Are you happy with your C1 or C2?

[JamesE]

Some questions:

Does the Pro 4 channel have and adjustable high pass filter or is it locked into 20 hz?

What mix do you use to create an overhead channel on Pro 1 & 3 channels?

Can you setup the Pro 1 & 3 channels for stereo bass of the front channels or as Lexicon does--the base from the left side channels can be deverted to a left sub, the right to a right sub and an LFE sub?

Do they have a sound mode for 7.1 reproduction for all movies, not just ones with the ex channel coded in?

Thanks

[Chris D]

For moi-

1. Yes, I'm VERY happy with my C1. Won't be selling this anytime in the next decade.

2. Yes, the Pro 2 (duplicate subwoofer) and Pro 4 (tactile transducer) channels are not modifiable. The filter on the Pro 4 is fixed at 20Hz. You know, at first, I thought this would be overly restrictive, so I'm currently using Pro 1 to drive my Clark Synthesis transducers. Over time, I've whittled down the filter lower and lower, and currently am using it at 25Hz. I've found the other frequencies to just be a bit distracting. So if I have to give up Pro 1 for another full channel, I'm sure I'll be fine using Pro 4 for my Clarks. Both Pro 1 and Pro 3 are fully mixable and modifiable with dual filters, channel mixes and phases, and delays.

3. I don't have my manual in front of me, but if I recall they recommend a recipie for an overhead channel something like 20% front, 20% center, 50% side surrounds, and 40% rear surrounds. They have recommended "channel mix" recipies for varoius speaker configurations. Just to be clear, too, you'd probably just want one programmable channel for a mono overhead speaker, not two.

4. Sure thing... if you put a filter on Pro 1 at 80 Hz, or wherever you want it, mix 100% of all left channels, and then do the same for Pro 3 and the right side, you'll get what you're looking for. Me personally, I don't see the benefit of doing this, other than avoiding some left and right sub signal cancellation. You'll still get it when the left and right sub are putting out the same signal. For little me, using the main sub output and Pro 2 duplicate sub output to drive my twin SVS PC-Ultras is working fine.

5. Yes, with ANY signal, you can enable one or more of Dolby Digital EX, THX EX, THX Ultra2, DTS ES, (Matrix or Discrete) and DTS Neo:6, any of which will give you sound in all 7 channels. Which modes are available depends on the signal. For me, I'll watch recorded EX or ES material in the native format, and enable THX processing. For DD material, I'll use THX Ultra2. For non-DD or DTS, I'll use Neo:6 and THX processing, which is very nice. Reportedly, Parasound will soon be adding DPL IIx as well, which just gives another option.

Welcome to the Guide, James! Fire away with questions! :banana:

[JamesE]

I downloaded the manual but on page 65 the different mixes for overhead speakers were left out.

The C2 has just about everything I have been looking for. Currently I have a Sony ES9000. It had a lip-sink problem. Sony took 2 years to issue a fix. Worse, they issued the fix in Japan 1 year before issuing it in the US. :M I swore I would never buy another Sony product and bash them every chance I got. Does the C2 have any lip-sink problems? Do they have good customer service?

I got some Aural bass shakers 5 years ago. They were run through an old receiver. My ex channel is done through a Circle Surround Jr. What I found was that all these pieces of extra equipement just introduce more noise. The C2 combines all of these things into one unit.

I really like the programable channels. It would be nice to have a couple more of them--2 for overhead, 2 for RT LF stereo bass and 2 for front overhead as Chesky has proposed. I know this is a little obsessive but so is spending $6,000 for a preamp and by getting used speakers and amps, I can add all of these for less than the cost of 1 pair of Areal speakers.

The other two things on my wish list are built in Eq for all channels and a single cable for hooking up SACD. :T

[SpOoNmAn]

When I upgrade my amps to Bryston ones, the C2 is staying in my system. It is a stellar performer :T

[Chris D]

Well, James, no guarantees, but Parasound is releasing an upgrade to the C1/C2 at the end of this year, and everything you mention has been discussed as possible inclusions in the upgrade.

No, no lip-sync issues with the C1/C2. Audio delay control has also been discussed for addition to the Halo line, though, for even more control.

Service is excellent, you can call or contact the company anytime and get the straight story. (see our "sticky" thread at the top of the club regarding Parasound contact information) The warranty is a full 10 years. When I had a problem with the video display on my C1, they took it back and gave me a replacement right away.

[Kingdaddy]

I had the Sony ES9K combo before buying the Halo, and had no lip sync issues with either. It’s my understanding that the lip sync issue is with certain combinations of DVD players and Processors, and can be fixed at either end. So you may still have a lip sync issue with the Halo. You are however in for one hell of surprise if you buy a C2 to replace your Sony, I was blown away, I wrote a review on this forum, it's here somewhere.

[JamesE]

Chris,
Thanks for all of the info. Right now the C2 is at the top of my list.
Kingdaddy,
I read your review the other day. I hope I experience that much change. Your speakers are stunning!!!!