Anyone seen the Parasound Halo Pre-Pro Yet?

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  • JonMarsh
    Mad Max Moderator
    • Aug 2000
    • 15259

    Anyone seen the Parasound Halo Pre-Pro Yet?

    Because I'm a pretty hard core video nut at heart, as well as more than a little out in left field on the audio side, I'm not generally one to get worked up over Pre-Pro's - most don't offer a combination of technology that hit's on all cylinders for me... 7.1 or 9.1 or whatever doesn't really count in my book; having advanced video switching capable of HDTV or full RGB sources would; having a full 8 channel analog input would; having balanced inputs and outputs would; having analog bypass would, for example. Oh, and make those video inputs and outputs on BNCs; quit screwing around with RCA's for the wideband stuff!

    Well, after taking a look or two at the Parasound Halo C1 controller, I think there may now be a Pre-Pro out there I can get excited about...














    C1 Features

    Dolby Digital EX, DTS ES, and Dolby Pro Logic II surround
    THX Ultra2 Certified with THX Surround EX
    7.5 Channel Enhanced Surround; 7.1 with 4 programmable outputs
    Additional DSP modes include Surround Music and Party
    Patented hybrid bass management prevents time smearing
    5" front panel TFT display of main or zone video and the setup menu
    Automatic digital audio and video input selection
    Nine balanced outputs, two balanced inputs with XLR connectors
    Four audio only inputs plus a tape monitor/external processor loop
    Eight digital inputs; two digital outputs
    7.1 analog input with pure analog path, bypasses DSP
    Six audio/video inputs with composite and S-Video connectors
    3 composite video and 3 S-Video outputs: OSD, no OSD, record
    2 assignable component/RGB video inputs with separate H and V Sync
    1 additional assignable component video input
    1 component/RGB video output with separate H and V Sync
    BNC to RCA adapters are included for component video jacks
    Component inputs/output pass 1080i and 720p signals flawlessly
    Digital inputs and surround modes are assignable to sources
    Presets for optimum analog input levels for various sources
    100% automatic calibration of channel levels and delay times
    Calibration microphone with 25’ cable included
    Dual zone control with analog audio and composite video outputs
    External IR input jacks for main and second zone
    Three 12v triggers, two programmable for events; wires included
    Fully upgradeable and controllable via two-way RS-232 port
    Unique inductive-capacitive LC power supply post-filtering
    4u chassis, rack mountable
    Award winning customized MX-700 and Sidekick remotes included
    Parasound’s 10 years parts, 5 years labor warranty



    C 1 Specs:
    Frequency response: digital inputs 20 Hz - 42 kHz;
    analog inputs 20 Hz - 22 kHz;
    7.1 channel input 5 Hz - 200 kHz +0/-3 dB
    Total harmonic distortion: digital inputs <.002%;
    analog inputs <.002%;
    7.1 channel input <.002%
    Signal to noise ratio: digital inputs 102 dB;
    analog inputs 98 dB;
    7.1 channel input 107 dB
    Maximum input levels: balanced 35 V rms;
    unbalanced 3.6 V rms;
    7.1 channel input 8 V rms
    Maximum output levels: balanced 16 V rms;
    7.1 channel outputs 8 V rms;
    programmable outputs 8 V rms
    Video bandwidth: composite and S-video (non OSD) 30 MHz;
    component video 300 MHz
    Dimensions: 17-1/4" w x 7-5/8" h x 16" d, 7" h without feet
    Net weight: 22 lb.



    The only problem is that I haven't figured out where I'd come up with the 6K other than raiding the my savings for my daughter's college...


    -Jon




    Earth First!
    _______________________________
    We'll screw up the other planets later....
    the AudioWorx
    Natalie P
    M8ta
    Modula Neo DCC
    Modula MT XE
    Modula Xtreme
    Isiris
    Wavecor Ardent

    SMJ
    Minerva Monitor
    Calliope
    Ardent D

    In Development...
    Isiris Mk II updates- in final test stage!
    Obi-Wan
    Saint-Saëns Symphonique/AKA SMJ-40
    Modula PWB
    Calliope CC Supreme
    Natalie P Ultra
    Natalie P Supreme
    Janus BP1 Sub


    Resistance is not futile, it is Volts divided by Amperes...
    Just ask Mr. Ohm....
  • Rock Dog
    Moderator Emeritus
    • Jan 2003
    • 417

    #2
    Nice specs, a a very nice looking piece IMO. The back panel is ver clean, and I love the blue hue highlighting the buttons. Hey, your daughter is just going to have to live with dissapointment. Tell her to get a J-O-B. :twisted:




    -Thomas-

    The easiest way to find something lost around the house, is to buy a replacement.

    Hey You! Make sure you stop by the HTguide Off-Topic section. It's FUN!!!

    -Thomas-

    As long as people will accept crap, it will be financially profitable to dispense it.

    Hey You! Make sure you stop by the HTguide After Midnight section. It's FUN!!!

    Comment

    • JonMarsh
      Mad Max Moderator
      • Aug 2000
      • 15259

      #3
      Actaully, she's got a pretty good job, a new one just recently since leaving a fairly decent one at Macy's- considering she's in her first year at school, I'd rather she wasn't working about 30 hours a week as well as college full time, but she wants something better to replace the Escort her mom and I bought her... can't hardly blame her.

      But I do have to say I haven't seen anything that's caught my eye in a Pre-Pro the way this Parasound has.....


      ~Jon




      Earth First!
      _______________________________
      We'll screw up the other planets later....
      the AudioWorx
      Natalie P
      M8ta
      Modula Neo DCC
      Modula MT XE
      Modula Xtreme
      Isiris
      Wavecor Ardent

      SMJ
      Minerva Monitor
      Calliope
      Ardent D

      In Development...
      Isiris Mk II updates- in final test stage!
      Obi-Wan
      Saint-Saëns Symphonique/AKA SMJ-40
      Modula PWB
      Calliope CC Supreme
      Natalie P Ultra
      Natalie P Supreme
      Janus BP1 Sub


      Resistance is not futile, it is Volts divided by Amperes...
      Just ask Mr. Ohm....

      Comment

      • Lex
        Moderator Emeritus
        • Apr 2001
        • 27461

        #4
        That's a very impressive looking piece! I just hope what faulters so many forgive me for saying, non-major companies doesn't give Parasound problems, and that's of course, the DSP processing.

        I know Parasound has more resources than some companies that have failed miserably with pre-pros. The piece looks well thought out. So, hopefully, they haven't tried to introduce it before it's ready for primetime!

        Lex




        Cable Guy DVD Collection
        Doug
        "I'm out there Jerry, and I'm loving every minute of it!" - Kramer

        Comment

        • soopa
          Junior Member
          • May 2003
          • 21

          #5
          tom- this is that joint i was tellin you bout on TechTV that they were sayin was for sale wicked cheap in some sunday paper ad from a chain store.

          whoda thought...

          Comment

          • Danbry39
            Moderator Emeritus
            • Sep 2002
            • 1584

            #6
            I saw it at The Home Theater Company, here in Sacramento, the place where I bought my Rotel 1066. Was able to listen to it a bit in that it was being used to demo HT to a potential customer. Spoke with one of the, I'm assuming, co-owners, who said he felt it was a good unit, although not in the league of the Lexicon MC-12.

            I did think it looked very pleasing to the eyes, like all Halo products are.

            By the way, I can't see how you can call yourself a home theater afficionado if it's taken this long to raid your daughter's college fund. I've done that long ago and, yikes, she's decided to start attending college this summer.




            Keith
            Keith

            Comment

            • Lex
              Moderator Emeritus
              • Apr 2001
              • 27461

              #7
              well, one wouldn't expect it to square off evenly against an MC-12 at 4-5K more. But then, I bet it will get close in many areas since it sure looks to be a quality piece. I'd like to give it the benefit of the doubt before proven differently.

              Lex




              Cable Guy DVD Collection
              Doug
              "I'm out there Jerry, and I'm loving every minute of it!" - Kramer

              Comment

              • Audioclyde
                Junior Member
                • Aug 2000
                • 28

                #8
                I had the C2 in my system for about a month, then recently upgraded to the C1, which I've have for about the last 10 days. Haven't got to play with the C1 much, but I'm confident the sound is about the same as the C2.

                I've had or in-home demoed a lot of processors: Lex DC-1; Proceed AVP; Classe SSP-75; Theta CasaNova; Meridian 568; Thule PR 350B; Bryston SP 1.7. Of these, the Classe's analog preamp performance was best IMO. I loved the Meridian 568, and would still own it today, if there was any way to do multi-channel analog bypass. The Halo controllers are my next favorites as a complete package after the 568--I really like its SSP performance and DAC (to me slightly warm sound--which I like-but great resolution and detail), and am very impressed with its performance as analog preamp for SACD/DVD-Audio. I run 2-channel SACD/DVD-Audio directly to another input of my JRDG Concentra II, and the Halo is very close as a preamp--not quite the absolute refinement of the Concentra, but the Concentra's performance is the best I've had (basically JRDG's Synergy preamp performance). So, all in all, I'm very impressed with the Halo. Next to the Meridian 568 upsampled Trifield for 'other' pcm sources (such as CD or satellite), IMO the Halo's performance with DPL II is next best.

                I haven't auditioned any of the newer Lex products, and I did like Logic 7 with the DC-1, but its 2-channel performance didn't satisfy me. I've read many staunch Lex supporters claims that the newer units are much improved in this area.

                Comment

                • JonMarsh
                  Mad Max Moderator
                  • Aug 2000
                  • 15259

                  #9
                  Thanks for the feedback, Randy! Your comments are about what I would have expected, presuming Parsound met their targets and goals for this unit.

                  Let us know in the future when you've had some time with it if you have any further thoughts.

                  Best regards,

                  Jon




                  Earth First!
                  _______________________________
                  We'll screw up the other planets later....
                  the AudioWorx
                  Natalie P
                  M8ta
                  Modula Neo DCC
                  Modula MT XE
                  Modula Xtreme
                  Isiris
                  Wavecor Ardent

                  SMJ
                  Minerva Monitor
                  Calliope
                  Ardent D

                  In Development...
                  Isiris Mk II updates- in final test stage!
                  Obi-Wan
                  Saint-Saëns Symphonique/AKA SMJ-40
                  Modula PWB
                  Calliope CC Supreme
                  Natalie P Ultra
                  Natalie P Supreme
                  Janus BP1 Sub


                  Resistance is not futile, it is Volts divided by Amperes...
                  Just ask Mr. Ohm....

                  Comment

                  • Danbry39
                    Moderator Emeritus
                    • Sep 2002
                    • 1584

                    #10
                    well, one wouldn't expect it to square off evenly against an MC-12 at 4-5K more. But then, I bet it will get close in many areas since it sure looks to be a quality piece. I'd like to give it the benefit of the doubt before proven differently.
                    I wouldn't put much creedence in what the dealer said either. He's the one, who when I was buying my Rotel, told me, "double-bass is a good thing, right?"

                    Nonetheless, I like them because we have an understanding on prices he'll sell stuff to me for and he, once in a while, will offer me a "special" deal.




                    Keith
                    Keith

                    Comment

                    • Lex
                      Moderator Emeritus
                      • Apr 2001
                      • 27461

                      #11
                      What is this piece? JRDG Concentra II photos? description?

                      Regarding the DC-1 you auditioned, and man, you did audition some pre-pros!, it's true you can't compare the 2 channel of it, to the MC-1 or higher. Some say, that the DC-2 is just an MC-1 without the better pass through dacs for 2 channels. I don't know for sure.

                      But I can tell you, that the MC-1 fixed many audio shortfalls of the DC-1. I've owned both.

                      Sounds like the Parasound performs pretty darn well.

                      Lex




                      Cable Guy DVD Collection
                      Doug
                      "I'm out there Jerry, and I'm loving every minute of it!" - Kramer

                      Comment

                      • Audioclyde
                        Junior Member
                        • Aug 2000
                        • 28

                        #12
                        The Concentra II is Jeff Rowland Design Group's integrated amp. Photos and specs at their website. As with most Rowland pieces, it is stunning to look at! I live a somewhat warm, smooth sound and this amp excels.

                        I've tried lots of pre/pros--I have to have a combined HT/2-channel setup and would like to find a pre-pro that I'm happy with for pure 2-channel analog. Since I went to the Concentra integrated (from a separate power amp), this is no longer much of an issue.

                        I'm really impressed with the Halo--great detail and resolution, but also, in my words, very musical and smooth. I've found virtually all quaility pre/pro's do more than acceptable jobs on DD and DTS decoding for movies (maybe cause I'm less critical with movies?), the key for me is performance with music and converting PCM to other formats like DPL II. I'm not likely to have a 7 channel setup, so some of the benefits of THX Ultra and Logic 7 are lost with me--but I recall I really liked Lexicon's Logic 7 even in my 5.1 channel setup.

                        Comment

                        • Lex
                          Moderator Emeritus
                          • Apr 2001
                          • 27461

                          #13
                          Ahh, Jeff Rowland, nice. The more I look at his gear, the more impressed I am with it. Of course, I've not heard any of it though...

                          Lex
                          Doug
                          "I'm out there Jerry, and I'm loving every minute of it!" - Kramer

                          Comment

                          • JonMarsh
                            Mad Max Moderator
                            • Aug 2000
                            • 15259

                            #14
                            Thanks for your comments, Randy. Given the features, and what I'm hearing about it from guys like you, I suspect this unit would be one for me to really check out closely once I'm seriously in the market- maybe next year, realistically.

                            Regards,

                            Jon




                            Earth First!
                            _______________________________
                            We'll screw up the other planets later....
                            the AudioWorx
                            Natalie P
                            M8ta
                            Modula Neo DCC
                            Modula MT XE
                            Modula Xtreme
                            Isiris
                            Wavecor Ardent

                            SMJ
                            Minerva Monitor
                            Calliope
                            Ardent D

                            In Development...
                            Isiris Mk II updates- in final test stage!
                            Obi-Wan
                            Saint-Saëns Symphonique/AKA SMJ-40
                            Modula PWB
                            Calliope CC Supreme
                            Natalie P Ultra
                            Natalie P Supreme
                            Janus BP1 Sub


                            Resistance is not futile, it is Volts divided by Amperes...
                            Just ask Mr. Ohm....

                            Comment

                            • Chris D
                              Moderator Emeritus
                              • Dec 2000
                              • 16877

                              #15
                              I've seen the C2 in action. These have received many, many good reviews around the industry so far. Parasound has taken their time putting out this product, and from what I hear is providing excellent customer follow-up on it so far as well.




                              CHRIS
                              Luke: "Hey, I'm not such a bad pilot myself, you know"
                              CHRIS

                              Well, we're safe for now. Thank goodness we're in a bowling alley.
                              - Pleasantville

                              Comment

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