Yamaha vs Parasound

[rvito]

I currently run a Yamaha cx-1000u pre amp and I found a nice used Parasound pld-2000 pre amp. would this be any inprovement over the yamaha? The Parasound has Balanced inputs and outputs as well. My amp and cd player (Denon) have Balanced in and outs as well. Thanks for any info.

 

[BrassTeacher]

Not familiar with that particular Yamaha, but if it is similar to the CX-1 I worked on once, you will notice a significant improvement with the Parasound. I once owned the PLD-2000's little brother, the PLD-1500, which is basically the same preamp, but with no remote.

 

[Mark B]

Going from the Yamaha CX-1000 to the Parasound P/LD-2000 is a parallel move. If you can, listen to the Parasound in your system. It may sound great with your Parasound amp.

 

[blackfly]

I currently use a Parasound amp (HCA 2200II) as a sub amp but in direct comparison I would use the Parasound over the Yamaha any day of the week. The build quality is a bit better and sonically and I have found Yamaha preamps to be a bit "flat" and anaemic in the bass whereas the Parasound is more full, rich and detailed. My observations only but I have used both brands and I would pick the Parasound hands down.

 

[rvito]

THe 2000 is on the way Hooked up my Chorus 2"s tonight to my parasound 3500 and man do they sound fantastic. I had hooked up before to a carver 1.5t And they were very Harsh". What a difference an amp makes........

 

[Yamahalic]

The performance specs on the units seem very similar (I just looked them up). I also have a CX-1000U, and one of the unit's most intersting features for me is its digital switching capability. Does your CD player have a digital out? If yes, have you tried and compared the sound of the analog vs the digital connections? Might be interesting?

 

[rvito]

The main thing I'am interested in is trying the balanced inputs and outputs. I have the optical interconnect hooked up and it sounds real good!

 

[Urizen]

THe 2000 is on the way

Nice. I remember reading somewhere that the 2000 and P/LD-1500 (non-remote version) were amongst John Curl's favorite designs.

I own a 1500, and it's a fine sounding preamp, much better sounding than the P/HP-850.

Here's a nudie of the 1500.

 

[rvito]

Got the PLD-2000 in today, Fantastic sound!!!! Very detailedGot a wonderful deal as well. 400.00 in like new condition with original box and manuals.

 

[skfong]

Parasound P/LD 1500

Hi Urizen,

thks for posting the pic and happy to hear that you are also the owner of the 1500.

i got a used 1500 a few days ago and i like it very much, i bought it for S$350 or around US$250.

i pair it with Parasound HCA2200 and this combo is no so much superb and sonic then the previous preamp.

just that i found this 1500 generates quite a bit of heat. i place my hand on top of the cover after playing like 30min and the bottom left and center are the hottest.

wish to check is yours also generate much heat as mine?

thks,
sk :thmbsp:

 

[Susurus]

Y vs. P? ---- Preamps

My new 1100 is better than my C-4's but those are stock, not recapped. 1100 has no phono section, so I have to work around that--a real problem now that vinyl is getting much more time here. But the separation in this overbuilt dual-mono Pre is wonderful! Have to try a C-2x or Stax to see how far up (down?) the ladder it compares. Never thought I'd have a remote-capable pre. Ironically, the orig owner lost it!

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Hi SK, Urizen posted that almost 1 year ago, so please don't be unhappy if he didn't respond right away.

My very best preamps are the hottest ones. Class A gets hotter and sounds better. Your 1500 has raised and concrete resistors and high quality boards and more heat sinks than most Preamps! Better if they used a taller enclosure or more vents, but they like the slim look.

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