Anyone familiar with the Parasound PR200 preamp?

[John in MA]

Found one of these today in a snowbank at the local dump's scrap pile, if you can believe it. Just finished drying it out. Anyone know this model? Didn't find much online other than a couple references.

[danger boy]

wow.. i don't know anything about it... but interesting anyways.... in the snowbank at the local dump? ... post a pic of it.. i wanna see what someone threw out.

[beardog03]

me too !!

[John in MA]

Reviewed in Stereo Review in 1985, so it's an earlier one. It's all dried out and cleaned up, powers on but I haven't tried running sound though it yet. Other than missing one button (pop-off style like Rotel used to use) and a dented corner from its trip into the scrap bin it looks pretty good.

I also got a mint Pioneer SX-3700 receiver with the original manual. Managed to snag it from the owner before it went into the dumpster.

http://members.aol.com/gto69ra4/audio/para1.jpg
http://members.aol.com/gto69ra4/audio/para2.jpg
http://members.aol.com/gto69ra4/audio/para3.jpg

[beardog03]

now that`s a score..!

[danger boy]

sweet Jesus! I was expecting some POS pre amp, that thing is nicer than anything I have in my 2 ch rig. :p ;)

Guy, you scored big time it looks like.

enjoy, let us know if they both work.. :)

[John in MA]

It works, and doesn't sound half bad, but there's a quiet 60hz hum and an equally quiet hiss. The hum's probably just needing new filter caps. Not sure about the hiss.

[beardog03]

Upgrade some caps, etc., and you got a keeper !!

[JoshParsons84]

That's awesome man! That's probably the score of a lifetime. Like they say one man's trash is another mans treasure. Congrats man! Seems like you've got really good luck. Everything is always better when it's free LOL

[John in MA]

I have to give Parasound a major thumbs-down when it comes to product support. I asked them about the preamp, and the guy emails me back saying their information doesn't even include this model.

[danger boy]

I have to give Parasound a major thumbs-down when it comes to product support. I asked them about the preamp, and the guy emails me back saying their information doesn't even include this model.

not to unusual actually for an older model of equipment. I had a similar encounter with Pioneer about an amp. :confused:

[John in MA]

Considering it's only from 1985 I'm a little surprised. Other modern "value" companies like NAD and Adcom still have service manuals and schematics available. I'd think these guys would at least be able to tell me they made the preamp.

[danger boy]

you would think so huh? Well Pioneer wanted me to call their customer service and give them the model # and serial # for my amp. I have yet to do it though.

[billbillw]

Based on the guts shot, I wouldn't expect to much as far as sound quality from that Preamp. Looks like simple opamp gain section, chincy power supply, not very good isolation.

[billbillw]

I have to give Parasound a major thumbs-down when it comes to product support. I asked them about the preamp, and the guy emails me back saying their information doesn't even include this model.

Despite the fact that they didn't have any info on your unit, I think you will find Paraound to provide excellent support. Tony Pointes has talked me through several service problems, pointed out weak areas in the design, and quickly forwarded schematics for every one of their products that I've ever asked about. He even talked me through a procedure to lower the overall gain of my PLD-2000, which would allow me to use a greater range of my volume control.

Their parts department was helpful too. I picked up one of their amps and it did not have any feet on it. I figured I was screwed because one time I had a Pioneer Tuner that needed feet and Pioneer wanted more than $75 for a set of four. Parasound sent me a whole set of four matching feet for less than $15 shipped. Beat that.

[girluvskorn]

i have one of these in my garage , i got it from my parents house, they bought it in 1988 i think, anyway how much do you think its worth?:confused:

[ben62670]

I like keep it simple stupid topologies. Does the power cord have a ground? If so try a cheater plug to get rid of the hum.
Nice find
Ben