Parasound Classic 2100 Stereo Preamp

Well I see there are a few people that don't seem to agree with the 5 star rating, but I cannot see why. I built an A/B RCA switch box and used my Sony SACD player as the source. The preamps are driving a Carver PM-600 and the speakers are Martin Logan Motion 12s. First test was between the Parasound 2100 and my old Hafler DH-110. The tone was similarly neutral, but the Hafler was a bit grainier in the upper midrange to treble spectrum. Also, this caused the soundstage to collapse more and not seem as lifelike, or as live sounding as the Parasound. The Parasound was very neutral-- it doesn't seem to impart any coloring yet, compared to the old Hafler. I then tried a Chinese two tube preamp with only a volume control (no tone control). This was a more interesting comparison. The tube preamp had the cliche warm, soft and laid back tone. It did seem to color the sound a bit and wasn't as neutral. But, Nickel Creek actually sounded more lively and less "rigid" than the Parasound, primarily when the lady was singing. However, this was only when the volume was about 2/3 up. The rest of the time, the Parasound was more analytical and transparent. It seemed to have a larger sound stage than the tube amp. I then tried a straight pass through. I had to turn the gain down on the amp, as the SACD player puts out a large signal. At this point, it was clear the merits of the Parasound. I could not tell the difference. I had my friend switch between them while my eyes were closed leaning back into the love seat. I could not tell which was which once the volume was matched! The only time I could tell was when he switched the tone control on (my room has some areas where bass below about 50hz disappears, so he turned to bass control to about 2 o'clock). Here the Parasound was an improvement over stock!I think there are more than enough inputs, and the MP3 input is convenient from company that can't find my RCA-headphone cable haha. The sub out and filters are great. The tone control cannot be detected when the pots are dead center, so I would say the tone circuit does not color the sound, unless the values as adjusted.Granted, I didn't compare this preamp with multi grand equipment or with a Mark Levinson class A amplifier, but with my gear this pre is perfect. I'm sure if you squeezed every dollar out of your wallet on amps, sources, and speakers you might be able to tell better than I could. But I have been an self proclaimed audiophile for 20 years, played the piano, drums, guitar, and ukulele, and like to think I have good ears. Give it a shot-- you won't be disappointed.

Bought the Classic 2100 2 years ago for a small system in my living room. I so wanted to love it and in many respects I did, to the extent that I've thought of this unit as an entryway into the Parasound line of amps and preamps for future system upgrades (had my sights set on the Halo).Within a month or two of usage I had distortion when changing volume levels and determined I had "dirty pots" (I believe that is the lingo). I was disappointed to have any issues at all within a few weeks of first use, but on some research discovered there was probably an easy fix. Rapid turning of the volume knob back and forth (unit off) was a recommended solution that actually worked. I was back in business. About 6 months ago started experiencing a similar problem with the balance knob causing my right channel to go out. Using the same fix, I could find solid points where the right channel was operational with not too much tweeking needed. However, over these last 6 months problem has grown worse and now no amount of 'jiggering' is bringing my right channel back to a solid, operational point. (Yes, I've ruled out all other connection points). So, within 3 months of the warranty expiring I'm now faced with having to take the unit in for a repair for an issue that in NO WAY should be occurring.So, so disappointed, I was really loving the features and SQ I was getting out of the Classic and looking forward to in future upgrade units.Given the Parasound reputation, I may only have gotten that rare lemon. But I would say proceed cautiously and invoke your warranty rights at the first sign of a problem no matter how minor. In hindsight, I would have done so.UPDATEI contacted Parasound directly and they accepted the unit’s return and repair. Turnaround was about 7 to 10 days. Repaired unit still working great! By standing by their product, Parasound made a believer out of me again.This really is a good, entry level preamp into the higher end audio equipment world.

Not an authorized seller by Parasound, no warranty period. Had issue and when I tried to contact third party seller they wouldn’t respond

Inferior sound quality compared to NAD preamplifier. The difference is so big. Return it.

Big Fan of Parasound overall, but this unit did not impress, and in fact I tried to return it, after trying it with several power amps for a several months to GREAT BUY ELECTRONICS , and they denied me, so I'm stuck with it.

This is a lovely, elegant component. There is no appreciable set up procedure; it is plug and play. The sound is clear and transparent and about as flawless as I can hear. Fine details in the music and vocals are easily discernible. One feature I particularly appreciate is the subwoofer outs, of which there are two, and a surprisingly wide-range crossover selector for whatever low-pass you choose. The remote is simple and uncluttered. Remote selection of volume is via servo control, which you usually don't see in this price range. I am very pleased with this equipment and recommend it highly. A three-year warranty is also impressive and again, not something you commonly see.

If you're in the market for an new pre-amp, and this is at your price range grab it!!! I know there are better pre-amps out there for more money, but at this price range you can't go wrong! I wanted to do an upgrade to my old Carver set-up and decided to start with the pre-amp. I had the Carver CT-17 and it sounded okay but, when I replaced it with the Parasound 2100, it was virtualy like night and day. The Parasound completely changed the whole quality and made it sound so good that, I'm not going to rush to get an new amp yet. But when I do, it'll be a Parasound or better. The adjustable subwoofer volume is an awesome feature as well!! This is a no brainer!!!