Creating a 2.1 system

[Richard Adamski]

Hi all, I am looking to recreate something of the quality of the system I had in the early 1980’s.

The components were: a STD turntable (Hancock arm, Grace Cartridge). Luxman L5 amplifier, DCM Time windows speakers and an Audio Pro B2-50 subwoofer.

I am considering PSB Imagine T2 speakers and Parasound Halo integrated amp. I am wondering about the quality of the onboard DAC & Phono stage of this amp.
Given I have about $15,000 (Aus) for the speaker, amp and DAC. Does the phono preamp and the DAC of the Parasound represent good value?

The turntable would be a separate issue down the track with it's own budget.

I would welcome any comments.

Richard

 

[ski2xblack]

The Parasound is an excellent piece of gear, if not the greatest value. The phono stage the DAC are the least of your concerns. The bass management is on the crude side, just analog hp/lp filters (I assume that a sub is also part of the plan given the title of the thread).

A slightly more modern 2.1 integrated would be the NAD C390DD. This offers more fully fleshed out bass management (all handled in the digital realm, user configurable PEQ). You would be forced to get the optional phono module with this one. It's kinda ugly/spartan in typical NAD fashion, and anything but a good value, but it's a thoroughly modern and capable 2.1 integrated amp.

The best value would still be a late model AVR. Some have phono pre's built in, but not many.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I am considering PSB Imagine T2 speakers and Parasound Halo integrated amp. I am wondering about the quality of the onboard DAC & Phono stage of this amp.

The quality of the internal DAC is most likely excellent.

 

[Richard Adamski]

The Parasound is an excellent piece of gear, if not the greatest value. The phono stage the DAC are the least of your concerns. The bass management is on the crude side, just analog hp/lp filters (I assume that a sub is also part of the plan given the title of the thread).

A slightly more modern 2.1 integrated would be the NAD C390DD. This offers more fully fleshed out bass management (all handled in the digital realm, user configurable PEQ). You would be forced to get the optional phono module with this one. It's kinda ugly/spartan in typical NAD fashion, and anything but a good value, but it's a thoroughly modern and capable 2.1 integrated amp.

The best value would still be a late model AVR. Some have phono pre's built in, but not many.

Interesting what you say about bas management. Could you explain hp/lp filters? I wouldn't have thought there was anything inherently wrong with 'just anolog'.

 

[Richard Adamski]

The quality of the internal DAC is most likely excellent.

What to you reckon about the phono pre amp? That was my major concern.

 

[ski2xblack]

Interesting what you say about bas management. Could you explain hp/lp filters? I wouldn't have thought there was anything inherently wrong with 'just anolog'.

hp/lp filters = high pass and low pass filters, for the mains and subs respectively, the most critical part of bass management. Other aspects would be the frequencies where those filters are applied, slopes of the filters, phase of the sub, and any further eq capacity. Analog is not inherently wrong, just kind of archaic when processing can be done in the digital realm, as even the lowliest of AVRs can do these days.

I wouldn't consider the fairly rudimentary and analog controlled bass management of the Halo a deal breaker by any means. For the two channel retro grouch with somewhat deep pockets and who wants to add a sub or two, that capability is it's saving grace. Well, that, and it's a very capable amp.

 

[RichB]

hp/lp filters = high pass and low pass filters, for the mains and subs respectively, the most critical part of bass management. Other aspects would be the frequencies where those filters are applied, slopes of the filters, phase of the sub, and any further eq capacity. Analog is not inherently wrong, just kind of archaic when processing can be done in the digital realm, as even the lowliest of AVRs can do these days.

I wouldn't consider the fairly rudimentary and analog controlled bass management of the Halo a deal breaker by any means. For the two channel retro grouch with somewhat deep pockets and who wants to add a sub or two, that capability is it's saving grace. Well, that, and it's a very capable amp.

For analog sources, analog bass management is just fine. Most subs without DSP processing use analog bass management.

- Rich

 

[Richard Adamski]

hp/lp filters = high pass and low pass filters, for the mains and subs respectively, the most critical part of bass management. Other aspects would be the frequencies where those filters are applied, slopes of the filters, phase of the sub, and any further eq capacity. Analog is not inherently wrong, just kind of archaic when processing can be done in the digital realm, as even the lowliest of AVRs can do these days.

I wouldn't consider the fairly rudimentary and analog controlled bass management of the Halo a deal breaker by any means. For the two channel retro grouch with somewhat deep pockets and who wants to add a sub or two, that capability is it's saving grace. Well, that, and it's a very capable amp.

Ah yes, now I understand. That's very important. With my old Luxman L5 I could just separate the pre and power amp by pulling out horseshoe pins and insert the four RCA plugs from the subwoofer and then do the high & low pass adjustments on the sub. On the Halo those adjustments are done there. I would be less interested in a sub if I couldn't relieve the amp and satellite speakers from the work I'm expecting from the sub. Thanks for your input!