Parasound, a manufacturer of audio components, has introduced an audio preamplifier designed for sound purists seeking low-noise performance from classic stereo sources as well as multichannel music and movies from Blu-ray, DVD-Audio, and SACD players. It will be marketed in the company's Halo product line.

The Parasound Halo P 7 is both a two-channel and 7.1-channel analog preamplifier. The Halo P 7 is also a lower-cost alternative to a surround processor if your TV can switch video inputs and you own multi-channel analog sources such as a DVD player, SACD player or Blu-ray player with multichannel analog outputs. The analog bass management for stereo sources makes subwoofer and small speaker integration easy. There is also a volume control bypass mode for users who wish to use their home theater receiver to decode digital sources. The Halo P 7 can also switch 1080p HDMI sources when it is linked to the optional Zhd HDMI switcher.

"With stereo or surround sound, silence is golden," said Richard Schram, Parasound's president and founder. "With its exceptional parts quality, heavy duty construction, outboard HDMI switching option, and balanced XLR input and output connections, Halo P 7's noise floor is a full 10 dB below that of a typical AV receiver, and you don't achieve performance like that with off-the-shelf parts. Our engineering team has worked miracles to keep this level of quality at an affordable price point."

The Halo P 7 user can adjust left-right / front-rear balance, make custom input names and match the gain for all 10 inputs, including a front panel MP3 input. Other features include balanced XLR connections, a low-noise MM/MC phono input and remote tone control. It provides RS-232 control, discrete IR codes, IR repeater input/loop jacks and three DC triggers invite system integration.

The Parasound Halo P 7 has a simple front panel operation and style, with just two buttons and one knob to control most of its functions. The control knob has an operation comparable to the focus ring on a high quality camera.

The Parasound Halo P 7 will be available from Parasound Halo dealers in August 2008 with a suggested retail price of $2000.

For more information, visit www.parasound.com or call 415-397-7100.

Parasound Halo P 7 Features and Specifications

Input/Outputs:

- 2 Multi channel (7.1) inputs for surround sound movies and music
- 7 Stereo inputs (one balanced XLR input)
- 1 MM or MC phono input
- Front panel input for portable MP3 player
- RCA and balanced XLR outputs
- Subwoofer output with analog bass management
- Serial port for RS232 control
- Rear panel IR input jack
- 3 different 12v trigger outputs
- High Quality headphone output

Software Features:

- Custom input naming for all inputs
- Theater bypass mode for connecting a digital surround receiver
- Input level matching
- Headphones level offset
- Analog bass management for stereo inputs
- Links to Parasound Zhd HDMI selector (does not decode audio)

Other Features:

- Relay switched inputs and tone control circuit
- Full featured remote control
- Bass and Treble controls by remote
- Defeatable Tone controls by remote
- Left/Right balance controls by remote
- Front/Rear balance controls by remote
- Subwoofer output level trim by remote
- Partial and full mute options by remote
- 5 brightness settings for front panel display
- 12V trigger activated by remote control
- Rack mount kit available
- Parasound 5/10 year warranty

Specs:

- Frequency Response: 5 Hz - 100 kHz +0/-3db
- THD Distortion: less than 0.006% at 20 kHz
- S/N Ratio: greater than 110 db, IHF A-Weighted
- Crosstalk: 85db at 20 kHz
- Weight: 13.5 lbs.