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Seller's Description

ParaSound preamp in good condition. There is one little scratch in the middle, not very noticeable. includes Pangea 14 power cord. I think they run about $100 new. Sounds great! a great headphone/phono amp section!

Our Thoughts RADAR AI

A Parasound PHP 850 at US$125 looks like a strong deal against your recent comp set. With a median of US$220 and a 25th percentile of US$210, this asking price sits well below the low end of the typical range, so it reads as bargain territory rather than merely fair.

That makes it especially interesting because this is a respected preamp from a brand known for clean, substantial analog gear and good everyday usability. For a buyer, the upside is simple: if it powers up quietly, switches cleanly, and the controls are healthy, you’re buying well under market for a piece that should be an easy listen and a solid system anchor. Since condition is unknown, the key checks are basic functionality, remote/included accessories if applicable, and any scratchy pots or input issues.

Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.

About Parasound

Parasound, an enduring American hi-fi brand, traces its roots to 1981 when Richard Schram founded it in San Francisco, California. Drawing from his experience in consumer electronics retail and engineering trips to Asia, Schram aimed to bridge the gap between exorbitantly priced high-end gear and lackluster budget options. His vision crystallized through savvy U.S. design paired with cost-effective manufacturing in Taiwan, establishing Parasound as a beacon of accessible excellence from the outset.

The brand excels in amplifiers and preamplifiers, its core stronghold, with the acclaimed Halo series embodying decades of refinement. Iconic collaborations with legendary designer John Curl—starting in 1989—elevate power amps, phono stages like the JC3+, and processors to reference-level performance. While not venturing into speakers, turntables, DACs, headphones, or cables, Parasound's focused lineup delivers uncolored, dynamic sound through innovative circuits and robust builds.

Parasound occupies a prime mid-to-high-end niche, revered for punching far above its price weight with reliability that rivals pricier boutique rivals. Audiophiles and critics praise its value-driven sonic fidelity, build quality, and longevity, fostering fierce loyalty worldwide. Even under new ownership since 2022, it remains the discerning buyer's choice for high-performance audio without prestige-driven excess.

See all Parasound listings on RADAR.

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