Parasound Halo P6 2.1 Channel Preamplifier & DAC with MM/MC Phono, USB

The Parasound Halo P6 is a 2.1 channel preamplifier and DAC designed as a complete analogue and digital control centre for serious two-channel and 2.1 systems. It combines an ESS Sabre32 Reference ES9018K2M DAC with USB input up to 384kHz/32-bit and native DSD 256, an MM/MC/MI phono stage, fully analogue bass management with independent crossovers, a home theatre bypass input, and a dedicated headphone amplifier in a single 2U chassis.

The DAC section handles USB up to 384kHz/32-bit and native DSD64, DSD128, and DSD256, with coaxial and optical inputs accepting PCM up to 192kHz/24-bit. The phono stage covers MM at 47k ohms (38dB gain) and MC at either 100 ohms or 47k ohms (52dB gain), making it compatible with virtually any moving magnet, moving iron, or moving coil cartridge. ProHiFi is an authorised Parasound dealer in India.

The analogue bass management section provides independent high-pass and low-pass crossovers at 12dB per octave, with front-panel subwoofer level control and three subwoofer output options: one balanced XLR and two RCA. This makes the P 6 one of the very few preamplifiers that can manage a 2.1 system with proper crossover filtering and subwoofer level control without requiring a separate bass management processor. The home theatre bypass mode allows the P 6 to integrate cleanly into a surround system.

The power supply accepts 100-250V AC automatically, confirming India 230V compatibility with no transformer required. LowBeats Germany described the P 6 and A 23+ as playing together in a pleasingly balanced, precise, and musical manner with pin-point instrument positioning that seemed almost unnatural for the price. Stereo+ Norway called the pairing pure sonic magic. Future Audiophile concluded it would be nearly impossible to buy separate components performing as well as each built-in feature for less than double the P 6's asking price.

Key Features

• ESS Sabre32 Reference DAC (ES9018K2M); USB 384kHz/32-bit
• Native DSD64, DSD128, DSD256 via USB; DoP DSD at 384kHz
• Coaxial and optical inputs up to 192kHz/24-bit PCM
• MM/MC/MI phono stage; 100 ohm or 47k ohm MC loading
• Analogue bass management; 12dB/octave high and low pass crossovers
• Front panel subwoofer level control
• 1 x XLR balanced and 2 x RCA subwoofer outputs
• 5 x RCA and 1 x XLR balanced analogue line inputs
• Balanced XLR and RCA preamplifier outputs
• Home theatre bypass input for surround integration
• Dedicated TI TPA6120A headphone amplifier
• Resistor-ladder volume control; bass and treble with relay bypass
• Auto voltage: 100-250V AC; 2U chassis; 437 x 105 x 381mm; 6.3kg
• Future Audiophile Recommended; Home Theater Review No-Brainer; Stereo+ Norway Magic; LowBeats Germany Recommended

Warranty:

3-year manufacturer's warranty

Why Consider the Parasound Halo P 6

The P 6 is the right choice for listeners who want a single preamplifier that handles every source in a modern system without requiring additional components. The ESS Sabre32 DAC, phono stage, analogue bass management, headphone output, and home theatre bypass are all built in at a price where buying equivalent separate units would cost considerably more. Home Theater Review called it a no-brainer at its price, and Future Audiophile confirmed that the built-in features collectively represent exceptional value. The automatic universal voltage supply means it connects directly to Indian 230V mains. Paired with the A 23+, A 21+, or JC 5, it forms a complete Parasound Halo system that reviewers across five countries have independently described as punching well above its combined price.

Ideal for

• Listeners wanting a single preamplifier for analogue, digital, phono, and headphone use
• 2.1 systems needing proper analogue bass management with subwoofer crossovers
• Vinyl listeners wanting MM and MC phono built into their preamp
• Systems pairing with the Parasound A 23+, A 21+, or JC 5 power amplifier
• Home theatre integration using the bypass input alongside a surround processor
• Headphone listeners who want a dedicated amplifier without a separate box

Technical Specifications