Parasound Halo P 7 Dual-Mode Analog Preamp

High-end AV specialists Parasound have announced their latest preamp, the Halo P 7, which is intended to cater to multichannel music and surround sound from Blu-ray, DVD-Audio, and SACD players as well as to traditional stereo sources.  To do so, it incorporates both 2-channel and 7.1-channel analog preamps, with a range of balanced XLR and RCA stereo inputs and outputs.

Owners can adjust left-right / front-rear balance, give each input a custom name and carry out gain-matching across all 10 inputs, including a front panel PMP input. Parasound claim the Halo P 7's noise floor is 10dB below that of a typical AV receiver, helped by a low-noise MM/MC phono input and remote tone control. It also has an RS-232 socket, discrete IR codes, IR repeater input/loop jacks and three DC triggers for use with a distributed audio or home automation system.

Best of all, perhaps, is the volume knob, which Parasound describe as having "an unusually solid, silky smooth operation". You can't ask for much more than that. The Halo P7 is available from dealers now, priced at around $2,000.

Press Release:

Parasound Delivers Purist Analog Preamp for Stereo and Multichannel Audio in its Halo Family of High End Products

SAN FRANCISCO (8/19/08) – Parasound, the preeminent manufacturer of high-end audio components, has introduced an audio preamplifier designed for sound purists seeking superior low-noise performance from classic stereo sources as well as multichannel music and movies from Blu-ray, DVD-Audio, and SACD players. It will be marketed in the company's high-end Halo product line.

The Parasound Halo P 7 is both a two-channel and 7.1-channel analog preamplifier that is designed to combine outstanding audio performance while providing a flexible and easy-to-use interface. It will satisfy the most demanding two-channel audio purist who also enjoys multichannel music and movies. The Halo P 7 is also a lower-cost alternative to a surround processor if your TV can switch video inputs and you own multi-channel analog sources such as a DVD player, SACD player or Blu-ray player with multichannel analog outputs. The analog bass management for stereo sources makes subwoofer and small speaker integration easy. There is also a volume control bypass mode for users who wish to use their home theater receiver to decode digital sources. The Halo P 7 can also switch 1080p HDMI sources when it is linked to the optional Zhd HDMI switcher.

"With stereo or surround sound, silence is golden," said Richard Schram, Parasound's president and founder. "With its exceptional parts quality, heavy duty construction, outboard HDMI switching option, and balanced XLR input and output connections, Halo P 7's noise floor is a full 10 dB below that of a typical AV receiver, and you don't achieve performance like that with off-the-shelf parts. Our engineering team has worked miracles to keep this level of quality at an affordable price point."

The Halo P 7 user can adjust left-right / front-rear balance, make custom input names and match the gain for all 10 inputs, including a front panel MP3 input. Versatility includes balanced XLR connections, a low-noise MM/MC phono input and remote tone control. It provides RS-232 control, discrete IR codes, IR repeater input/loop jacks and three DC triggers invite system integration.

The Parasound Halo P 7 has a very simple and elegant front panel operation and style, with just two buttons and one knob to control most of its functions. The controls are of extremely high quality, and the control knob has an unusually solid, silky smooth operation, comparable to the focus ring on a high quality camera.

The Parasound Halo P 7 is currently available from Parasound Halo dealers at a suggested retail price of $2000.