Parasound Halo P5
Parasound Halo P5 stereo preamplifier with built-in DAC and moving coil phono stage, designed for demanding hi-fi systems.
Description
The Parasound Halo P5 is a stereo preamplifier belonging to the manufacturer's high-end Halo range. It succeeds the Halo P 3 and is positioned as a 2.1 audio preamplifier, meaning it is capable of handling both the two main stereo channels and a dedicated subwoofer output.
This unit incorporates a quality digital-to-analogue converter (DAC), paired with coaxial, optical and USB inputs, allowing it to receive digital sources directly without going through an external DAC. It also offers analogue bass management and a subwoofer output, useful for integrating a subwoofer into a stereo setup. A home cinema bypass function allows it to be inserted into an existing home cinema system while retaining control of the audio system in place. The built-in phono stage accepts moving coil cartridges, a feature aimed at turntable enthusiasts looking for suitable phono amplification without a separate phono preamplifier. Volume control is motorised for precise adjustment, and input switching as well as tone control are handled by relays rather than conventional potentiometers, which limits interference in the signal.
This preamplifier is intended for users who already have a separate power amplifier and wish to centralise the management of their analogue and digital sources, including a turntable with a moving coil cartridge, within a single unit. It is also suitable for those integrating a subwoofer output into a stereo setup or who wish to have their stereo system coexist with a home cinema installation.
What to check before buying used
The motorised volume potentiometer may develop friction noise or an uneven response over time: testing it across its full range, at both low and high volume, allows this to be checked. The input switching and tone control relays should switch without crackling or dropouts, a common symptom of contact oxidation. The phono stage warrants careful listening to detect any abnormal hiss or hum, and the digital inputs (USB, coaxial, optical) should be tested individually with a source to rule out any fault in the built-in DAC.
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