Experience with Parasound P5?


I I have been looking at a pre upgrade for my main system of AcurusR11, McIntosh MC250 with upgrades/ATI 1502, Sony Sa5400cdp, Ohm Walsh 2-100S3, Squeezebox. I have never had a more modern pre with these amps and I have heard consistently that the pre is a weakness. I have a chance to get a NIB Parasound P5 for a really good price from a dealer on the Mainland so no chance to test it. Wanted to see if others have heard or bought this unit and their thoughts as to quality, impact or if anyone has used it it's a similar amp.





joekapahulu

Showing 2 responses by joekapahulu

Thx for all the input. I really like the sound of the amps I have and really want to see if I can improve this with a good pre. I used a Luminous audio passive for a while. It was good with the Mac but not the ATI. The Mac is really the main amp.As an old unit though it periodically needs maintenance. I would like to maintain two systems  with this as the vintage one. I need to get off the upgrade merry go round so if this doesn't work I may just end up buying a new integrated and getting rid of the separates. That would just start another search and end my vintage pursuit/obsession. That would make my wife happy.




Well, got sick (back) and ended up missing out on the P5 so I am still looking at a new used preamp. I remembered recently that one of the best experiences I had was with an older CJ PV4 tube preamp. It was the old CJ sound but still had some warmth that beat my Acurus but without the detail. Made me wonder if a CJ tube preamp would make a good match. Ideally, one with a remote as my back has me living in a recliner more than I like (though it is a good excuse to play the stereo). I see some ET3 units for sale around $18-00-2000?  Are there other tube pres people recommend that have a remote, might be more in the $1k -1500 range and match the MC250?