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San Francisco (4/22/02) --- With
its attractive silver front panel, premium internal circuitry, rear-panel
balanced XLR connections, and Lucasfilm THX Ultra2 certification, the
new Halo by Parasound A 23 stereo power amplifier represents a significant
step up from its highly regarded – and still available – “Classic”
Parasound HCA–1000A.
The Halo A 23 power amplifier is
FTC rated at 125 Watts RMS per channel from 20 Hz -20 kHz into an 8-ohm
load with both channels driven; 200 Watts into 4 ohms; and it can be bridged
to 400 Watts mono. All this power is provided by 12 beta-matched 15-amp,
60 MHz bipolar transistors that can handle 45 amps peak current per channel.
The heavy-duty power supply uses a massive 785 VA toroidal transformer
with independent secondary windings for each channel, and 20,000 µF
capacitance per channel for energy to spare. The transformer windings
are fully encapsulated in epoxy and a heavy-duty steel case to eliminate
the possibility of transformer hum, and large extruded aluminum heat sinks
avoid the need for a noisy cooling fan.
With fully differential balanced
inputs using professional XLR connectors, the A 23 has exceptionally low
noise and distortion levels, and there are no capacitors or inductors
in signal path. The pure Class A discrete component matched J-FET input
stage, and MOSFET driver stage, give the A 23 with a warm tube-like sound,
and the double-sided FR4 circuit board provides a superior ground plane
to reduce noise.
There are rear-panel XLR and RCA
inputs, RCA loop outputs, robust 24 kt gold-plated five-way binding posts,
and a DC trigger input and loop output connection. Other features include
auto turn-on by audio signal with adjustable sensitivity, and a ground-lift
switch to eliminate the hum that is often a problem in rack-mount installations.
The A 23 fits in a 2u rack space, has relay protection circuits, a thermal
overload indicator, is switchable 115/230v AC, and has an illuminated
power button and logo badge.
The Halo by Parasound A 23 is now
available with a suggested retail price of $850.
Parasound introduced the Halo brand
in 2002 as a performance- and design-conscious step-up from the company’s
Parasound Classic product line. Founded in 1981, Parasound Products, Inc.,
is a privately owned U.S. company that specializes in providing affordable
audio and home theater components to the critical listener.
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