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The timing is fine here because this is a late-’80s/early-’90s Parasound preamp, not a current model with a direct replacement; you’re paying for a classic John Curl-era piece rather than new-tech convenience. At US$400, the ask sits a bit under the roughly US$600 active-listing level I found for the similar P/FET-900II, so it looks fair-to-strong rather than ambitious for a working example.
That’s the appeal: these are respected, musical solid-state preamps with a clean, neutral presentation and enough drive to partner well with a lot of vintage and modern power amps. If the unit is quiet, fully functional, and includes the original power supply/remote/manual if applicable, US$400 is a sensible buy; if any of those pieces are missing or there’s scratchy switching, the value slips quickly on a vintage preamp this old.
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.
