Should I sidegrade from Halo P5 preamp?

Discussion in 'Preamps' started by Chops, Dec 24, 2018.

  1. Chops

    Chops New

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    Just for the Roku. I don't care about movies and TV that much. Music is what I care about, and the system is being built/upgraded for that. That's where the money is going. The Bluesound Node 2 is the main source for now until I find a the streamer I really want. And then there's the turntable I need to get as well.
     
  2. Blake

    Blake Acquaintance

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    Last edited: Dec 27, 2018
  3. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    What speakers, what amp, are you streaming mp3 / aac? Want to make sure you won't be buying a Fernando Alonso and putting him in a POS car with an engine that won't start.
     
  4. Chops

    Chops New

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    I stream from Tidal, so FLAC and MQA. Also, all of my files on my NAS are all FLAC and some DSD 64, 128, 256.

    This is the current setup...

    Preamp | Amplifiers: Parasound Halo P5 | NuPrime STA-9 x 2
    Sources: Bluesound Node 2, Roku Ultra, Oppo 105D, Crosley C10 (Pro-Ject Debut III) w/ Ortofon 2M Bronze
    Speakers | Subwoofers: Sonus faber Venere 1.5 | JL Audio e110 x 2
    Power Conditioning: Blue Circle Audio, APC
    Cables:
    AudioQuest, Wireworld, Pangea Audio, Mojo Audio
     
  5. CizxT5

    CizxT5 New

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    Nope, but I like where his head is.
     
  6. JimOfOakCreek

    JimOfOakCreek New

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    Compulsive ‘upgrading’ of components does keep the audio dealers and manufactures going. It also keeps the online audio selling sites in business.

    A Halo P5 is a hell of a nice kit. ‘Upgrading’ it may seem like a fun idea. You get to listen to all your favorite music with a new component in the chain. Of course it will sound a bit different due to component matching impedances, and other factors.

    Is it worth it to spend more money to listen to a new component? Or is it better to buy a bag of really good ganja?
     
  7. toddrhodes

    toddrhodes Friend

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    I had to look it up, but I did in fact have a Halo P5 for a hot minute. 2 days, if I remember right. Damn thing was so hard and forward, I couldn't wait to move on. The OG Saga I have may as well be a bespoke, custom build compared to the P5. I will give it to the P5 that it has a lot of value in terms of functionality but in terms of SQ, it just did not work well for me with my tastes and my other gear. I think I moved on from it to an Odyssey Candela, which is what the Saga supplanted.

    Not going to lie, the experience with the P5 really soured me on the entire Parasound brand. I admit that's not fair, but it just is.
     
  8. elmoe

    elmoe Friend

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    I had a Halo A23 and it was pretty much the worst amp I've ever heard. I sold it quickly and moved on, I feel the same way @toddrhodes it put me off Parasound completely though I don't doubt the much older gear was good.
     
  9. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Last edited: Dec 13, 2019
  10. elmoe

    elmoe Friend

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    I did. Luckily I didn't spend much on it to begin with so no harm done. Taught me a valuable lesson in not spending money on Parasound gear if anything.
     

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