Parasound has released a new 2.1-channel integrated amplifier and DAC. The Halo offers 160 watts per channel of Class A/AB amplification and uses the latest ESS Sabre32 Reference DAC, with support for hi-res audio playback (including DSD) through its USB, optical, and coaxial audio inputs. The Halo integrated amplifier carries an MSRP of $2,495.

From Parasound
Parasound has begun dealer shipments of its new high-end 2.1-channel integrated amplifier and digital audio converter. The Parasound Halo Integrated Amplifier combines powerful John Curl designed amplifier topology with a sophisticated analog preamplifier and DAC, making it capable of managing music sources ranging from vinyl records to the latest high-resolution DSD digital music files. The 160-watt-per-channel (240 watts at four ohms) Halo Integrated Amplifier drives high-end loudspeakers with authority and accuracy, using the same Class A/AB circuits found in Parasound's renowned separate power amplifiers. These capabilities are further enhanced with a home-theater bypass function, 2.1-channel analog bass management, a dedicated high-current headphone amplifier, and state-of-the-art integration technologies.

The Parasound Halo Integrated Amplifier uses the latest ESS Sabre32 Reference DAC to decode a wide range of digital music files via optical, coaxial, and USB inputs. The asynchronous USB 2.0 input supports PCM up to 384-kHz/32-bit, native DSD256 and DoP DSD bitstreams. The coax and optical inputs accept PCM up to 192-kHz/24-bit.

The Parasound Halo Integrated Amplifier uses the company's classic Class A/AB, DC-coupled topology with a J-FET input stage, MOSFET driver stage and high-current output stage with 12 rugged Sanken bipolar output transistors. With its oversized shielded toroid power transformer, 40,000 μF filter capacity and enormous heat sinks, the Halo Integrated has power to spare to drive high-performance speakers to their fullest potential. Its adjustable low-pass and high-pass crossovers and front panel subwoofer level control allow for seamless subwoofer integration.

The Halo Integrated has a balanced XLR input and XLR L, R and Sub preamp outputs. There are five line-level inputs, record/fixed level output, and a low noise MM/MC phono input with three loading options. Its unique home-theater bypass input circuitry enables a surround sound receiver or processor to utilize the Halo Integrated's power amp to drive the left and right loudspeakers during surround sound listening while its subwoofer bypass inputs make it possible for subwoofer(s) to operate with surround sound and stereo listening.

The Parasound Halo Integrated Amplifier is currently available in black or silver finish with a suggested USA retail price of $2,495.

Additional Resources
• Parasound 12-Channel Amplifier Now Shipping at HomeTheaterReview.com.
• Parasound Ships New Zdac V.2 DAC/Headphone Amp at HomeTheaterReview.com.