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Parasound Halo P5 Pre-Amplifier $38 Improvement.(Pics Heavy)

Tharbamar

Tharbamar

Active Member
I want to share last weekend fun little project, Inspired by Halo JC2 Pre-Amp.

I wanted to see if I can get improvements by adding 3/8" thick aluminum shielding and dynamat to my Parasound Halo P5.
Also, tapping my finger on the 1/8th inch thick top panel produced a very hollow metallic sound and I'm not sure if that is acoustically hurting quality of sound but I'm not a fan of P5 chassis construction quality either.

( 1 ) 3/8 thick 3" H x 16"L T6061 solid aluminum piece $18.
( 1 ) Dynamat Xtreme door sheet $20.

Halo JC2.(My Inspiration)


My Hollow Halo P5.


My Halo P5 with 3/8 thick aluminum shield installed. According to JC2 description shielding prevents noise from power supplies & control circuits.


Dynamat Xtreme was applied to the case top of P5, this made very much different like comparing my Toyota Prius doors to wife's MB E350 doors. It feels solid and very thick sounding if I tap my fingers on even before attached it to main chassis.


Rear view.
Dynamat Xtreme was applied on P5 chassis everywhere accessible by hand.


Front View.


Dynamat Xtreme absolutely killed the ringing on the top cover.
I think main improvement was from 3/8 shielding, Parasound Halo P5 is already quiet pre-amp but I hear quieter/darker background, image weight and overall detail was improved.
Most noticeable for me is glare/sometimes crackling from high piano notes are gone, meaning completely gone. It was my biggest improvement doing this and worth spending time and money.
I thought I'd share with my finding. I'd say Halo P5 owners should do this and see how $38 improved the sound of it, happy listening !
 
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Since I can't edit my original post I must reply to my own post for a few things I forgot.

After this mod overall volume gain is higher, a few db higher.:thumbsup:
Also my most dislike thing on P5 is lower volume on DAC optical input, which was much lower than CD gain and now at the same volume level as CD. :thumbsup:
 
That's a lot of Dynamat. I use it as well with positive results as you've found. Thanks for posting for us your findings that I concur with. Damping/deadening matters for every product in our audio chain.
 
Say "goodbye" to any warrantee you may have had. Also, not sure how much heat that preamp may generate, but Dynamat makes for a pretty decent insulator.
 
Stan man said:
That's a lot of Dynamat. I use it as well with positive results as you've found. Thanks for posting for us your findings that I concur with. Damping/deadening matters for every product in our audio chain.
Click to expand...

This got to be my favorite mode and improvement is well worth the tried.

Cogito said:
Say "goodbye" to any warrantee you may have had. Also, not sure how much heat that preamp may generate, but Dynamat makes for a pretty decent insulator.
Click to expand...

Original intention of Dynamat was for my Prius but I thought I might give it try if I don't like it I can always remove it but it's here to stay inside my P5.
I don't know about warranty,love the improvements but I'll ask Parasound when I go to their office.
One manufacturer I know for sure is Pass Labs, Dynamat doesn't void Pass Labs amplifiers.
As for heat, this Pre amp is 24/7 on and it barely gets worm even in summer, Thanks
 
Glad it's working for that gorgeous pre. Me, I have never once been able to hear the effect dynamat has on cdp's, pre's, etc, but speakers? oh yes.
I have to admit my ears are pretty tired.

And it looks to be a tidy install as well. Great job.
 
Dynamat is very good noise isolating sound deading material but I believe 1/2" aluminum* wall is big factor in sound improvement over stock form.

My next mode is going after power supply, that's where I'm actually say bye bye to remaining 3 year warranty.

* I wrongly said 3/8" in original post.
 
Tharbamar, Keep posting your mods and let us know what Parasound says about the effect on their warranty. I have a P5 and A23 (black). I may follow your lead when the warranty runs out.
PS: What cables are you using between amp and preamp, IE brand, model, RCA or XLR?
 
I haven't had chance to ask them about warranty yet.
I'm using AudioQuest Diamondback XLR 0.5m cables between P5 & A21.
 
Great thread Tharbamar! The Halo P5 is the preamp that most interests me at this point and may be my next. Great to hear such simple changes have made such a noticeable improvement.
 
Since new my P5 has been slightly scratchy when adjusting the volume. Sounds like the typical scratchy pot. Only happens when using the remote. Anyone else have the same issue?

I'd rather not send it back for such a minor issue. Especially if it would be easier to fix with a little deoxit.
 
GTIanz said:
Since new my P5 has been slightly scratchy when adjusting the volume. Sounds like the typical scratchy pot. Only happens when using the remote. Anyone else have the same issue?

I'd rather not send it back for such a minor issue. Especially if it would be easier to fix with a little deoxit.
Click to expand...

Yes, I had same problem and I took it back to Parasound for warranty repair, according to Prasound some P5 have that issue with volume control knob..
 
Thanks for getting back to me. I am in the process of buying a p5 I have about one more month to go and I will finally own one. I have a parasound HCA 1500a amp and love it.
 
You must be excited, it looks to be a great preamp that performs well beyond it's price. I go back to work on the ship where I work for the next 4 to 6 months. I'll have to save the money while I'm out there and get my Halo P5 when I get home. We'll have to trade notes.
 
Great choice!
P5 is neutral preamp which do the job perfectly,very musical, P5 does respond well to its tone control and It flows along tricky rhythms with ease, truly my favorite piece of gear next to A-21. Keep us posted when you guys get your Halo P5s.
 
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