New Classic and Halo
If you are looking to put together an absolutely stellar stereo system or multi channel home theatre system these two well established lines from Parasound have you covered. They need no introduction as they are classics in the audio world. A first choice for two channel stereo and home theatre. Too many reviews to add all the links. Please go to our links page and visit the Parasound website, as they have links to many great reviews.
Please read the following:
How Parasound Prevents Home Theatre Obsolescence
While Maximizing Performance & Value
Most people considering the purchase of a new home theatre or an upgrade have a well-justified fear of obsolescence. The home theatre industry's ever changing technology circus causes buyers to put off purchasing, often permanently. People won't buy when they fear obsolescence. The constant stream of new technologies and features is confusing. People won't buy when they're confused.
Unfortunately, this trend will continue because of frequent HDMI revisions and the strategy AVR manufacturers have adopted to compete with each other. The AVR manufacturers' business model emulates the fashion industry: Create new interest in a product line simply because it is the newest and latest. They flood the market several times a year with new models touting the latest technology and features, regardless of how useful they are. For example: DTS™ 11 channel home theatre.
You can reasonably assume that most consumers are concerned with future obsolescence. We can give you peace of mind and a greater inclination to buy now with the following information:
An often overlooked fact is that AVR manufacturers base many of their inexpensive, low powered models on the same technology, features, and chip sets as their most powerful and expensive models. Different prices between AVR models are determined almost entirely by their output power, i.e. their amp stages (and perhaps another 20 superfluous DSP modes and networking options that few consumers will ever use). The vast majority of the time a lower priced AVR has everything that a typical user needs, except for real amplifier power.
May we suggest an inexpensive AVR and combine it with a top quality power amp that will transform the listening experience and virtually future proof a home theatre? Then, if a new technology appears that you want, you can simply replace your present inexpensive AVR with an equally inexpensive new AVR. The Parasound power amp that makes the theatre sound so great is built for long life and can remain the heart of the system indefinitely.
Who wouldn't want this proposition? Why would you want to pay for the amp section of a higher priced AVR again and again over the years when you can pay for a separate power amp once?
Parasound Halo A51: 250W x 5 @ 8Ω, 400W x 5 @ 4Ω
Parasound New Classic 5250 V.2: 250W x 5 @ 8Ω, 385W x 5 @ 4Ω
AVRs with Pre Outs under $1000USD Retail:
The AVRs listed below are rated at between 90 and 130 watts per channel, but with only two channels driven. When you drive all seven speakers the power output will drop to 25-35 watts. Every Parasound power amp is rated with all channels driven. A 250 watt Parasound five channel amp sounds far superior to the most expensive receiver and produces 250 watts into each 8Ω speaker and 400 watts into each 4Ω speaker with all channels driven. Even with only one channel driven the AVRs listed below can't produce 200 watts into a 4Ω speaker. But these AVRs have the same capabilities as higher priced models for HDMI switching and decoding of Dolby TrueHD™ and DTS-HD Master™.
Parasound's message is simple: If you pair one of these AVRs with a Parasound power amp you will have a sensible update path, superior sound and economic sanity.
Brand Model Rated Watts per Channel
Onkyo HT-RC270 100
Onkyo TX-NR708 110
Onkyo TX-NR808 135
Integra DTR-30.2 100
Sony STRDA3600ES 110
Marantz SR5004 100
Marantz SR6004 110
Pioneer VSX-1120-k 100
P. Elite VSX-32 110
P. Elite VSX-33 110
Yamaha RX-V665 90
Yamaha RX-V667 90
Yamaha RX-A700 90
Yamaha RX-V765 95
Yamaha RX-A800 95
Yamaha RX-A1000 105
Yamaha RX-V1065 105
Yamaha RX-V867 95
Denon AVR-3311CI 125
HK AVR-3600 80
Model list is based on availability in March 2011. Brand name trademarks are owned by their respective owners.
Are you on a tight budget? We recommend a separate Parasound two channel power amp to drive the front left and right speakers. It will improve the sound and take a big load off the AVR so it can drive the other channels more effectively.
