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Should you jump on it at US$1,800, or keep watching? That asking price is ambitious versus the recent used market: it sits well above the US$1,399 75th percentile and roughly US$600 over the US$1,200 median, so this is not a bargain unless the seller is including something materially valuable. The benchmark says you should treat it as high-side pricing and negotiate from there.
That said, the Halo A23 is a respected John Curl-designed 125-watt-per-channel amp with serious current delivery, balanced inputs, and a reputation for clean, controlled drive with real-world speakers. If the unit is clean, fully functional, and comes with original packaging, manuals, or a solid service history, it can still be a worthwhile buy for someone who specifically wants this sound and build. At this price, though, I’d want strong condition proof and room to haggle.
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.
