Great sound for music & movies

Some ergonomic shortcomings

I've been a proud owner of the AVC-1800 since October. I am very happy with the sound quality I get from it. It's funny but a lot of the previous reviews comment about silly ergonomic features that don't make much of a difference to a no-compromise audiophile.

However, I do agree that the slight 3/4th-of-a-second delay that the AVC-1800 takes to recognize a CD song (before it gives you a signal) is a downside to this model. There is a way to defeat this (as a previous review mentioned): just press "Play" on your player and when you hear the little click from the pre-amp hit "Pause," then hit "Play" again to hear your song without any delay.

I have noticed a particular quirk with my unit. Whenever a source component (such as VCR or DVD) is outputting a signal before the unit is turned on, I don’t get any sound unless I adjust the volume up or down. I only have to raise/decrease the volume one decibel to coax the sound out but otherwise sound is either muted to one speaker or both. I would be curious to know if anyone else has experienced this. To get around this I just make certain that the pre-amp is turned on first, before other components in the chain.

The display on the unit could be improved. I really don't mind the fact that the radio station is always shown, however, I would definitely prefer to see the source and surround mode displayed in big letters. Unfortunately, there are times when I watch a DVD movie in Dolby Pro-Logic without realizing it. This happens because some DVD’s start in Pro-Logic unless you specifically go to the on-screen menu and select “5.1” channels (this is usually the case with movies from Columbia-Tristar). I definitely prefer 5.1 and would not ever choose Pro-Logic over it. Therefore, I have to be careful to look at the little red lights on my AVC-1800 to see what mode it’s in. I think it would definitely be easier for me if the display simply said “Dolby 5.1” or “Pro-Logic”, especially when I have guests over and I’m distracted.

Popping does occur from time to time, but it only occurs when you switch sources and when you lower the volume to absolute minimum. To me, the click-click sound the unit makes when you turn the volume to its minimum setting is merely there to let you know you can’t turn the volume any lower (I thought the one guy who commented on that in a previous review was knit-picking a little too much). I really didn’t notice the popping until reading these reviews but it doesn’t bother me because it happens at such a low volume. I could definitely find more important things to worry about.

It’s a really nice feature that this model comes with Re-eq (THX’s mode to eliminate bright or boomy soundtracks). I never use it because I prefer the way my system sounds without it. But it’s still a very nice feature to have, since my last Dolby Digital processor could not do this. I also like how you can deactivate the tone controls (treble & bass). I’m an audio purist and so I don’t believe in equalizers (they distort the sound, I just want what the sound engineers recorded at the sound studio and nothing else).

One guy mentioned that he missed that lack of AC switching. I don’t think that a high-quality pre-amp like this should have AC switching. If you disagree, then maybe you should consider receivers instead of nice separates. I have my AVC-1800 activate my Parasound HCA-1205A via a DC trigger (provided in the box). If I had to plug my amp into my pre-amp I’m certain that the sound quality would be degraded. In fact, I’ve bought after-market power cords for both and I have noticed considerable sonic improvements (at $150 the Mini-Lab from PS Audio is very good, at $295 their Lab cable is excellent). Anything you can do to improve the electrical current to the unit will help it perform better. Running the amp’s power through the pre-amp would probably create both a bottleneck for the amp (thereby leaning out the sound) and exacerbate any background noise (due to EMI and RFI). The engineers at Parasound knew what they were doing on this one, trust me.

The D/A converter in the AVC-1800 is definitely a fine piece of equipment. I love listening to music and movies with this thing (which is the whole reason I bought it!). Highs are not grainy or edgy but detailed. Vocals are lifelike. I feel like Seal and Sarah McLachlan are friends of mine because they seem to make frequent appearances in my living room. Ambient sounds are spacious, both with music and movies. Bass is defined, tight, and devastating when it needs to be (especially for action movies). I love the soundstage this baby creates. Other reviewers say that this unit is good for 2-channel music. I say its good for more than just music, its also GREAT for movies.

I do prefer to watch TV with the AVC-1800 in stereo 2-ch mode. Pro-Logic is good, but it wont give you much if the program is not encoded with surround sound properties (also my left & right speakers give very good bass). It’s a nice feature that the unit remembers what sound/surround mode you were last in, for each source.

I definitely appreciate the fact that all the RCA connectors on the back are gold-plated. It’s a statement that says this product is more than just an overpriced receiver without an amp stage. I also like the tuner’s sound quality. Stations come in clear and sound great (I live in a small town in NH). I also haven’t had much experience with the remote since I use Marantz’s RC-2000. I don’t think companies should ever put much money into creating a remote when there are after-market versions like this one and the Pronto.

Despite a couple minor ergonomic flaws, I highly recommend this unit to anyone hunting for a pre-amp in this price range. Add some good interconnects and an after-market power cord to it and you’ll hear what it can really do. With an AVC-1800 you’ll experience your favorites songs for the first time again, and you’ll wow yourself and your friends with what this creature can do with movies (God knows I have). A butt-kicker! 5 for sound (great for its price); 3 for ergonomics (average), but that’s an easy compromise for a demanding listener on a tight budget.

Other components in my system:
Polk RT1000’s for left & right
Polk 350C for center
Polk F/X for surrounds
Polk PSW150 subwoofer
Klipsch subwoofer
Toshiba VCR
Sony DVP-7000 DVD player
Parasound HCA-1205A amplifier
XLO ER-11 speaker cable for front channels
Nordost flatline cable for surrounds channels
Nordost Solarwind. interconnects
PS Audio Lab cable (power cable)
PS Audio Ultimate Outlet
Analysis Plus Power Oval power cable
Wattgate Product 381 (high-end replacement wall outlet)
Vantage Point Euro audio rack

Similar Products Used:

None, there's a shortage of pre-amps in this price range. Receivers don't compare in quality to it either.

Sound Quality, Build Quality, Remote

Component Video inputs

This preamp is a "Best Value" for sound quality and build quality. I have read through the reviews and agree with some of the points, but you would be hard pressed to get anything close to this quality for the money.

One advantage is the customer service provided by Parasound. I have called them on three occasions and received live responses by techs where I felt were part of the design process with their answers. Very helpful, very knowledgable. As far as the drop out on digital CD playback, it was suggested to use either digital input, but make sure its in the first spot ( #1 of two ). This worked and was a great help. The drop out is due to the DTS flag search, but was minimized when using #1 digital inputs.

If your looking for a quality unit for movies and digital source playback, look no more.

Similar Products Used:

Adcom GTP-600

IMHO. Low level to High Level sound remains dynamic and neutral. Bass is tight and refined.

Last update on this fine HT preamp.

Several weeks ago I had put it up for sale and had sold it to someone locally. The buyer never came thru. I was thinks about getting the Rotel 976 if I had sold it. My brother in-law just got the newest version of the Rotel 976 preamp and RMB-1095 amp and he is not altogether happy with it. He upgraded from the Integra 7.1. He says that for home theater the Rotel is not quite as dynamic as the Integra, it was better in two channel music although he bought this system for HT since his 2 channel system(s) are all tube and high end stuff. He says that it clicks as you turn up the volume and gets louder as it goes up. Running DTS, the Rotel 976 center channel crackles as people talk. Says it sounds like poor antenna reception, he has satellite. He is also getting a bad picture while watching TV when the Rotel in turned on even thou the TV signal is not running thru the preamp. May be poor shielding. I have not had time to go over and hear this system. When I do were going to A/B the Parasound and Rotel; I can't wait. I'm betting on the Parasound.

I have finally found a way to keep my wife happy and still keep the Parasound. I still have my old Denon hooked up and watch normal TV with it, not my first choice but life is filled with compromises. When I want to watch DVD's or listen to music I move my center channel connection to my RMB-1075 amp and turn on the Parasound. Every time I use the Parasound I am more impressed at what it does for so little money. I am so sorry I posted these negative reviews on AudioReview. I get emails from people all the time asking questions because of my past reviews. I'm posting this response to offset my last review. I think this is the most underrated HT preamp on the market.

To begin with, this is an exceptional preamp and for $900 MSRP and IMHO cannot be beat. There are few bells and whistles that you can set, some may want or need more, I thought I did at one time. Base management is set using toggle switches on the preamps back, I kind of like it. The only thing you can set in the menus, I haven't been there in awhile, are the individual channel tones to balance out surround sound. The base and treble tone controls, if you want to use them, are the best that I have ever heard and can be enabled from the remote. The overall sound is never bright and sounds very good and neutral, my natural instinct is that it doesn't seem very loud. You can crank this preamp and it just keeps sounding better, never loud or harsh. Then again, I'm only using a 120x5 watt/ch amp with Mirage OM-10 speakers. What is even more impressive is low volume listening. All my systems in the past sounded thin and weak at low volume. The Parasound sounds strong and dynamic even at low volume. I never get the feeling that I'm losing something when I have it on for background music. The bass put out by the Parasound is exceptional. I'm not talking about my subwoofer, I'm talking about what comes out of my mains. This may be the Rotel RMB-1075 talking and not so much the Parasound, but, I think the Parasound does have something to do with it. I love it and it's not BOOM BOOM bass, it's the tight and accurate bass that I like and have never had. Base management blends well with my mains and sub. It's one of my favorite features over the Denon's I had.

I use to have the Dahlquist DQ10's and listened to music all the time. When I moved to the Denon AVR-2400 for HT I retired my 2 channel system and in reality I quit listening to music. That was 4 years ago. I am now listening to music and watching DVD's much more than I ever have. I have switched from Jazz and New Age music to also include classical and chamber music. There is one other thing that the Parasound has done that none of my gear in the past has done, Rock and Roll sounds equally as good as jazz or classical. I have never enjoyed rock music on my home systems, I always listened to rock only in the car. That has also changed. My kids and I love to listen to Smash Mouth on this system. Just before I bought the Parasound/Rotel combo I had bought the Denon AVR-3300 receiver to replace the AVR-2400. I could not stand listening to music. I thought I had a flat wall of sound in front of me that when got loud got obnoxious. I returned the 3300 and got this combo. The Parasound has a very good soundstage. I wish I could say excellent but I think my speakers are not optimally placed. The OM-10's are bipolar omni-directional speakers that need to be positioned. I have not been able to do this yet and they sit on each side of my TV and stereo rack. OM-10's should be out in the open but how many people can put their speakers in the center of their room. My room is 26x16 with cathedral ceilings. The Parasound does make my OM-10's talk very well though....

HT is also very good, maybe not the best but at least I haven't spent $2000 and up for an HT preamp. At first I wasn't as happy about it as I was for music and felt that I should have spent more. I was expecting slam / blam / smash all the time while watching DVD's. Being new to DVD, I've now learned that not all DVD's are action packed. Now that I've used it I love what it adds to normal listening level movies. I feel that dialog is very accurate and again neutral never bright. What I really like is when music is played during movies. What a treat. I watched 'Frequency' and 'Remember The Titans' last weekend and the 60's and 70's music sounded unbelievable in both. 'American Beauty' in DTS was a pleasure to not only watch but experience thru sound.

Last note, the Parasound will get hot which is usually a sign of a very good power supply. A minor inconvience is in order to change from digital to analog and then back to digital you have to cycle thru all digital inputs and the one analog setting. Its hard to explain. At the most this could take up to 6 clicks and heaven forbid that you miss the input you want to stop on; if so, you must cycle thru them all again. Nothing is perfect and I now feel this is nitpicking, were as before I thought this was a major inconvenience.

If you haven't guessed I'm keeping my Parasound for now. I'm afraid that I'll sell it for $600, then pay upwards of $2000 for another and not be $1400 happier which doesn't take into account the $300 I lost from when I bought it. Based on what I've said above what does $1400 sound like in comparision to what I already have. If you can find one new, buy it, you should be able to get a good deal below $899. If you find a demo, buy it, you should be able to get a good deal for upwards over $675. If you find a used one, make sure that the firmware, (software), is the latest version which at the time I purchased was version 7.32. I have had no problems with pops or clicks with this version. The version can be found on the box and on the unit someplace, can't remember.

I hope this has been helpful, some people post the same review several times to jackup ratings, this is not my intention. I'm just trying to undo the injustice that I have purpetrated on this preamp. The specs on the Parasound preamp are also very good, check them out. If you do get the Parasound and have the time I'd love to know what you think.

FYI

A dealer just told me that a new Parasound replacement for the AVC-1800 is coming out in the fall 2001 and it's MSRP is going to be $3000. That's obsurd and I hope Parasound knows what it's doing. He also stated that the AVC-2500u replacement is going to sell for $6000. If this is true then I have bought my last new Parasound.

My System
Parasound AVC-1800 Preamp
Rotel RMB-1075 Amp
Rotel RCD-951 CD
Toshiba SD-4205 DVD
Mirage OM-10 Main speakers
Mirage OM-C2 Center channel speaker
Mirage FXs-15 Subwoofer
Boston Acoustics A40 surround speakers

ease of set up, good dac's, great 2 channel,

poor owner's manual, difficult to follow for adjustments and programming.

I have read many of the reviews posted about this product and have questioned many of them. THINK ABOUT THE OTHER COMPONENTS IN YOUR SYSTEM! If you have a heavy hum better check your amp. I run an EAD PM500 and I get very clean, precise sound. You have popping take a look at your amp. Yes you may get some popping when swithching from cd to dvd etc. but look at what you can get this for $950 if you shop around. THis is an unbeatable price for the quality you get. If you paid $1500 for this take a class in procurement.

While playing this processor with my old b&k 4420 it sounded ok but did hum at higher levels but once i replaced it with the pm 500 everything vanished so before trashing this amp look at what you have settin around it. build your system from speakers inward and you'll see the benefits. I would stack my system up against any 10-20 thousand dollar system.

great performance a little difficult to get every thing adjusted but once adjusted it becomes very easy to work. Auto detection for digital signals and great for two channel listening. now all i have to do is push play on the provided remote and it does what its supposed to.

My system
parasound avc 1800
EAD PowerMaster 500
KimberKable Hero interconnects every where
Harmonic tech. Digital interconect
tributaries s-video
KimberKable Monacle X
cheap pioneer dv 414
cheap harmon Kardon 4300? cd transport only
Duynaudio Contour 1.3
Home built sub AVC SV-12 woofer
klipsch in wall surrounds

Similar Products Used:

rotel 960ax

Non

Many features that are stated in the manual are not working.

Many features that are stated in the manual are not working.
For example: In order to temporary adjust the volume for the surround, you have to use the on screen display ( which is all over the screen!!!!!!) and you have to go each speaker individually R/l & R/R. You can't adjust them together - The most stupid design I ever saw !!!!!!!!!!!!!
In the manual it stated that you can adjust both of the surround speaker at once.

For more problem see other report as well.

at this point it dosent have one

I was very happy to get this piece from parasound but id didnt sound as good as i was made to beleve. it has a loud squeel in both digital modes but only when playing a dvd. so i havent been able to play any movies since i bought the unit the tuner dosent lock up like it should if i go manualy it will work fine and now the thing is making a high squeel even on my dss when i listen to dd movies. and you guessed it nothing from parasound i have waited a month or more for a replacement and nothing yet i still thing i will keep this piece if i get a unit soon but my faith in this product is fading by the way every one who bought this unit when it was the first one out take it back all new units have a replacement prossing chip in the new ones seems there was a problem with the lock time for dd and dts the new units have been upgraded

Click on turn-on; No Component in/out; AM Tuner

I think for the money ($1,200), one cannot ask for anything better. Frankly, I don't think I'll be looking for a replacement Pre/Pro anytime soon. In its price range I'll be bold enough to say that the AVC-1800 has no serious contenders!!! The Denon AVR-3300 (Receiver) actuallt beats the AVC-1800 in utility, in that it has Component In/Outs. But pays a high rather high premium in sound quality. DEFINITELY ***** (5 Stars)!!!


MY SYSTEM:
Micromega Stage 2 [CD Player]
Toshiba SD-3108 [DVD Player]
Denon DCM-460 [CD Changer]
Panasonic PV-4562 [VCR]
Parasound AVC-1800 [Preamp/Processor]
Parasound HCA-2003 [3Ch Amp]
Adcom GFT-555 II [Tuner]
Adcom GFA-545 II [2Ch Amp]

Speakers:
Von Schweikert VR-2000 [Front Spkr]
Von Schweikert LCR-20 [Center Spkr]
PSB Alpha Mini [Rear Spkr]

Speaker Cables:
AudioQuest Crystal [Front & Center]
Monster Cable M1.2 [Rear]

Interconnects:
Kimber Kable Hero [CD Changer to Pre/Pro]
Kimber Kable Hero [CD to Pre/Pro] Monster Datalink Digital [DVD to Pre/Pro]
Monster M-1000-SV [DVD to Pre/Pro; Pre/Pro to TV]
Monster M-1000-V [VCR to Pre/Pro; Pre/Pro to TV]
AudioQuest Turquoise [Pre/Pro to Amps]

Similar Products Used:

Parasound P/SP-1500

Just a follow-up to my previous posting. The phenomenon of muted sound to one speaker is corrected when you hit the small reset button (pin-sized hole just to the left of the volume dial).

Tech support told me that this button resets the DSP processors (kind of like rebooting a computer). The problem is now completely gone. Strangely enough, my unit even sounds a little better (could be my imagination though).

One warning, however: hitting this button resets everything (ie. radio presets, input sources, speaker calibrations, etc.)

Build quality and attractive design.
Great sound especially in two channel stereo.
Easy to use for most functions.
Outstanding price vs. performance ratio.

The already beaten to death constant FM display mode.
Setting the volume levels on the channels is could be easier
Wife doesn't like the labelling of inputs.

I had been hoping to upgrade to Dolby Digital for some time, but the cost was prohibitive and my Carver CT-26 worked fine with Pro-logic.

Finally, on Christmas morning the Carver died unexpectedly.
A blessing in disquise, as I then went down to Sound Express and bought the AVC-1800 a few days later.

The Parasound is a beautiful unit, with clean lines and a front panel that is not cluttered. And it sounds even better than it looks.

The improvement in sound was dramatic from the CT-26, CD's that I had listened to for years sounded exciting again, I noticed details I had never heard before.

The set up is easy and straightforward, and it sounded great right out of the box. The box by the way is impressive also, a double walled heavy duty carton that will protect the unit against anything UPS can throw at it.

My wife is not crazy about everything being labeled as Video 1, Video 2, Audio 1 etc. She would rather have things labelled as VCR, DVD, CD etc.

I have not had one problem with my unit since I got it. It has performed flawlessly in every aspect. Some earlier reviews had cited major problems with hums and popping sounds but I have not experianced any of that.

At a price point under $1000 this is a great value. I would highly recommend giving the AVC-1800 a listen before buying a Dolby Digital processor.

Similar Products Used:

Carver CT-26

Does what it says,no frills, Warranty, quality 2ch sound, value for the money

Makes a little noise when changing sources, could have more top end oomph

Was looking to upgrade to DD and DTS seperate sys. with a five channel amp. Due to the limited availability of higher end products in my area this was about the best thing I could find. That was a year ago, Been reading the reviews, I have now watched the price of this pre drop to an unbeleiveable level. Went in to look again and the pre-amp and matching Parasound HCA-855A 5 channel amp was to be had as a display model for a grand before tax. Couldnt pass up the deal.
I really dont care that its not THX certified (I run modest Polk rt600's) and that it is very minimalist, thats what I was looking for, a good no nonesense pre with great sound. Sure, for a grand you could get a Yamaha or Sony with THX, 37 seperate soundfields (all sounding like scratchy echo-y crap, more suitable for a drunken college frat house)and more options but I dont have to tell any of you seperates are the way to go. I was planning on spending around 2900 bucks (tight budget, try convincing the old lady you need an amp and pre worth more than her car) but when I saw I could purchase this sweet setup for less than a sub-standard white noise generating sony I had to do it.
Definately no regrets on this purchase. though it is not perfect, it does the job well and I can live with a few strange idiosyncrocies for the small amount invested.
Things I like about this pre
The assignable digital inputs
pot switches on rear for bass management
phenominal sound on 2CH mode, great on 5.1
SIMPLISTIC front display
Adjustable input levels
warranty-10yr
value for money spent.

Stuff that isnt so hot.......
The dreaded "volume down all the way clicking" minor, I never turn the darn thing down, I love it
Noise (small pops) when switching between inputs, (the internal switching recognition of signals is lagging too)
I dont know how its supposed to be but I run this thing on "zero" a lot.... needs more high volume. Maybe its a good thing that "all the way up" on matrix soundtrack gives me no audible distortion just loud.
Sometimes a small hum on some DD soundtracks.

Used to run an HK AVR45 with a PS audio 100 watt amp for my mains and used the power of the HK for the surrounds/center and the difference this pre and amp makes is amazing. This is my first forey into entry level high end and I am very pleased with this purchase. I didnt have a lot of money to blow but this setup fit the bill nicely. I can live with some of the shortcomings of this pre as it really was a cheap setup. If you can still find one pick it up, cant beat the value for the dollar

System:
Parasound AVC-1800 pre
Parasound HCA-855A five channel amp
Yamaha CD
RCA DVD (garbage)
Zenith VCR (really a hunk-o-crap)
Sony Minidisc JE510
Polk RT600 mains
Polk PS 250? Sub (the little guy)
Polk CS250 center
Polk M1 surrounds
Monster power line conditioner
Sony KV35s42 Trinitron 35"
Monster speaker cable and monster interconnects for all
RCA SAT reciever
Bell O getti racks..................

Similar Products Used:

HK, PS audio, Yamaha