I've been a frequent visitor to this forum having received lots of great information regarding Parasound products. I'm in need of some advice with regard to a multichannel amp purchase, I'm trying to decide between the Halo A51 or the newer Classic 5250 power amps. I own a Halo C2 processor and i'm trying to determine what would be a better fit. The amp will be driving B&W Nautilus 804s for mains, Nautilus 805's center channel and surrounds. Besides the obvious price difference does the Halo line offer any significant advantages over the new classic series in terms of sonic capabilities. I'm presently using an Adcom GFA-5503 for my front end (3 X 200 watts) and a Sony TA-N9000ES (4 X 115 watts) for my remaining four channels. Additionally, do you guys think an A23 and A52 will adequately suffice. I'm quite confused and would appreciate any help you guys can provide. Thanks in advance for all your help, Zeb.
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The primary difference between the A51 and the 5250, as far as I see it, is that the A51 is more biased into Class A operation, which gets you better sound than Class B. Granted, it's still nowhere near a high-biased Class A amp like Krell FPB or Pass Labs, but I think you get a few watts in Class A with the A51 vs 1 watt or less with the 5250. My numbers are probably wrong; I'm sure Peter will chime in with the correct figures, but qualitatively, A51 puts out more power in Class A mode than the 5250.
Another "benefit" is the A51 has balanced (XLR) inputs, whereas the 5250 does not. However, the A51 is not designed to take full advantage of balanced inputs, so using XLR over RCA interconnects has negligible effect with the Halo amps. The exception to this would be if you are running very long cables from your C2 to the amp. In that case, using XLR would be beneficial with the Halo amps.
Personally I'd go with a Halo amp for the sake of having it match your C2, regardless of any minor sonic improvements that may also come along. -
Go for the Halo A51. Yes the aesthetic matching should be considered, but more importantly is the dramatic sonic difference between the two types of interconnects (RCA v XLR) on the Halos. Contrary to the previous tread, it's obvious the Halos have been optimized for Balanced connection. I don't know if the quality of the speakers has something to do with it, but they do sound significantly better using Balanced XLRs, and they are as follows:
Fronts B & W Nautilus 804
Center B & W Nautilus HTM1
Rears B & W Nautilus 805
I hope the above helps because I do have an A51 & a C1 and I ended up buying them due to the very decernible difference of sound between the interconnects, in addition to the sonic timbre of the Halos. My previous Amp was an Aragon 2004 with a Luxman preamp, neither of which were slouches.Comment
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If you're using the system for stereo music listening, then I'd definitely go for an A21 for the fronts! If cost is an issue, then the A52 will probably suffice for the other channels...
PeterComment
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Hey, audiolence, welcome to the Guide and Club Parasound! :banana:
CHRIS
Well, we're safe for now. Thank goodness we're in a bowling alley.
- PleasantvilleComment
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thanks
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Thanks for all the advice and information. I ordered the Halo amps from Brent Huskins (great deal and a great guy to deal with), they should arrive sometime this week. I have the same speaker set up as you "audiolence", I'll be using the balanced connections. Will follow up to let you know how everything integrates.Comment
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-Just a follow up on the Halo amps, I went with the A52 with the A23 and I love them. I know this sounds like a "cliche" but I'm hearing so many things from my CD's and movies that just wasn't there with my other amps. Wonderful detail, plenty of power for my use, wonderful tight bass. Brent Huskins gave me a great deal and hand delivered them to my door (since I live in Fort Worth), with my C2 the combination can't be beat for the money. My main concerns were would there be enough power to drive my B&W Nautilus 804's but right out of the box these amps have made my 804's and Nautilus 805's sing like never before. I'm using the balanced connections and to me I think it makes a difference. Thanks again for all the input and help.Comment
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Shouldn't a post like that rate another banana?
-MikeComment
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Yes, yes, yes, be patient, young padawan.
Good deal getting new toys! :banana: CHRIS
Well, we're safe for now. Thank goodness we're in a bowling alley.
- PleasantvilleComment
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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...22 December 2003, 14:51 Monday -
Greetings to all,
I've got upgraditis in the purest sense....starting from scratch!! Well almost. I had a pair of klipsch horns which I recently upgraded to Paradigm studio 100's V3. (6 months old GREAT local deal on ebay). Currently I'm driving them using a HK AVR 7300 reciever (Their... -
Obviously, the specs on the A51 are superior to the new Classic 5 channel amp. Lower distortion, more current, balanced ouputs, etc- but similar power. Does anybody use the new Classic 5250 amp and with what speakers. I am looking for a new 5 channel amp, but since the bulk of my system will be... -
This may be an Anthem issue or a Parasound one, but I'm thoroughly confused about it. Here's the question:
I recently switched my interconnects for my system (Anthem AVM30, Halo A21 and A51 amps, plus Behringer BFD for the sub) from RCA to XLR. I dutifully switched the amps to 'Balanced'... -
Want to thank the members on this forum, was a great aid in making my decision to invest in the Halo system, when it arrives, it will consist of C2, A51,A21.
The new guys will be powering an Axiom speaker system, fronts and center are M80's, surrounds are QS8's, and the rears are also M80's,...
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