Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Parasound P5 Preamplifier (SS) by pictureguy

Model:	P5
Category:	Preamplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$1095
Description:	Stereo preamp / 2.1
Manufacturer URL:	Parasound
Model Picture:	View

Review by pictureguy on June 14, 2014 at 23:33:04
IP Address: 174.68.76.189 Add Your Review
for the P5

Super 'budget' preamp and a worthy successor to the well-regarded P3. While not a true 'balanced' design, this preamp is full featured with both balanced and single ended ins / outs. Preamp also includes a reasonable DAC section with USB / optical / coax inputs. MM/MC input as well as a good number of single ended 'high level' inputs. One input is Balanced.
Outputs? Stereo balanced AND single ended. 2 Mono Sub outputs and a balanced sub out. Bass management for main speakers and Sub. TONE CONTROLS! I set them up with bass / treble boost and use them as a loudness contour, just like the old days.

Clean, open sound with terrific imaging and enough inputs / outputs for all but the overachiever.
Very Nice iPod input and headphone output, both are 3.5mm=1/8"

Bass management deserves some special attention. You can switch it 'in' or 'out' for sub or mains.
I use the low-cut feature on the mains to relieve ampflier 'stress' while offloading bass to the sub, which is fed a full range signal and uses its OWN internal crossover. Parasound crossovers appear to be 12db / octave.

Product Weakness:	Lots of 'clicky' relays.
Product Strengths:	Budget priced. Premium performance. Reasonable headphone output (1/8%22) and a very nice iPod INPUT with 'extra' gain.

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Parasound A23 x 2 biamp
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Parasound P5
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Sony PS3
Speakers: Magnepan MG1.6
Cables/Interconnects: BJC and Mogami
Music Used (Genre/Selections): rock, jazz, polka
Room Size (LxWxH): 22 x 14 x 9
Room Comments/Treatments: none:
Time Period/Length of Audition: 1 month
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Panamax
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition): Yes

Amplifier:	Parasound A23 x 2 biamp
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Parasound P5
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Sony PS3
Speakers:	Magnepan MG1.6
Cables/Interconnects:	BJC and Mogami
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	rock, jazz, polka
Room Size (LxWxH):	22 x 14 x 9
Room Comments/Treatments:	none:
Time Period/Length of Audition:	1 month
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Panamax
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition):	Yes