Parasound Halo A-51 Amp and other high end Amps

[Max997]

I am looking to add an amp to my system ( and a Processor soon after ) and I was hoping to get some thoughts on the Parasound Halo A-51 amp and what other amps are compareable to it ( price and performance ) and why they might be better

Ive been looking around the last couple weeks and I am leaning towards getting this Halo and wanted some opinions before I made the purchase.

Lexicons are good but also more expensive and I am already pushing my max on what I want to spend.

I know Anthems are pretty good also.


Thanks
Todd

 

[mitch57]

I started out with a Rotel RMB-1095 which was a very good amp. I upgraded to the Parasound Halo A-51 and I haven't looked back since. The bass in this amp is much tighter then the Rotel. I think you would be very happy with the A-51. But ultimately you need to let your ears make the decision for you. Audition as many different amps as you can within your price range to help you make your decision.

 

[Sleestack]

I had the A51 and C1. Between the two, I thought the A51 was the better piece. I sold the A51 in favor of TACT digital amps, but as far as solid state HT amps go, I thought the A51 was as good as any I've heard.

 

[jcPanny]

Amp options

I have no doubt that the Parasound is an excelent amp. If you want a good deal, look for a slightly used one on audiogon.com
However, based on reviews, I am curious if something like the Emotiva MPS-1 can offer comparable performance for a better price.

 

[gene]

I have no doubt that the Parasound is an excelent amp. If you want a good deal, look for a slightly used one on audiogon.com
However, based on reviews, I am curious if something like the Emotiva MPS-1 can offer comparable performance for a better price.

The Halo's are a better amp than Emotiva on paper. They can deliver more power per channel (especially at low impedance), and have a lower noise floor and output impedance. However, the Emotiva is far more efficient, runs alot cooler and is much cheaper! Given the choice between the two, I would pick Emotiva and put the money saved into the room where it will have a much more profound effect on sonics.

 

[Sleestack]

The Halo's are a better amp than Emotiva on paper. They can deliver more power per channel (especially at low impedance), and have a lower noise floor and output impedance. However, the Emotiva is far more efficient, runs alot cooler and is much cheaper! Given the choice between the two, I would pick Emotiva and put the money saved into the room where it will have a much more profound effect on sonics.

In addition to the A51 I also had the MPS-1 Emotiva amp. It is an excellent amp and its modular design provides flexibility that most others don't. The A51 had better fit and finish, but the Emotiva definitely held its own when it came to performance.