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Emotiva and Parasound are both audio companies that offer a wide range of products from preamps to power amps. While both companies have been around for years, they have very different approaches to design and manufacturing. This article will look at the differences and similarities between Emotiva vs Parasound amplifiers.
The main difference between Emotiva and Parasound amplifiers is the power supply. Parasound uses a toroidal transformer, which is typically considered better than the linear power supplies used by Emotiva. The Parasound amplifier also has a higher wattage per channel. However, it is less efficient and may draw more current from your power source than an Emotiva amplifier would need to operate at the same volume level.
Another major difference between the two companies is that Parasound offers more amplifier models than Emotiva.
Parasound has a larger selection of amplifiers, with their most popular model being the HALO series. The Halo A3+ is very similar to the Emotiva XPA3 in terms of power and circuitry, but it’s slightly smaller and comes with fewer features like no remote control or balanced inputs.
Comparing Emotiva Vs Parasound
| Emotiva | Parasound | |
|---|---|---|
| Price range | $$ | $$$ |
| Product types | Amplifiers, processors, speakers | Amplifiers, processors, speakers, CD players |
| Key features | High power output, audiophile-grade components, customizable audio settings | High power output, audiophile-grade components, customizable audio settings, optional phono stages |
| Customer reviews | Generally positive | Generally positive |
1. Circuits
Empotiva uses Class D amplifiers, which are more efficient and produce less heat than their Class A/B counterparts. That said, it costs more to manufacture a Class D amplifier than a Class A/B one, so they’re more expensive when you buy them new.
2. Speaker terminals
Like all amplifiers, the Parasound and Emotiva models need speakers, but there is a notable difference between their speaker terminals.
Parasound uses binding posts to connect its speakers. Borrowing from the world of high-end audio equipment, these are commonly found on home theater receivers and higher-end stereo components. Banana jacks are more common in consumer-grade products such as boomboxes and portable CD players. If you have an existing speaker system with banana jack connections, it’s a simple matter of using a converter cable from the binding posts on your amp to the banana jacks on your speakers.
Emotiva’s speaker terminals are also called “banana plugs.” They’re designed for use with 8Ω speakers that have been wired in series. Each channel has two sets of four holes located next to one another.
3. Features
Both companies have a great reputation for quality, customer service, value, and reliability. So it comes down to the specific needs of your system.
Parasound has many more options for all kinds of audio enthusiasts, including those who only want to use their preamp as a source component in a system with multiple sources. The Parasound Halo A23 and A21 amplifiers offer a good balance between power output and value while delivering excellent sound quality.
These amps also offer plenty of versatility since they can be used with both analog (RCA) inputs as well as digital ones via optical input to provide superior sound quality without taking up too much space on top of your AV cabinet.
Parasound or Emotiva Pros and Cons
When it comes to high-end amplifiers, two names consistently rise to the top: Emotiva and Parasound. Both brands have developed a loyal following among audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts, but which one is the best fit for your needs? In this post, we will compare the Emotiva and Parasound amplifier offerings, delving into the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.
Emotiva Amplifiers
Pros:
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- Performance: Emotiva amplifiers are known for their excellent performance, providing a clean, powerful sound that truly enhances the listening experience.
- Affordability: In comparison to other high-end amplifiers, Emotiva offers more budget-friendly options without compromising on quality.
- Design: Emotiva amplifiers feature sleek, modern designs that blend well with any home theater setup.
- Modular Architecture: Some Emotiva amplifiers utilize a modular architecture, allowing users to upgrade components as technology advances.
Cons:
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- Limited Distribution: Emotiva primarily sells their products directly to consumers, which means you may not be able to audition them in a local store.
- Customer Support: Although Emotiva offers good customer support, they may not be as responsive as some other high-end brands.
Parasound Amplifiers
Pros:
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- Build Quality: Parasound amplifiers are known for their exceptional build quality, featuring durable components and long-lasting performance.
- Sound Quality: Parasound amplifiers deliver top-notch sound quality with a natural, detailed, and dynamic audio reproduction.
- Brand Reputation: Parasound has a long-standing reputation in the high-end audio industry, earning respect from audiophiles and professional reviewers alike.
- Dealer Network: Parasound has an extensive dealer network, making it easier to audition their products in-store before making a purchase.
Cons:
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- Price: Parasound amplifiers are generally more expensive than their Emotiva counterparts, which may put them out of reach for budget-conscious consumers.
- Design: While Parasound amplifiers are well-built, their designs may be considered more conservative and less aesthetically appealing compared to Emotiva.
FAQs About Parasound vs Emotiva
Is Emotiva an Audiophile?
Yes, Emotiva is an audiophile brand. Emotiva is a company founded by audiophiles who decided to do something about the high cost of audio equipment. They wanted to make great-sounding products at an affordable price and they’ve done just that.
When you buy from Emotiva, you’re buying from an audiophile company that was founded by other audiophiles. We love music and we want everyone to be able to listen to it in the best way possible.
Emotiva has been making audio equipment for many years, and they’re one of the few brands that can genuinely claim to be a DIY company. They sell their products directly to consumers, cutting out the middlemen who would add to the price of their products.
Is Parasound High-end?
Yes, Parasound is a high-end brand. The preamplifiers, power amplifiers, and integrated amps are all hand-built in California. The company has been around for more than 40 years and has built its reputation on building quality components. If you’re looking for an amp that’ll last you a lifetime, you want one from Parasound.
If you’re building a high-end system, it’s worth considering buying Parasound equipment because of its reliability and performance. It’s also worth noting that Parasound offers some great deals on used or demo gear through their website, so it’s not necessarily true that they have to be expensive if you’re willing to look around a little bit.
Are Emotiva Products Good?
Yes, they are good. However, other factors make up whether or not something is ‘good’ such as customer service and warranty. Emotiva products are known for their excellent sound quality and low price point. They also have very good customer service and a warranty on most products.
However, I would say that it’s important to note that the company does not have the same amount of experience as other audio companies like Yamaha, Onkyo and Pioneer. That being said, many people have had great experiences with buying from Emotiva and have been happy with their purchases.
Where is Parasound Made?
Parasound products are made in Taiwan and the United States. The Parasound factory is located in Taiwan and has been open since 1981. It also makes products for other companies. The Parasound factory is ISO 9001 certified and receives regular auditing by third-party inspectors.
Parasound has a quality control department that performs random testing on all components before they are shipped to our warehouses here in the U.S., so you can be sure that the product you receive has been tested and approved by our team first.
Final Thoughts on Emotiva vs Parasound
The Emotiva and Parasound amplifiers are similar in many ways, but there are several key differences that make each brand unique.
There are a lot of features that both the Emotiva and Parasound amplifiers offer. For example, both brands have great customer service and warranties. The Emotiva brand has a wider range of products than the Parasound brand does.
The Emotiva amplifier has Bluetooth functionality that allows you to stream music from your phone or other devices. The only downside with this feature is that it doesn’t work with every type of sound system because some older ones don’t support Bluetooth connectivity.
