Experienced my first audition today...

[tmueller]

I had my first listen with the Halo gear today. To summarize breifly; it was an enjoyable experience. I listened to the A23 and P3 hooked to some JM Lab speakers (entry line). Overall, the sound at first glanced appeared warmer than my Rotel/Def Tech Combo. (A little more inviting!?) The highs/upper hz's. were also more controlled. I thought it was however, a bit fatiguing in the vocals-it could have been the source?

I am very excited to listen to some more Halo gear and other 2 channel equipment as I begin to build my new system.

Thanks to the enthusiasm on this board; I am encouraged to audition this equipment more and potentially buying into this line.

Tyler

[nicholtl]

The JM entry levels didn't do the equipment justice. It also might have helped if the P3 (which requires a long break-in period, and I'm not sure if it was at the place you were at) was connected to an A21 instead. That would've allowed you to REALLY crank it. I love Rotel, don't get me wrong, but if the Halo didn't drastically blow you away, then either it was set up wrong, the components weren't broken in enough, or the speakers just sucked.

[tmueller]

Interesting...I was not expecting to be blown away with what I consider "budget conscious" equipment. That being said, it may have been the speakers. What speakers do you recommend with Parasound Gear?

Tyler

[nicholtl]

Ok, so maybe I was exaggerating a bit. The P3 and A23 could be considered "budget conscious," depending on the level of certifiable-ness of the consumer. I guess many of us in this hobby are certifiable to the n-th degree. However, along those lines, Rotel would be considered "a bargain." Personally, through my own critical listening, I've concluded that the Parasound seperates are quite noticeably superior to Rotel's.

A lot of people I know run Klipsch, Magnepans, or PSB speakers with their Halo components. Klipsch and Maggies being the most popular, by FAR.

[SpOoNmAn]

I also had Rotel with my DefTechs but the Halo gear is a step above for sure. The Halo pieces and my new DefTechs compliment one another nicely.

[Chris CRt]

I love my Halo C1, A51, A21 and T3 connected to my M&K S-150's!

Smooth, detailed sound. Now, for what you were doing, I'd say probably not. If two-channel is what you're after, then the M&K's are probably not for you, but to me they are wonderful all around. For home theater, I would say go crazy with the M&Ks!

Just to add more to this, I like the sound of the Klipsch THX Ultra 2's and might (strong might!) want to swap the M&K's for those. The verdict is still out for me on that.

[Kingdaddy]

The P3 is not Halo, and the Processor makes the biggest audible difference in my experience, amps wont make much difference unless they are driving a difficult load. Try auditioning a Halo Processor (C1/C2) and there should be a considerable difference in the low end impact compared to many other newer processors.

[NMyTree]

[QUOTE=Kingdaddy]The P3 is not Halo.....QUOTE]

Huh? Not Halo?:scratchhead::scratchhead:

Maybe you mean that, you don't feel the P3 is the best representitive of the Halo gear?

Because if you look here.... http://www.parasound.com/halonew/p3front.asp :B

[tmueller]

King,

Yeah, I also don't know exactly what you mean regarding the P3. I thought it was Halo's 2 channel product as that is what I am looking for. I already have a processor for my theater so the C1 or C2 seems redundant.

P.S. Just auditioned Arcam today. I am very impressed.

Tyler

[nicholtl]

Arcam is a solid product. The Brits know what they're doing.

[Kingdaddy]

Woops my bad, I was thinking of one of their older classic line preamps, I almost forgot they had an entry level pre in the Halo line. It is however (IMO) the processing of the C1/C2 that makes all the magic.


Never Mind.

[tmueller]

No prob. King. I am just trying to understand more about the product. I appreciate everyone's input.

Tyler