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The Parasound D/AS-1000 is a respected early digital-to-analog converter that earned a solid reputation for clean, reliable playback in the late 1980s and early 1990s. At US$400, this asking price sits above the 75th percentile of US$381 and is notably higher than the median of US$362 from your database, making it an ambitious listing rather than a bargain. It is not a strong deal by the numbers; buyers paying US$400 should expect pristine condition or meaningful extras to justify the premium over the typical US$344–US$381 range.

That upside exists if the unit is original-owner, fully tested, and includes the original power cord or remote, which are often missing on older DACs. The D/AS-1000 handles CD sources well and pairs cleanly with vintage amps, offering a warm, non-fatiguing sound that many still prefer over modern DACs. Failure points are uncommon but can include aging output caps or relay wear; if the listing confirms recent operation and includes accessories, the US$400 price becomes a fair buy for a well-loved piece of digital history.

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.

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