Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Parasound P-3 Preamplifier (SS) by HiOnFi

Model:	P-3
Category:	Preamplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$799
Description:	Parasound Halo P-3 Preamp
Manufacturer URL:	Parasound
Model Picture:	View

Review by hionfi on June 19, 2011 at 10:46:05
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for the P-3

10 year old designs still a great value.

I bought the P 3 about a month ago as I am thinking of combining my video into my audio system, but in case that doesn't work out I would use it in my video system as my integrated input selection circuitry is limping along after a power line transformer blew and knocked part of it out. I bought the A 23 amp as well, but have not unboxed it.

I made a conscious decision to move away from an unbalanced system to true balanced over 10 years ago, and though the P 3 is not 'true' balanced, the balanced circuitry is discrete. The only time I listen to it in unbalanced is when listening to FM radio, but even there, it does a great job.

My last 2 sources were/are a Raysonic 168, which I replaced about 4 years ago with the Raysonic 228. Both were purchased because they had balanced variable tube outs, which I plugged direct into my active XO (no external preamp). My system always sounded 'good', but no where near this good.

The P 3 brings lots of musical revelations to the table that simply weren't coming through before. I think the problem was an impedance input mismatch between the inexpensive active XO, whose input circuitry is not tube friendly.

Most balanced components are expensive, and in my opinion worth it when one is at our level of fanaticism. The combination of the Halo P3/A23 offers a huge slice of why balanced matters, at an entry level price, assuming your source has a true balanced output.

hth

Product Weakness:	Too inexpensive to be taken seriously. Lacks polarity control, which IMO should be included at the hi-end level.
Product Strengths:	Great performer

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: W4S MC 250/500
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Preamplifier
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Raysonic 228
Speakers: Magnepan 3.5R
Cables/Interconnects: Clear Day interconnects and speaker
Music Used (Genre/Selections): everything but rap
Room Size (LxWxH): 34 x 19 x 13
Room Comments/Treatments: 4 Argent RoomLenses
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): PS Audio Premier + Ultimate Outlet
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	W4S MC 250/500
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Preamplifier
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Raysonic 228
Speakers:	Magnepan 3.5R
Cables/Interconnects:	Clear Day interconnects and speaker
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	everything but rap
Room Size (LxWxH):	34 x 19 x 13
Room Comments/Treatments:	4 Argent RoomLenses
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	PS Audio Premier + Ultimate Outlet
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner