the Halo line.
2.3 What amp should I get for my speakers? (surround setup)
Obviously this is a very difficult question to answer. It all depends on what money you have and what speakers you have.
In general, I would take this approach:
- If you're not really one demanding very detailed sound at high volumes, are on a very limited budget, or have very efficient speakers like horn-based Klipsch models, the 125W models will work just fine for you. Let's face it--if you're looking at Halo, you have an appreciation for fine audio. If you choose the 125W models, you're not settling at all, it's just that it only gets better from there with Parasound.
- If you've got the budget, the 250W models are highly recommended. They'll give you a cleaner, more detailed sound at all volumes, but will especially shine at higher volumes.
- If you have very INEFFICIENT speakers like electrostats, the 250W models are required as an absolute minimum. If you can afford it, I'd highly recommend stepping up to the JC1 monoblocks. If you're a high-end audio freak, the JC1's are going to shine on ANY speaker you throw at it.
Don't forget, that a certain amp may have enough power for your current equipment and room. However, people upgrade equipment and move houses, so unless you buy with future-proofing in mind, next year you may need to buy new amplifiers all over again because you didn't get something powerful enough the first time.
Scarp's ideas were:
(my reference is B&W Nautilus speakers, please try to make some sort of comparison to your speakers):
1) For difficult speakers like B&W Nautilus 801 or 800 (i.e., quite high end), the JC1 mono blocks are definitely recommended if a budget allows.2) For a great speaker like B&W Nautilus 802, I would suggest either JC1 mono blocks or a stereo A21. Also the A51 will be more than capable of handling these speakers. The others I don't recommend, since 802's require a good amount of power to give optimum result.
3) For speakers like the B&W N804 and N803, I recommend the A21 or A51. The amps will provide you with detail and power in the lower regions.
4) For speakers from the B&W 700 series, the A23 and A52 will be more than sufficient. Obviously the higher amps won't do any harm, but already with the 125 watts, you will get a kick out of those speakers. A JC1 would definitly be overkill for those speakers.
I used the Halo line as an example. However the Classic or New Classic lines will suit perfectly too. So instead of a A51 you can also use a HCA2205 or Model 5250, etc.
When getting a 7.1 system setup, my suggestion would be to take matched amplifiers, since this will give the most uniform result. So e.g. A21 for your fronts and A51 for the center/surrounds. Or A23 fronts and A52 center/surrounds.
However, it all depends on your specific system. In general take the most powerful amp for the most difficult or demanding speakers. Take less powerful amps for less difficult/demanding speakers.
2.4. What is a Controller?
A controller is also more generally called a surround processor or pre/pro (pre-amp/processor). This is the brain, or central control of your ENTIRE setup, so you can understand it's criticality. It controls your home theatre system, from sound to picture. You can route your video cables through the Controller, which automatically make you watch the picture that goes with the sound. If properly connected, only one selection for a source switches both sound and picture.
Many videophiles choose to run their video cables directly from source equipment to the video display, (i.e. connect your DVD player directly to your TV) in order to prevent any signal loss or distortion by having another connection and going through the controller. However, Parasound has made painstaking efforts to keep video paths clean through the C1 and C2 controllers with no signal degradation. So taking advantage of the video switching features of the C1/C2 will just make your setup that much simpler and easier to control. As an example, compare the 300MHz bandwith of the high-definition component video paths on the C1/C2 with other manufacturers, which bring down the bandwith as far as 50MHz or so. 300MHz is FAR more bandwith than you'll ever need to pass true high-definition video, even up to 1080p!
Besides that it will decode nearly any digital input from Dolby Digital, to DTS, to PCM (cd), etc, including new 7.1 digital formats like THX EX and DTS ES.
One important function is to do bass management on the multichannel (and also stereo) inputs. This will take the setting you give it and makes sure the bass is managed as it should be. The biggest advantage of doing that inside the Controller is that you can connect several pieces of equipment digitally and only have to arrange the speaker setup once.
2.5. What controllers does Parasound have?
Currently the Halo line has the C1 and C2, and the New Classic line has the 7100.
Note: As of CEDIA (September) 2008, Parasound has stopped production of the C1, C2, and 7100, and will sell all remaining stock. In their place, Parasound is releasing three all-new controllers: The Halo C3 and New Classic HDP70 high definition surround processors, and the HDR77 high definition surround sound 7-channel receiver with on-board amplifiers. All three units have HDMI audio/video capability, and will be released late 2008 or early 2009. See this thread here for more information about the new models coming out:
Click here for new Parasound HDMI controllers. (http://www.htguide.com/forum/showthread.php4?t=31150)
2.6. Now, what about the Halo P3 and new Halo P7? Aren't they controllers too?
Well, no, the P3 and P7 are considered to be pre-amplifiers. Two major differences between the P3, P7, and the controllers--the P3 and P7 don't handle any video signals, just audio. (Note that you can add the Zhd to the P7 to switch HDMI video externally, but there is no onboard P7 video capability, nor HDMI audio processing) And the P3 is a 2-channel stereo audio unit, not multichannel like the C1, C2, and 7100 for surround sound movies and such. The P7 is multichannel, but analog audio only.
Parasound has a third Halo pre-amp currently on the market, the JC2, which is a 2-channel pre-amp that is reference quality, and reported by some professionals to be one of the best in the world. (Hence the "JC" designation as the top-of-the-line, to match the JC1 amplifier) The Zpre2 is a pre-amp in the "Z Custom" product line of half-rack components. The Zpre2 is also a 2-channel pre-amp, but it adds the capability of switching composite video. The New Classic line has also added a 2-channel preamplifier, the 2100.
To summarize, current Parasound pre-amp models WITHOUT video capability are:
Halo: two-channel P3, two-channel JC2, and multichannel P7
New Classic: 2100
Zcustom: Zpre2
2.6.1 What's the difference between the controllers?
The C1 has an extra component input for three component video inputs versus the C2's two inputs, and a different power supply. The biggest visible difference of the Halo units is that the C1 has a TFT video screen on the front of the unit, which also makes the case larger than the C2. The screen can be used for many different functions, such as previewing video sources, (even one different than the source currently being sent to your screen), as well as navigating through various menus both in the controller and your source equipment. This can remove the need to use the On-Screen Display (OSD) of the C1 settings on your TV or projector, where every time you change or view a parameter it pops up on the screen over your video.
Besides the above mentioned differences, both Halo controllers give the same performance of audio and video. Also no other different internal components. Another big difference in the controllers, though, is the significantly lower price of the C2.
The 7100 provides many of the same features and capabilities of the C1 and C2. However, like the amplifiers, it is not as robust in construction and design as the Halo units, which still are the premier units for Parasound. Take a look at the back panel of the 7100, and you'll see many of the same connectors, but not necessarily the same quality such as the BNC connectors of the Halo. The 7100 still is an incredible performer with all the latest technologies, whereas Halo has had to have upgrades to have the latest. The 7100 does also have an upgrade port like the C1 and C2, so any upgrades to come will likely be for all three models. If you're looking for Parasound performance and quality on a budget, the 7100 may be for you.
2.6.2. Will there be upgrades to the C1/C2/7100?
As of CEDIA (September) 2008, since Parasound is discontinuing the C1, C2, and 7100, there will be no more updates or upgrades to these models. Through the life of those models, we saw several firmware revisions, fixing minor bugs, with one major update that added Dolby Pro Logic IIx, lip sync, and other features. (see next questions)
Right now, Parasound has not chosen to add HDMI switching directly to the C1/C2/7100. They have instead added the capability of HDMI switching via an external unit, the "Zhd" which actually falls in design and style with the Z Custom series. The Zhd is connected to the C1/C2/7100 via RS-232 cables for seamless control and switching, so it's like sticking the switcher right inside the controller itself! No audio or video goes into the C1/C2/7100 itself, it is only switched in the external unit.
2.6.3. What about firmware of the Controllers? And how can I tell what firmware version I have?
Please take a look at this discussion thread here (http://www.htguide.com/forum/showthread.php4?t=6968). In this thread, we track the current firmware version, and provide the latest information.
You can check which version you have by pressing and holding the front panel power button during power-on. This will show the current firmware version you have on your system.
2.6.4. When will there be a new firmware upgrade?
On 28 Feb 2005, Parasound released an official firmware update for the Halo C1 and C2 controllers. There's lots of goodies, including Dolby Pro Logic IIx, lip sync delay capability, tonal controls, discrete zone 2 remote control codes, etc. Information and instructions for the update can be found in this thread HERE. (http://www.htguide.com/forum/showthread.php4?t=12301)
As mentioned above, as of September 2008, ther will be no more firmware updates to the C1, C2, and 7100. The new models of C3, HDP70, and HDR77 will get firmware updates as required.
2.6.5. How does this doohickey or that whatcha-ma-call-it function on my Parasound unit?
I suggest you go to the Parasound website and download the manual. These are very good publications and very readable. (you'll even find some humor embedded in select places) Most of your questions should be answered in the manual.
If you got any questions after that, don't hesitate to post them on the forum -- we're all here to help each other out!
2.7. What DVD/disc players does Parasound have?
Currently none.
In 2007, Parasound released two universal disc players, the Halo D3 and New Classic D200, which could play all formats of that time--CD, DVD, SACD, DVD-A, and mp3. These have since been discontinued. However, many Parasound owners still own these units, as they were specifically exceptional audio disc players. (Chris still uses the Halo D3 as his top choice for CD, DVD-A, and SACD playback)
There are reports that Parasound is developing a high-end reference CD player in the Halo JC line that would complete and perfect a JC two-channel system.
2.8. What about a Blu-Ray player?
At CEDIA 2008, Parasound mentioned that this is being considered for future production. We will likely not see one before summer of 2009.
Stay tuned, and we'll keep you up to date here in Club Parasound!
2.9. What's up with the Z-series half-rack units? Those things are freakin' tiny!
Well, yes, they're designed to be. The Z series currently has available a phono pre-amp, a tuner, a 5-speaker selector, pre-amplifier, HDMI switcher, rack cooling fan, and a power amplifier. These models are specifically designed small for custom installations and places where space is at a premium. They can be mounted two units side-by-side in a standard rackmount, and also make excellent desktop mini-systems.
These units are very versatile, given their size, rackmounting capability, modular design, and strong performance. Z Custom units best fit needs for:
- Small spaces like office systems
- Rack mounted equipment stacks with little space available
- Multi-zone audio systems
The Zhd HDMI switcher can be connected to the C1, C2, P7, and 7100 to externally switch HDMI audio/video. It will automatically switch inputs as the controller switches, if connected via RS-232 cable. There is no HDMI audio processing capability with these, however.
Parasound continues to use and expand the Zcustom line with refinements, updates, and new models. We may see a 4-channel digital Zamp in the future, and we keep hoping for a Zcustom CD player.
3. Use and Operation of Parasound Equipment
3.1. Should I use balanced or unbalanced cables to connect my amplifiers to my controller?
This is a bit tricky to answer. First off all it depends on your cables. Using a better quality unbalanced cable is preferred over an inferior balanced cable.
Although the C1 and C2 offer balanced connections with XLR plugs, they are not FULLY differential and balanced. This means that they are not true balanced machines. This can be quite confusing to people who are unfamiliar with balanced connections, their design, concept, and operations. To learn more about balanced connections, flip through the Halo C1 or C2 manuals. Parasound actually gives a good basic discussion of balanced connections and to what extent they are included on Halo equipment.
General balanced concept: The design of balanced cables and jacks allows for noise rejection over long cable runs. A good summary is that Parasound partially balanced connectors keep the signal balanced from the external jack all the way through an XLR cable to the other end, providing noise rejection in those components. But because the design doesn't keep it balanced after it ENTERS the Parasound unit, it is not fully balanced. Bottom line, you'll get good noise rejection capability, but not as much as you would if it were fully balanced the last little bit.
This said there are benefits to balanced cables, even if they are not FULLY balanced, such as the case with Halo equipment:
* Better and firmer connections. The connectors used by balanced cables give a firm connection and can't easily be removed from the C1/C2.
* Better shielding for crowded racks. Because of the build of balanced cables they offer better shielding possibilities from electromagnetic interference and the possibility of this creating "noise" or static in your cables. Especially when you have a lot of cables running behind your equipment, this might offer better protection against outside influences.
* Balanced cables can be longer in length without introducing noise. This is obviously the biggest reason why studios always use balanced cables. They can run long cables without much problems. Most ideally for systems that use monoblocks, you can put the amp near the speaker, needing only a very short speaker cable and using a longer interlink from pre/pro to power amp.
3.2. Do Parasound amplifiers require a break-in period?
This is a common question. Short answer--yes, MANY Parasound users and prefessional reviewers have reported a noticeable increase in sonic performance and clarity after a break-in period of maybe 20 hours. So don't make a snap decision of Parasound equipment without giving them a chance. More than likely you'll be like me and have a great big smile on your face from the beginning anyway, and it will only get better as the amps break in.
3.3. There's a lot of confusing information out there about HDMI. What is HDMI, how do I use it, and does Parasound equipment support it?
HDMI is a type of audio/video cable that had the capability of carrying both high-definition video AND multichannel high-resolution audio, all in one digital cable. The industry is moving in the direction that, in the future, you will only need to connect ONE cable between each of your components to carry ALL audio and video information. Imagine!
Parasound has added HDMI capability to its line of products through the Zhd, a unit that does HDMI audio and video switching from 5 distinct audio/video sources. The Zhd also connects directly to Parasound 7.1 surround controllers (Halo C1, C2, and New Classic 7100) through a RS-232 cable for seamless connection. If you select a video source on your controller, the Zhd will automatically switch HDMI inputs as well. For consumers that do not own these controllers or even any Parasound equipment, the Zhd can be used as a completely separate unit as well, with infrared remote control and such.
Parasound has created a FAQ on the Zhd and HDMI that may answer your specific questions. See http://www.parasound.com/zcustom/zhd.php and click on "FAQ".
The new Parasound high definition surround controllers and receiver, set to be released late 2008 or early 2009, will all have full HDMI audio and video switching and onboard decoding capability. So you can now have just about every feature you've ever wanted regarding HDMI, including:
- HDMI 1.3 certification
- 5 HDMI inputs switched to 1 HDMI output
- Onboard decoding of all HDMI audio formats, including Dolby TruHD, PCM lossless, and DTS-HD Master Audio
- Upscaling of any video input to 1080p, transcoded to HDMI. (i.e. your 480i VCR output can be scaled to 1080p and output over HDMI
- Menu overlays on HDMI
More to come!