CES 2015: Parasound to unveil new Halo stereo amp and revised Zdac

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We've had advance notice that US hi-fi company Parasound will use CES 2015 to unveil a new Halo stereo amp, revised Zdac and Z Series of components.

Details are sketchy right now, but what we do know is that the Halo will be the company's first integrated amp (pictured) and will be based on its Halo pre and power amps, with "performance to match".

Features are likely to include the latest ESS Sabre32 Reference DAC, power delivery of 160W into 8Ohms (RMS, both channels driven), a dual-mono power supply and asynchronous USB 2.0 supporting PCM audio up to 32-bit/384kHz. It will also have a headphone amp and MM/MC phono stage.

Connectivity will be extensive, including coaxial and optical digital inputs capable of handling 24-bit/192kHz audio. The Halo integrated is expected to sell in the UK for aoround £2500.

Meanwhile, the new Zdac V2 has enhanced preamp features, a new headphone amp, improved system integration and the latest iOS device connectivity.

In addition, the rest of the Z Series components will be shown in a new black finish, without rack holes, as an alternative to the existing silver models.

MORE: CES 2015 - live from the world's biggest tech show

Andy Clough
Andy Clough

Andy is Global Brand Director of What Hi-Fi? and has been a technology journalist for 30 years. During that time he has covered everything from VHS and Betamax, MiniDisc and DCC to CDi, Laserdisc and 3D TV, and any number of other formats that have come and gone. He loves nothing better than a good old format war. Andy edited several hi-fi and home cinema magazines before relaunching whathifi.com in 2008 and helping turn it into the global success it is today. When not listening to music or watching TV, he spends far too much of his time reading about cars he can't afford to buy.