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This lovely P5 stereo pre amplifier from Parasound has just come in as a trade-in. It comes with everything shown and is in good condition.
Widely regarded as the "Swiss Army knife" of 2.1-channel audio, the Halo P5 perfectly bridges the gap between pure analogue fidelity and modern digital convenience.
Why You’ll Love It
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High-Resolution DAC On-Board: Features a premium Burr-Brown PCM1798 DAC handling high-res inputs up to 24-bit/192kHz via Optical and Coaxial, alongside a dedicated asynchronous USB input.
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True Analogue Bass Management: A rarity in stereo preamps, the P5 includes adjustable low-pass and high-pass analogue crossover dials, making active subwoofer integration a breeze.
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Premium Built-In Phono Stage: Equipped with a high-performance phono pre-amplifier supporting both Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges.
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Home Theatre Bypass: Features a dedicated HT Bypass circuit that allows you to seamlessly share your main front amplifiers between your stereo listening room and multi-channel home theatre processor.
• Balanced Connectivity: Includes true balanced XLR inputs and outputs alongside standard unbalanced RCA options.
Please note: Collection from our Murarrie showroom or freight at buyer's expense. We do not offer free shipping on traded equipment. Please contact prior to purchase to organise.
Compared with the obvious alternative at this price point — waiting for a cheaper, more compromised preamp — A$990 looks like a solid buy. Against your recent AUD comps, it sits just below the A$1,013 25th percentile and under the A$1,037 median, so this is priced a touch keen rather than merely fair.
That makes it appealing for the usual reasons people keep coming back to this model: it’s a well-regarded, full-featured two-channel control center with strong phono/electronics pedigree and a reputation for clean, useful, no-nonsense sound. The included cables & accessories add real value at this level, so if the unit is working properly and cosmetically decent, this reads as a worthwhile pickup rather than a stretch.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
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.
