Parasound AVC-2500u (1 Viewer)

[Camp]

I started looking at the Outlaw but limitations to it's set-up and user interface left me wanting more. I'm now looking at the B&K Reference 30 as my leading contender (I'd love to jump to the Anthem AVM-20 but the extra $500 would push my wife over the edge ).
I've seen very little about the Parasound AVC-2500u and wondered what the opinions are of this piece? Will we ever see a DPL2 upgrade for it? Is it still supported?
How's the user interface? Is there anything special about this unit that I should over look the B&K?
Thanks in advance,

 

[John Kotches]

Camp,
Most of Parasound's development efforts are going towards the Halo line at the moment, with the AVC-2500u in the Classic line.
I haven't had the AVC-2500u in to play with, but just recently sold my Ref 30 so that I can purchase a new processor.
B&K is reportedly going to have a DPL-2 and DTS-ES upgrade someday, but the when of that is pretty damned sketchy.
I don't recall if the Parasound AVC-2500u has 5.1 or stereo analog bypass, but don't think it does. The B&K has both.
Can you afford the Anthem AVM-20 as an alternative? Just curious about that. Anthem is busily working on the DPL-2 and DTS-ES upgrade.
Something to think about for you
Regards,

 

[Gail M]

John K,

What pre/pro are you going to replace the Ref 30 with?

Also, Congrats on your new gig with Widescreen Review!!!

Who is JJ going to hire to try to replace you?

 

[Ricky T]

Camp,
I believe the Parasound does not have stereo analog bypass (has 5.1 inputs), but I don't think you care. A reviewer did mention that the DACs are very similiar in design (upgraded from 20 to 24 bit) and sound to the highly regarded $2k Parasound DAC-2000 Ultra dac that he reviewed a few years ago. That would make this prepro a very good PCM dac, and nice for your 5.1 setup. User interface with microphone is supposed to be very good. You can probably read some mag reviews on ecoustics.com. I think Parasound will still support the product, but probably not provide any upgrades.
There's always the Lexicon DC2 for under $1700

 

[Camp]

There's always the Lexicon DC2 for under $1700

I strongly considered that. I'd love to keep Logic 7 in my system (currently using a h/k AVR-7000). However, I need component video switching and only the MC-12 offers that.
I guess the B&K is still my best price/performance option. Used silver Reference 30s are very hard to find...I wonder if B&K sells face plate replacements?

 

[Ricky T]

Denon 4802 has everything you need. There's one on audiogon from a reputable seller/dealer. Or get the Denon 5800 for sale here.

 

[Camp]

Yea, but the 4802 also has 5 channels of amplification I don't need. I want to go with separates. I like stepping out of the receiver ranks.
Thanks for the tip though!

 

[John Kotches]

Camp,

They (B&K) probably would sell you a new faceplate. I'm happy to say that mine sold (with silver) in about 2 days on Audiogon.

Regards,

 

[John Kotches]

Gail,

Thank you!

There are plenty of smart guys at Secrets, and it's only a matter of time before one of them steps up to fill my role. I'm disappointed that a joint arrangement couldn't be worked out, but that's the way life is sometimes. Secrets was and is a great place, and I will miss working closely with Stacey, Don, Brian, Colin and JJ. If I were to place my bets, I think Brian Weatherhead is the one most likely to fill my role.

In terms of replacing the Ref 30, good question. I just don't know. I'm getting the upgrade war fund together at the moment. I graciously got a loan extension on the Sherwood receiver, so I can use that until month's end.

I'm thinking about a variety of pieces, none of which is perfect.... my current (not all inclusive list) is:

Meridian 568

Integra Research RDC-7

Bryston SP-1.7

Theta CasaNova

EAD 8000 Pro

In the above list, the Bryston comes the closest to perfect, believe it or not.

If I wanted to stretch the budget to a dangerous level:

Krell HTS 7.1

Theta Casablanca-2

Lexicon MC-12

I really would like a Meridian 861 controller, but that is not possible financially.

One of the questions is, which tradeoffs do I want to make?

I wish I had an answer.

Regards,

 

[Robert Elliott]

John,

Get the Bryston. Get the Bryston. Then do a full review please.

 

[Larry B]

John K:

I notice that the AVP2 is not on your list. Any particular reason?

Just curious...

Larry

 

[John Kotches]

Larry,

Track record of reliability issues with some of the Proceed products.

Regards,

 

[John Kotches]

Robert,

None of the products listed is on my review slate unfortunately.

Regards,

 

[GordonL]

John K,

A few more to add to your list:

Aragon Stage One

Cinepro DTC-10

Cary Audio Cinema P-7

All are in the same MSRP $4k range. The Aragon and Cinepro doesn't have balanced outs (looks like that's one of your requirements?) and the Cary Audio has it for $500 more.

Robert E,

There will be a review of the SP-1.7 and the 6B-ST in an upcoming WidescreenReview.

 

[Armando_P]

Being a proud owner of the AVC2500u for one year (mated to a HCA2205A), I can highly recommend this processor. It has received plenty of praise (here is one review - Link Removed).
It DOES have the 5.1 analog pass-thru (volume control available for $200), in addition to the bass management.
I love this processor....it keeps me amazed on what it can do.
One thing though, the component switching cannot support Hi-Def signals. No biggy for me, as I don't want to route any Hi-Def signals through a processor anyway (my 10HT has enough inputs for that).
Even though Parasound hasn't annouced any plans for DTS-ES, DTS-Neo or DPLII, I'm crossing my fingers as they plan to keep this unit in the "Classic" line.
Parasound is very well known for the value of their equipment. Very well designed and feature-rich units for the money.
If you have any questions, I'll be more than happy to answer them.
=> Mando

 

[ManojM]

John,

Interesting that you recommend the Anthem, but it is not on your review list. What's your opinion on this unit?

 

[Robert Elliott]

Gordon,

You are full of information and good news. Thanks. Do you know by chance if Bryston plans to release a 200/channel version of their 9B? I think the 120 watts with my 94dB speakers in a 24*14 room is enough (more than enough) but someone mentioned extra headroom?

 

[Larry B]

John K:

Track record of reliability issues with some of the Proceed products.

Are you referring just to the PMDT, or other products as well?

Larry

 

[John Kotches]

Larry,

The AVP has had a few flaws as well -- not nearly to the degree that the PMDT has had.

Regards,

 

[John Kotches]

All,
Thanks for the suggestions, and keep in mind, my list is NOT exhaustive
Those were the front runners.
Regards,