HiFi Audio on a budget
Written: Sep 05 '02
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Pros: Well-constructed, quality parts, superior tonality
Cons: No remote control
The Bottom Line: This preamp is a bargain at twice the price. The unit is visually attractive, has above average sound and is well-constructed.
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| akshobhyavajra's Full Review: Parasound PHP-850 Amplifier |
Purpose
The Parasound P/HP-850 is a two channel Stereo preamplifier designed to be used in conjunction with a stand alone two channel power amp or two monoblock amps. The unit is not intended for home theater use.
Features
The P/HP-850 is a cost-effective, entry-level hifi control unit / preamp. As such no remote control has been made available.
The unit has five source switching inputs including tape record / playback and a RIAA phono stage, which will work with both moving magnetic and moving coil cartridges (this in and of itself is worth the price if you are a vinyl enthusiast).
The preamp has two outputs, which are labeled "Normal" and "Direct". The Normal output should be used for amplifiers, which may not protect your speakers from DC in the signal path. However, Direct may be used for all Parasound (or other quality) amps.
In addition to the five source inputs the P/HP-850 has defeatable bass and treble controls and a headphone output (note: the headphone plug will not diminish sound from the amplifier).
More importantly this little preamp uses high quality parts like Alps and Noble volume / balance controls, silver-plated OFC (Oxygen Free Copper) internal wiring (usually only found in more expensive high-end equipment) and large power supplies for increased bass response. All RCA jacks are gold-plated and the unit comes with a removable IEC AC cord, which enables one to upgrade the power cord at a later point.
Some Technical Info
Frequency Response: 10 Hz - 100 kHz, + 0/-2 dB, full output
Distortion: less that 0.009% THD, 1 kHz; less that 0.01% THD, 20 kHz; less than 0.01% IM
S/N Ratio: High Level greater than 93 dB, A-weighted, full output; High Level greater than 90 dB, A-weighted, full output -6 dB; Phono greater than 65 dB, A-weighted, full output
Crosstalk: greater than 60 dB, ô 10 kHz, full output
Tone Control Range: ±10 dB, 100 Hz; ±10 dB, 10 kHz
Appearance
The unit has a sleek and attractive appearance (17 1/4 " x 3" x 16", h 3 5/8" {with feet}) without any distracting digital displays. The case is black in color and the clean design makes for fairly intuitive operation.
Sound
The direct-coupled output of the P/HP-850 makes for the cleanest possible signal and the large power supply makes for clearer bass and better dynamics. The signal passes through 100% Class A circuits for more accurate sound.
I use the P/HP-850 with the matching HCA 750 A power amp. All in all I am very impressed with the amount of detail coming from a unit this inexpensive. The preamp provides good detail, above average tonality and precise soundstage with good instrument separation.
I have been listening to audiophile quality equipment for over 25 years and believe that this preamp is a fine bargain on the market. It appears that famous audio engineer John Curl, though not directly responsible for this design, may well have influenced the makers of the P/HP-850.
Conclusion
If you are in the market for a solid-state preamp in the below 1k arena take a good look at the P/HP-850. The unit is well-constructed, attractive in appearance, uses quality parts usually associated with equipment costing double or triple the amount and offers excellent features. If you are looking for a preamp WITH a quality phono stage that is compatible with MM and MC carts this preamp is a no-brainer - just get it. The phono stage alone is worth the price of the preamp.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 249
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Epinions.com ID:
akshobhyavajra
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Location: Boca Raton, FL
Reviews written: 31
Trusted by: 4 members
About Me:
~Carpe diem - vita brevis~
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