Advice for a receiver with A-23

[el jopez]

Hello board.

My name is el jopez (joe) and I have recently bought an A-23 after seeing and reading accolade after accolade about the musical representation the amp gives to speakers and plus it looks dam sexy. I am currently looking at powering up my Klipsch RF-35 with it however I am needing a receiver to act as a pre/pro.

I went to my Ultimate Elec dealer and he told me that a Denon 3805 or a like priced Pioneer Elite would match well with the amp.

Now I pose the question to you Halo fanatics, will the combo with a Denon or a Pioneer Elite work or better yet sound well? Any other possible suggestion by chance? Mind you I have a limited budget (prefferably under 800 USD) and would like to purchase a receiver to power a minor HT. The Denon and Pioneer will be a B stock in store. The mains will definitley be covered with the A-23, having the receiver allows leverage in adding additional speakers.

Thanks in advance!

Joe

[bhuskins]

For what you are wanting to do you're probably on the right track. Don't forget to look at the SR7500 from Marantz. I like it better than the 3805.

Brent Huskins
Media Design
HTGuide Sponsor

[el jopez]

Brent,

I not very familear with Marantz, why would you suggest this receiver vs a Elite or Denon? Is it build, asthetics or tonal quality that matches better with the Halo lineup?

Joe

[bhuskins]

It's not that it matches any better with Halo...I just like the build quality, tonal quality and usability of the Marantz better than Denon and Elite at the $1,000-$1,300 MSRP price point...even though I sell all 3.

Brent Huskins
Media Design
HTGuide Sponsor

[Chris D]

Hey, el jopez! (and welcome to Club Parasound and the Guide!) :banana: If you're looking for something to act as a pre/pro, why look for receivers? If you don't need the power part of the receiver, you're just paying extra for something you don't need, and introducing extra electromagnetic interference with the sound. Why not just get an actual pre/pro and keep it clean? If you've got an A23 already, have you considered the P3 and/or the new Halo processor set to come out?

[bhuskins]

He wants it for surround

You have to read his post carefully

Brent Huskins
Media Design
HTGuide Sponsor

[bhuskins]

having the receiver allows leverage in adding additional speakers

Brent

[Chris D]

Ah, I must have missed that. Still, I'd recommend looking at a pure pre/pro, and not a receiver. You can look at multi-channel processors, if you like. If you want to add actual powered channels in the future, then get amplifiers to power it at that time. That way you're not just buying new equipment, you're building your system with a plan to also improve your sonic performance beyond receivers' capabilities.

[bhuskins]

His budget is too small though

[el jopez]

Thanks for the responses!

Yes, I have considered the P3 however, in the case of practicality and more bang fro the buck, a receiver is going to outperform in terms of options the P3 hands down. The simple system I am buidling is for primarily music with movies, and having a receiver capabale of decoding the common formats on the market is essential at the moment.

As well like i had posted, having the reciever is extremly practical in the price range I am goin for as for completing a good surround sound experience rather than having nothing but seperates at this point in time. I figured I start with the A-23 and build from there slowly.

any and all help is appreciated with this endeavor!

joe

[bhuskins]

what other info do you need?

Brent Huskins
Media Design
HTGuide Sponsor

[el jopez]

nothing imparticular per se.

I am currently looking at the Marantz models and have found a local dealer to demo a unit. I have yet to outrule the 3805, although I have found that it lacks raw force to create a good soundstage even in stereo mode. The same applies to the Pioneer Elite although it tends to be a brighter sound to my ears.

From what I have been told, the Elite and Halo combo is a good one, since the Halo amp will smoothen out the sound where as the Elite creates good bass.

Thats why I purchased the A-23 and I hope Im doign this in proper steps. Any information is more than welcome

joe

[bhuskins]

What Elite model are you looking at in your price point?

Brent Huskins
Media Design
HTGuide Sponsor

[el jopez]

I am currently looking at the Elite VSX 54 TX. However, the TXI with usb pc connectibility is really intruiging me. I dont like the idea of burning multiple cd with my massive mp3 library, and with the Xbox 360 arriving soon with "Windows Media extendor" streaming multimedia capabilities, I might be interested in expanding my budget for such a feature.

Who other than Pioneer Elites' offer USB to PC Connectibility?

Joe

[Chris D]

Side note... I think many of us will be "expanding our budgets" for an XBox 360 or PS3. I've never had a gaming system (since my original Atari) but I don't know if I can pass these new ones up.

[bhuskins]

Me too...I'll be buying both...

And, I'm not a big gamer either.

Brent Huskins
Media Design
HTGuide Sponsor

[el jopez]

The multimedia capabilities are phenomenal compared to current generation machines. The 360 has seamless compatibility with Windows PC's and greater power with a Windows Media Center PC. Either machines, 360 or PS3 in my opinion is bound to be just another component in the home entertainment center we all enjoy. They are feature rich.

Back on topic (for a while), how about a receiver option?

Joe

[doytag]

Hi,

particularly same question
I have the NAD T762 receiver, but I want to upgrade it in stereo, my speakers are KEF Q7, I think the A23 it will be enough for me,
the problem is that I can not listen the halo a23, as our shops don't have one, but I can order it via the i-net.
Can you tell is it Ok for that music DUB, Drum&Bass, Acid Jazz, Trip hop with my speakers and my receiver. My pleyer is NAD C542.
What do you think????

Regards
Alex

[Chris D]

Hi, Alex, and welcome to the Guide and Club Parasound! :banana: I think you'd be very happy with the A23. Perhaps somebody else that has more knowledge about your particular equipment can comment better, though.

[el jopez]

Ok, I beleive I am changing course; I am going seperates.

After combing over multiple receivers and reviews, testimonials etc, I have come to the conclusion that a dedicated pre/pro would be best for me per advice of Chris "keep it clean" D

The preamp I am looking at isnt Parasouns (dont flame me now), however I am looking at B&K. Two models are in mind, Reference 30 or 50. Both models will be used purchases made online. Is there anyone who can comment on either one when matchin up with Halo gear?

Joe

[Chris D]

Joe- No worries, you've got to do what's best for you. Don't worry about flames! My small opinion is that you'll be happier with separates, especially in the long run, and set yourself up for a better upgrade path.

Hopefully those who know B&K can chime in here. (Brent, don't you carry B&K as well?) And make sure you visit the B&K club here on the Guide if that's what you're interested in.

[psychdoc]

Before you look past Parasound might I suggest you really take a close look at the Parasound Classic 7100. I have the 7100 paired up with the Parasound Classic 5250 and I absolutely love it. If Halo is somehow better than the Classic I really don't think my ears would hear the minimal difference anyway (no disrespect to the Halo owners). The Classic is that good! I also believe it is the maximum bang for the buck. Email Brent Huskins who is in all of these threads for more info on the unit. Trust me, you will be very, very happy. Take care, Matt.

[el jopez]

Whats amazing is how small a budget I had set for myself and now im looking at surpassing that same budget times 10.

Exampe: I orginally alloted 800 USD for a receiver but now im considering up to 1500 for either a quality preamp or receiver (B&K 507). Funny how thing change once you get started. After all its about quality here

I have looked at the B&K board and it pretty much looks dead unlike the Parasound one You guys are excellent. Ill keep you updated on the continuing evolution of this sound system I am building.

Joe

[doytag]

Chris,

thank you for reply,

but there is Parasound model 2125 in the Parasound web page. and it has same power characteristics 125watt X 2 channel. (but Halo has higher output current - 41 amp, and 2125 has - 35 amp)
these two models Parasound Halo A23 and Parasound model 2125 have same price.

I'd like to get your opinion, what amplifier is better halo or 2125? and why (if you know :-))?

Regards
Alex

[bhuskins]

Halo A23 MSRP - $850
Parasound NewClassic 2125 MSRP - $700

Brent Huskins
Media Design
HTGuide Sponsor

[doytag]

Ok,

but what amplifier is better for sound?
I don't care about money (150 difference it is not too much)

Regards
Alex

[mariachi]

I think the difference is minimal, with the exception that the A23 has balanced inputs..

-Vic

[el jopez]

*Update*

I went ahead and purchased a B&K Ref 50 with a silver face plate. Looks dam fine along side the Halo amp however a Halo Controller would compliment it better I'm sure. Havent had a chance yet to plug everything in yet since my living area is extremly cluttered.

I hope and think its safe to say that Im off to a good Stereo/HT setup. All I lack is a sub and the whole system plugged in to take her for a test drive.

Ill let you all know how it goes. What I am hoping for is a sound that will blow me away. I was severely unimpressed with a Denon 4806 in stereo mode, so this had better be a step up if not 5, or I am going to commit honorable ritual Japanese suicide.

Joe