Parasound Home Theater System P 5 User Manual

P 5  
2.1 Channel Stereo Preamplifier  
OWNER’S GUIDE  
 
Table of Contents  
Introduction  
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4
5
Placement and Ventilation Guidelines  
AC Mains Voltage  
Rack Mounting  
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5
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5
Analog Audio Input Connections  
6
Home Theater Bypass Input  
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8
Digital Audio Inputs  
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9
USB Computer Setup  
10  
10  
11  
11  
13  
14  
15  
17  
19  
20  
Audio Output Connections  
Subwoofer Setup  
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Main and Subwoofer Crossover Setup  
Turn On Options  
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Other Rear Panel Connections  
Front Panel Operation.  
Remote Control Functions  
Problem and Remedies  
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If You Require Assistance or Warranty Repair  
Specifications  
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21  
3
 
INTRODUCTION  
Thank You for Choosing Parasound  
Your new Parasound Halo P 5 is an advanced 2.1 channel stereo preamplifier that has been  
designed for the most advanced performance for serious two channel music listening and ease of  
integration with a surround sound system. The P 5 is built to the extremely strict quality and  
performance standards for which Parasound is renowned. We’re proud to offer you this  
exceptional audio component that will bring you many years of enjoyment and dependability.  
Because your new Halo Series P 5 Preamplifier performs at a higher level of sonic performance  
than you may have expected we encourage you to read this entire manual to maximize your  
enjoyment. We wish you many years of listening enjoyment.  
-The Parasound Staff  
Keeping Records for Future Reference  
Record the serial number located on the back panel or bottom of your P 5 in the space below. Also  
note your Parasound Dealer’s name and telephone number. Your purchase receipt/bill of sale is  
required to determine if your P 5 is eligible for Parasound warranty service. We recommend that  
you make an extra copy of your original purchase receipt/bill of sale and store it inside the P 5’s  
carton.  
Parasound P 5 Amplifier Serial #: ______________ (5 digit number below the bar code)  
Parasound Dealer: ___________________________________________________  
Parasound Dealer Phone Number: ___________________  
Date of Purchase: ______________________  
Important Warranty information  
There is no Parasound warranty for this unit if it was not purchased from an Authorized  
Parasound Dealer. Investigate warranty coverage statements made by an unauthorized dealer  
very carefully, as you will need to depend entirely upon your dealer, and NOT upon Parasound.  
Unauthorized dealers lack the capability to make repairs or arrange for repairs of Parasound  
equipment. A list of Authorized Parasound Dealers and detailed warranty information is available  
at www.parasound.com or you can call 415-397-7100 between 9:00 am and 4 pm Pacific time.  
A missing or altered serial number could indicate that this unit was re-sold by an unauthorized  
dealer or is stolen merchandise. If this unit is missing its serial number or the serial number has  
been altered, you should return it to your dealer immediately for a full refund.  
4
 
Unpacking Your P 5 & Placement Guidelines  
Unpacking Your P 5  
Carefully remove your P 5 from its shipping carton and locate the enclosed accessories:  
• AC power cord  
• Two trigger wires, one with mono 3.5 mm mini plugs, one with a mono 2.5mm sub-mini plug  
and a mono 3.5mm mini plug  
• Remote Control with AAA batteries  
• USB A to USB B cable for music playback from a computer  
• Stereo cable with stereo 3.5mm mini plugs for using the front panel AUX input  
While you are unpacking your P 5, inspect it thoroughly for possible shipping damage and tell  
your Parasound dealer immediately if you find any evidence of shipping damage. This would be a  
good time to make a copy of your sales receipt to store with the P 5’s original packing.  
Note: Please save and store both the inner and outer cartons and, most especially, the foam  
packing inserts to protect the P 5 if you have to move it or ship it. You may wish to flatten the  
cardboard cartons to save room in storage after cutting the taped seams on the bottom flaps.  
Placement Guidelines  
The P 5 will be easier to use and will last longer if you follow these simple guidelines:  
• Use input and output cables that are long enough to leave some slack; that will enable you to  
pull the P 5 out of a cabinet to check or to change connections without inadvertently  
disconnecting cables.  
• Place your P 5 where you can route input and output signal cables as far as possible from any  
AC cords.  
• Where signal cables must cross AC cords they should do so only at a 90° right angle.  
Ventilation Requirements  
• Always position the P 5 horizontally.  
• The P 5 should never be stacked above a power amplifier.  
• The P 5 should not be placed in a completely enclosed cabinet.  
AC Mains Voltage  
The P 5 will operate on AC mains voltage of 100V-240V. There is no need for any fuse or wiring  
changes to switch between 115V and 230V operation.  
Rack Mounting your P 5  
With its four feet removed, the P 5’s front panel height occupies two rack spaces: 3.5” or 88.2 mm.  
(A single standard rack space occupies 1.75” vertical space.) For mounting in a standard 19”  
equipment rack, you must use the Parasound HRA 2 rack mount kit (purchased separately). The  
HRA 2 kit includes four bolts and eight plastic washers with raised “shoulders.” Slide one washer  
onto each mounting bolt with its raised shoulder pointing toward the panel hole. Insert the bolt  
through the hole and slide the other washer on the bolt with its raised shoulder facing the rear side  
of the panel. The washers will sandwich the P 5 panel and the four mounting bolts to prevent  
metal-to-metal contact between the P 5 chassis, the equipment rack, and the other components  
mounted in the rack.  
Warning: Do not put the screws for the feet back into the bottom of the P 5 without the feet. Doing  
so could cause the screws to touch electrical components and cause a short circuit.  
5
 
Analog Audio Input Connections  
Always disconnect your P 5's AC cord before making or changing any input, output or trigger wire  
connections. Inserting or removing an input or output cable while the P 5 is turned on can result in  
a blast of sound that could damage your loudspeakers. Make sure there is no strain or tension on  
any cables that could cause them to pull loose.  
Phono Input  
The P 5 is equipped with a high quality phono preamplifier. If you wish to connect a turntable,  
set the Load/Cartridge switch to MM (moving magnet) or MC (100Ω or 47kmoving coil),  
depending on your cartridge type. Select MM if you are not sure which type of phono cartridge  
you have because MM cartridges are more common. If you use the MC setting with an MM  
cartridge the volume level will be very high and distorted. Only a turntable can be connected  
to the Phono input.  
Phono Load/Cartridge Switch  
The Phono input has a 3 position load/cartridge selector switch. Select the switch position that  
matches your turntable cartridge type. We recommend that you contact the cartridge  
manufacturer if you are unsure which setting is best for your equipment. You may also try all  
three settings and use the setting which sounds the best in your system and listening room.  
.
MM is for moving magnet cartridges. It provides a 47k ohm load and the appropriate gain  
for all MM cartridges. This is the most common cartridge type.  
MC 100Ω is for most moving coil cartridges. It provides the higher gain required for even  
very low output MC cartridges and a 100 ohm load that is ideal for the majority of MC  
cartridges.  
MC 47kΩ provides the appropriate gain for MC cartridges with an alternative 47k ohm  
load. You can try both the 100Ω and 47kΩ settings to see which sounds best in your  
system. The MC 47k Ω setting is also the load Grado recommends for their MI (moving  
iron) cartridges.  
Note: If your turntable won’t reach adequate volume, or if it plays too loud, you have  
selected the incorrect cartridge type. Don’t forget to connect the ground wire from your  
turntable to the Phono GND (ground) terminal on the P 5.  
6
 
Analog Audio Input Connections (Continued)…  
RCA line level Input Jacks (inputs 1-5)  
Source inputs 1–5 all have the same input sensitivity and input impedance and they are  
compatible with any typical analog line level source.  
Note: Input 5 is shared with the XLR balanced input, therefore the RCA and  
XLR jacks for input 5 should not be connected at the same time.  
XLR Balanced Input (input 5)  
Input 5 uses balanced XLR type jacks. Use this input to connect an analog source which has  
balanced outputs. A balanced line provides superior hum and noise cancellation, especially  
for long cable runs.  
Note: Input 5 is shared with the XLR balanced input, therefore the RCA and  
XLR jacks for input 5 should not be connected at the same time.  
Front Panel Aux Input  
For your convenience there is an input jack on the front panel for a portable MP3 player (or  
smart phone). Connect the included cable with 3.5mm stereo plugs between the portable  
player or smart phone’s headphone jack and the P 5’s Aux input jack. The Aux input has an  
additional gain stage that boosts the input signal by 12dB so that the volume level remains  
consistent when you select your other source components. For the best result set your  
portable player’s volume to at least 75% of its maximum level.  
Note: If you connect a component other than a portable MP3 player to the Aux Input jack,  
the volume level will probably be too high and possibly distorted.  
7
 
Home Theater Bypass Input  
The Bypass input jacks are used to incorporate the P 5 into a surround sound system. This  
enables you to use the power amplifier (or two channels of a multi-channel amp) driving your Left  
and Right front speakers and subwoofer(s) with stereo sources connected to the P 5 and with  
your surround sound system. The Bypass input works by passing the incoming L, R and Sub  
channels directly through to the L, R and Sub output jacks. None of the P 5 circuits or controls  
has any effect on the bypassed signals. The P 5 is thus transparent to the Left, Right and  
Subwoofer(s) outputs from your surround sound processor or receiver and passes them on to  
your amplifier(s) and Subwoofer(s).  
Note: In order to use the P 5 Bypass function your surround sound  
receiver must have line level preamp output jacks.  
The P 5’s Bypass function is a direct connection between its L, R and Sub Bypass Input jacks  
and its Main and Sub output jacks. All controls are excluded from the bypass signal path.  
Adjusting the P 5 Volume will not change the volume level of the Bypass input  
The Bass and Treble Tone controls do not function; frequency response is flat,  
regardless of how these controls are adjusted.  
The Left/Right Balance control does not function; channel balance is equal,  
regardless of how this control is adjusted.  
The Main Outputs are full range, regardless of the crossover settings  
The Sub Outputs are full range, regardless of the crossover settings  
The exclusions above are intentional so your surround sound receiver (or processor)’s bass  
management menu settings and volume control) function normally when you are listening to  
surround sound with the Left, Right and Sub channels routed through the P 5. Please see the  
owner’s manual for your surround sound receiver or processor to set the proper speaker levels,  
distance and bass management. If you have already calibrated your surround sound system,  
there is no need to recalibrate your system after adding the P 5. Don’t forget that the volume  
control on the P 5 does not work when the Bypass Input is selected. Use the volume control  
on your surround sound AVR or processor.  
Connecting the Bypass Input  
Connect your surround sound receiver’s Left, Right & Sub(s) preamp output jacks to the P 5’s  
Left, Right & Sub(s) Bypass Input jacks. With a single subwoofer you can use either the Sub 1  
or Sub 2 Input jacks.  
Note: Two Bypass Subwoofer Input jacks are included in case you have two  
subwoofers and your surround receiver includes two Subwoofer out jacks.  
Selecting the Bypass Input  
The Bypass Input can be selected by two different methods:  
P 2 is Already Turned On:  
When the P 5 is turned on you can select the Bypass input with the remote control  
or the front panel Input selector knob.  
P 2 is Turned Off:  
The Bypass input is automatically selected whenever the P 5 is turned off. This  
makes it easy to use your surround sound equipment even without turning the P 5 on.  
Note: Do not connect a source component such as a cd player, blu-ray player, tape deck  
or tuner directly to the bypass input. Since there is no volume control with this input  
the full voltage output of the source will go directly to the power amplifier. The sound  
level could be extremely high and could damage your speakers and hearing.  
8
 
Digital Inputs (OPT, COAX, USB)  
The P 5’s built in DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) uses a high resolution 192kHz Burr-Brown  
DAC IC. Since the P 5’s DAC is superior to the DAC in most source components. They will  
sound better if you connect their digital output to the P 5 instead of using its conventional analog  
line output.  
Opt (Optical)  
The optical input is a high speed Toslink receiver with a 25MHz bandwidth. It accepts these  
standard sampling rates: 8kHz, 11.025kHz, 16kHz, 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96  
kHz, 176.4kHz and 192kHz. It accepts 16 bit and 24 bit word lengths.  
Optical Cable Note: 176.4 kHz and 192 kHz sampling rates will only play reliably with  
a very short optical cable. Be careful when handling the optical cable. It has limited  
flexibility and it cannot be bent at a sharp angle without impairing its ability to transfer  
the digital signal from your source to the P 5.  
Coax (Coaxial)  
The Coax (also called S/PDIF) input connector is an RCA jack. The Coaxial input accepts  
these standard sampling rates: 8kHz, 11.025kHz, 16kHz, 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz,  
96kHz, 176kHz & 192kHz. It accepts 16 bit and 24 bit word lengths.  
USB  
The USB input is used to connect your P 5 to your PC or Mac computer. This allows high  
quality playback of any music that is stored on your computer and streaming music services  
accessed over the internet. The USB accepts sampling rates of 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz  
and 96kHz. It accepts 16 bit and 24 bit word lengths. The P 5 uses the USB 1.1 Audio  
standard which allows use of 15’ (5 m) USB cables without any performance penalty.  
USB Cable Note: Use a high quality USB cable for the best results. This is particularly  
important for cables that are more than 6' (2 m) long. Inexpensive,  
long USB cables are often unreliable and could cause drop outs.  
Using a Blu-ray or DVD Player's Digital Output  
If you use a Blu-ray, DVD player, Cable Box or Satellite Receiver’s digital output with the P 5 you  
must go to its setup menu and set the player’s digital audio output to Stereo PCM (2.0). The P 5  
accepts only two-channel stereo PCM. It does not accept Dolby, DTS or DSD format signals.  
9
 
USB - Computer Setup  
First, turn on your computer, then connect the USB cable (included in the P 5 carton) and then turn  
on the P 5. The first time you connect your P 5 to a computer it will automatically install the correct  
drivers. Next you will need to ensure that the P 5 is set as the computer’s default audio output  
device. Follow these instructions to assign the P 5 as the default audio device:  
®
For a Windows PC  
- Right click on the loudspeaker icon  
- Select “Playback Devices”  
in the bottom right of your screen (on the tool bar)  
- When the “Sound” window pops up click on the “PARASOUND P 5” and then click “Set as Default”  
- Click “OK” to close the “Sound” window  
Note: If for some reason you cannot find the loudspeaker icon you will need to go to the sound  
options in the Control Panel and select the P 5 as the default playback device.  
®
For a Mac with OS X  
- Go to the Apple Menu  
- Select “System Preferences”  
- Select “Sound” from the Hardware Menu  
- Select “PARASOUND P 5” in the Sounds Menu  
Playing Music From Your Computer  
Once initial setup is complete your P 5 will be ready for use with your PC or Mac. Press the USB  
button on the P 5’s remote control or rotate the P 5’s Input select knob until the blue indicator for  
USB is illuminated. Simply start playing any music on your computer and it will be sent to the P 5  
via the USB cable. Any sound that you would normally hear through your computer speakers will  
be heard through the P 5 and your accompanying audio system.  
Note: For the highest quality sound playback we recommend leaving your computer’s volume  
control at 100%. Then use the volume control on your P 5 to set the listening level.  
Audio Output Connections  
Left and Right Main Output Jacks (Balanced and Unbalanced)  
The Main Output Jacks are the primary outputs that connect to the inputs on your power  
amplifier. Both RCA (unbalanced) and XLR (balanced) connections are provided.  
Subwoofer Outputs (Balanced and Unbalanced)  
The P 5 provides convenient, high quality connections for one or more subwoofers. All of the  
subwoofer outputs carry the same mono signal. This mono signal can be full range or crossed  
over depending on the setting of the Low Pass crossover.  
Record Out Jacks  
The Record Out jacks connect to your audio recorder’s record/input jacks. When you select an  
Input the signal from the corresponding source component is available at the Record Out jacks  
whenever the P 5 is turned on. It is a fixed level signal that is unaffected by volume, balance,  
tone settings, audio mute or crossover settings.  
Note: When you select the Bypass Input, there is no signal available at  
the Record Out jacks. The P 5 does not offer simultaneous  
monitoring of a recording while you are making it.  
10  
 
Subwoofer Setup  
There are two important steps in setting up your sub(s). These are crossover setup and level setup.  
Subwoofer Crossover Setup  
You will want to turn off the crossover built into your subwoofer since the P 5 has its own crossovers  
and leaving both crossovers on would result in double filtering. Most subwoofers have a switch to  
accomplish this. This switch is sometimes called “Bypass”, “Home Theater” or simply “Crossover  
Off.” If your subwoofer’s crossover cannot be switched off, set it to its highest frequency. Now  
follow the crossover setup section of this manual for the proper settings on the P 5.  
Subwoofer Level Setup  
To set the proper subwoofer level, first set the P 5’s front panel Sub Level control to the 12 o’clock  
(0 dB) position and then play a variety of music. Adjust the level control built into your subwoofer  
until the bass level sounds balanced. Now, whenever you want to fine tune your subwoofer level  
you can simply use the P 5's front panel Sub Level control instead of walking over to your sub,  
bending down and reaching behind it to adjust its level control.  
Main and Subwoofer Crossover Setup  
The P 5 is equipped with adjustable Low Pass and High  
Pass crossovers. Crossovers are filters that allow certain  
frequencies to pass while blocking other frequencies.  
A Low Pass filter permits low frequencies to pass and  
blocks high frequencies. A high pass filter permits only  
high frequencies to pass and blocks low frequencies.  
80Hz is the best starting frequency for both the High and  
Low Pass crossovers if you are using a subwoofer and  
are not sure where to set the crossover frequency. If you  
are not using a subwoofer, set the Main Output Crossover  
switch to the Off position. Both XLR (balanced) and RCA  
(unbalanced) outputs are affected by the crossover  
settings.  
Low Pass Crossover (Subwoofer Outputs)  
The low pass crossover allows only low frequencies to be output at the P 5 Subwoofer output  
jacks and then played by your subwoofer(s).  
Note: If your subwoofer has a built-in crossover that cannot be switched off, set  
it to its highest frequency to minimize the negative effects on bass  
response from filtering in the P 5 and again in the subwoofer.  
High Pass Crossover (Left and Right Main Outputs)  
The High Pass crossover for the Left and Right Main outputs allows you to keep low  
frequencies from going to your main L and R speakers. This can be particularly useful if you  
are using small speakers (typically their woofers are 6.5” inches or smaller) and you have a  
subwoofer. The most common settings are between 50Hz and 80Hz. If you are not using a  
subwoofer you will get the best results by turning the High Pass crossover off or setting it to  
under 40Hz. If you want your L and R speakers to operate full range with no frequencies  
blocked set the High Pass crossover switch to its Off position.  
11  
 
Crossover Setup (Continued)…  
Crossover On/Off Switches:  
Sub Output Crossover Off  
Full Range signals will be sent to the sub. You will need to adjust the  
crossover frequency on the crossover that is built into your subwoofer.  
Sub Output Crossover On  
The highest frequency going to the Sub is determined by the setting of the  
Low Pass frequency knob.  
Main Output Crossover Off  
Full Range signals will be sent to the Left and Right speakers.  
Main Output Crossover On  
The lowest frequency going to the Left and Right speakers is determined by  
the setting of the High Pass frequency knob.  
Crossovers and the Bypass Input  
The High and Low Pass Crossovers are always off when the Bypass Input is selected. In this  
case the high and low pass filters are not active because you will want to use the bass  
management you already selected in your surround sound receiver’s setup menu.  
Where to start with Crossover settings  
If you don’t know where to set the High and Low Pass Crossovers, these settings are a good place  
to start. From here you can experiment until you find a combination that sounds best to you:  
No subwoofer  
Set the High Pass Crossover switch to Off  
The Low Pass Crossover will not be used so this setting does not matter  
When using one or more subwoofers and your Left and Right speakers'  
woofers are 6.5” or smaller  
Set the High Pass Crossover switch to On and the frequency knob to 80Hz  
Set the Low Pass Crossover switch to On and the frequency knob to 80Hz  
When using one or more subwoofers and your Left and Right speakers'  
woofers are larger than 6.5”  
Set the High Pass Crossover switch to On and the frequency knob to 50Hz  
Set the Low Pass Crossover switch to On and the frequency knob to 50Hz  
12  
 
Turn On Options  
For convenience, there are three ways the P 5 can be turned on and off:  
Manual - Press the On-Off button on the front panel or the On and Off buttons on  
the remote control.  
Automatic - When a 12V trigger voltage is applied to the 12V input jack.  
Automatic - Whenever the P 5’s AC power source is live.  
Note: When either automatic turn on option is selected the front panel  
On-Off button is disabled so that power on/off is determined solely  
by the triggering device or live AC power.  
Turn On Options Switch:  
Manual Position  
When the Turn On Options switch is in its Manual position, the Turn On Options automatic  
functions are disabled and the P 5 must be turned on and off manually by pressing the On-  
Off button on its front panel every time you wish to use your audio system.  
12V Position (Automatic on/off)  
When the Turn On Options switch is set to its 12V position, the P 5 is turned on and off only  
with an external +9 V to + 12 V voltage from your preamp or AV Receiver. When the external  
voltage ceases the P 5 will turn off immediately. The 12V switch position disables the front  
panel On-Off button.  
AC Power Trigger  
The P 5 will turn on automatically when its AC power source is switched on.  
Note: When the Auto Turn On switch is set to 12V or AC the front panel  
On-Off button and remote control On and Off buttons are disabled.  
3.5mm Mini Jack and 2.5mm Sub-mini Jacks  
Some models of Parasound power amplifiers and preamplifiers use 2.5mm “sub-mini” trigger jacks.  
To use the P 5 with these models we include a trigger wire with a 3.5mm plug at one end and a  
2.5mm plug at the other end.  
13  
 
Other Rear Panel Connections  
IR Input  
Your P 5 is compatible with most popular infrared repeater systems for remote control operation  
from another room or when the P 5 is installed in a cabinet where its remote handset signals  
cannot reach its front panel remote control sensor. The External Remote Input connector is a  
standard 1/8” (3.5 mm) mono “mini” jack. The center conductor (plug tip) is for signal and the outer  
conductor (plug sleeve) is for ground. Your Authorized Parasound dealer or custom installer can  
recommend a compatible IR repeater system.  
IR Loop Output  
The loop output offers a convenient way to daisy chain an IR signal to another piece of equipment.  
Whatever IR control signal is present at the rear panel IR Input jack will also be present at the IR  
Loop Out jack.  
AC Power Cord  
The AC cord supplied with your P 5 is a high quality IEC type cord. If possible, plug your P 5 into  
the same AC outlet that your source components and power amplifier are plugged into. If different  
AC outlets are used for the P 5 and these other components the ground potential may be higher or  
lower between the outlets, resulting in audible hum.  
14  
 
Front Panel Controls  
On-Off Button  
A soft blue glow surrounds the On-Off button when the P 5 is turned off. Push the On-Off  
button once to turn on and the blue glow will get brighter. When the P 5 is turned on, the Input  
indicator and Mute button will illuminate blue. Push the On-Off button again to turn it off.  
Note: The front panel On-Off button and remote control On and Off buttons are  
disabled when the rear panel Turn On Options switch is set to 12V or AC.  
Headphone Output  
The headphone jack accepts a 1/8” (3.5 mm) stereo mini plug. The Left, Right and Sub  
outputs are muted when a headphone plug is inserted into this jack. The L and R Record out  
jacks are not muted.  
Note: Please note the volume level before unplugging your headphones to avoid  
unexpected high level sound that could damage your speakers.  
Aux Input  
For your convenience there is an input for a portable MP3 player (or smart phone) on the front  
panel. Connect the included cable with 3.5mm stereo plugs between the portable player or  
smart phone’s headphone jack and the P 5’s Aux input jack. The Aux input has an additional  
gain stage that boosts the input signal by 12dB so that the volume level will remain consistent  
as you listen to your other source components. For the best results set your portable player’s  
volume to at least 75% of its maximum.  
Bass and Treble Knobs  
These offer precision adjustment of tonal balance. You will find that very slight adjustments  
can add a degree of warmth, richness, clarity and “air.” However, greater adjustments may  
obscure musical detail, and even risk overloading your speakers. The Bass and Treble  
Controls are only active when the blue light surrounding the Tone button is illuminated. The  
Bass and Treble controls affect both the Main Outputs and the Subwoofer outputs.  
Tone Button  
By pressing this button, you can turn off the Bass and Treble tone controls, thereby completely  
bypassing the tone control circuitry. This will improve sonic purity by eliminating the small  
amount of noise and distortion inherent in tone control circuits. The tone controls can also be  
turned on and off from the remote control.  
15  
 
Front Panel Controls (Continued)…  
Input Knob  
Rotating the Input selector will cycle through all of the inputs. The front panel LED under each  
input will indicate when it is selected.  
Sub Level Knob  
The Sub Level control knob adjusts the subwoofer level. The sub level can be adjusted  
between -10 dB and +10 dB, relative to the L and R channels. When the control knob is in the  
12 o’clock position the sub level boost is 0 dB. When you first set up your subwoofer you  
should set this control to 12 o’clock (0 dB) and then play some music. Adjust the level control  
built into your subwoofer until it sounds balanced. Now, whenever you want to fine tune your  
subwoofer level you can simply use the front panel Sub Level control instead walking over to  
your sub and bending over to adjust the level control on the subwoofer.  
Note: The Sub Level knob does not adjust the Sub level when the Bypass Input is selected.  
Balance Knob  
Adjusting left and right channel balance is helpful to compensate for speaker placement, room  
acoustics or if your power amplifier’s gain isn’t identical for both channels.  
Volume Knob  
Your P 5 uses a high quality Alps potentiometer to adjust the master volume level. The  
potentiometer is motorized for remote control use.  
Mute Button  
Pressing the Mute button once will mute the signal at all of the Out jacks except the Record  
Out. The Mute button will turn red while mute is engaged. Press the Mute button a second  
time to cancel mute. The Mute will be automatically canceled if you press the volume up or  
down buttons on the remote.  
Note: Mute is not canceled when you turn the front panel Volume knob. Refrain from  
moving the Volume knob when the P 5 is muted to avoid a loud surprise when it is  
unmuted.  
16  
 
Remote Control Functions  
The P 5 remote control has a maximum range of approximately 20 - 25 feet (6 - 7.5 meters).  
Use only AAA alkaline batteries in the handset and insert them according to the + and – polarity  
markings in the battery compartment.  
On and Off Buttons  
These separate buttons enable programming  
unambiguous “hard” off and on commands into a system  
controller or to create a macro sequence for a learning-  
type remote control.  
Note: The On and Off buttons are disabled when the  
rear panel Turn On Options switch is set to 12V or AC.  
Mute Button  
Pressing the Mute button once mutes the signal at all of  
the Out jacks except the Record Out. The Mute button on  
the front panel will illuminate red while mute is engaged.  
Press the Mute button a second time to cancel mute.  
Volume ▲ and ▼ Buttons  
These buttons control the rotation of the motorized Volume  
knob to increase and decrease listening volume levels.  
Tone On and Off Buttons  
By pressing the Tone On button you engage the tone  
control circuit with the boost or cut determined by the  
setting of the front panel Bass and Treble knobs.  
By pressing the Tone Off button you can turn off the Bass  
and Treble tone control circuit, thereby completely  
bypassing the tone control circuitry. This will improve  
sonic purity by eliminating the small amount of noise and  
distortion inherent in tone control circuits. The tone  
controls can also be turned on and off from the front panel.  
Note: The remote control cannot make Bass and Treble  
adjustments. Tone adjustments are only made with the  
Bass and Treble knobs on the P 5’s front panel.  
Source Input Buttons  
Press the input button of the source that you wish to hear.  
17  
 
Maintaining Your P 5  
Your P 5 requires no periodic maintenance and has no user serviceable parts inside.  
To avoid risk of electric shock do not remove the top cover. To keep it clean use only a soft  
cloth moistened with a few drops of clear water or Windex. Never use any solvents or  
abrasives. The remote control handset batteries should be removed whenever it will be  
unused for an extended period. Remove the battery cover annually to inspect and remove  
leaking batteries.  
Ground Loops - Eliminating Hum and Buzz  
Audible hum and buzzing noises in a system are usually related to issues with the  
component grounds. Ground (sometimes called common) is a point of reference for voltages  
in virtually all audio and video components. Ground is supposed to remain at zero volts while  
the audio signal swings positive (voltage above ground) and negative (voltage below ground).  
If ground isn’t at zero, there can be an audible 60 Hz hum (or 50 Hz hum in regions with 50 Hz  
AC). The harmonics of these frequencies (120 Hz, 240 Hz, 480 Hz or 100 Hz, 200 Hz, 400 Hz)  
may add buzz in addition to the hum.  
The ideal of zero voltage ground for all the components in a system is practically  
impossible, because some resistance between the ground points of different components is  
inevitable. By keeping components close together with their power cords plugged into a  
common AC outlet or power strip, you’ll avoid the problems created by resistance in the  
house’s wiring.  
Hum and buzz is also caused when unwanted voltage flows through multiple  
component ground points called ground loops. Here are three tips to avoid ground loops:  
1. Your Cable TV receiver box might require a Cable TV ground isolator. To determine if this  
is the case, unplug your incoming cable signal and see if the buzz/hum goes away.  
2. Plug your subwoofer and amplifier(s) into the same outlet as the P 5.  
3. When rack mounting, always use the insulated “shoulder” washers. These break the ground  
loops caused by metal-to-metal contact between the rack, the components, and their rack-  
mount bolts.  
18  
 
Problems and Remedies  
Why is there no sound from the speakers?  
- Is the AC power live? You should see a faint red glow around the Power button even when  
the unit is turned off.  
- Check that input and output cables are secure at both ends.  
- Make sure your P 5 is switched to the correct input.  
- Make sure your power amplifier is powered on.  
The P 5 won’t turn on  
- Make sure the rear panel Turn On Options Switch is set to the Manual position.  
- Make sure the rear panel master power switch is turned on.  
-Make sure the unit is plugged into a live AC receptacle  
The P 5 won’t turn off  
- Make sure the rear panel Turn On Options Switch is set to the Manual position.  
I can hear a background hum from the speakers  
- Read the section on ground loops in this manual.  
- Move audio cables and AC cords away from each other (while power is off).  
- Try to route audio cables and AC cords perpendicular to each other (while power is off).  
- Make sure insulating shoulder washers are used if unit is rack mounted.  
- Insure that the power amps and the P 5 are plugged into the same AC outlet.  
- Try unplugging the incoming Cable TV line. If the noise goes away you need a cable TV  
ground isolator.  
- Try plugging your subwoofer into the same outlet as the P 5 and power amp.  
- The turntable ground wire must be attached to the GND terminal.  
The sound is distorted and weak  
- Make sure the gain of the power amp is not set too low.  
- Are you trying to use P 5 with a turntable? Make sure you have set the phono selector switch  
to the correct cartridge type. Is the turntable's tracking force adjusted correctly for its cartridge?  
- Make sure the stereo power amp’s stereo/mono switch is set to stereo.  
When I use the Bypass Input the sound is very loud and cannot be turned down.  
The Bypass input should never be connected directly to a source component (CD, DVD, Tape  
deck, etc.). It should only be used in conjunction with a surround sound receiver or controller.  
The volume control on the surround sound equipment should be used to adjust the volume  
level when the P 5 Bypass input is selected.  
What is the Bypass Input?  
The Bypass input jacks are used to incorporate the P 5 into a surround sound system. This  
enables you to use the power amplifier (or two channels of a multi-channel amp) driving your  
Left and Right front speakers and subwoofer(s) with stereo sources connected to the P 5 and  
with your surround sound system.  
19  
 
Are You Having Difficulty?  
Repair or Service  
Call your Parasound dealer first. If the dealer can’t help you with your problem we encourage  
you to call Parasound’s Technical Service Department at 415-397-7100, Monday - Friday,  
8am - 4pm Pacific Time. We can suggest other diagnostic tests you can easily perform.  
If we determine that your P 5 should be returned to Parasound or an Authorized Parasound  
Warranty Center for inspection and possible servicing, we will provide the location of a  
warranty center near you or shipping instructions for the unit’s return to Parasound.  
Before You Return Any Unit to Parasound for Service  
Before you send your unit to Parasound, you will need to obtain a specific Return  
Authorization (RA) number and shipping instructions from Parasound’s Technical Department.  
The RA number must be clearly marked on the outer carton. Use the original factory packing  
materials and arrange adequate insurance to cover its value. You must include a copy of your  
purchase receipt, since this document establishes the validity of this unit’s warranty. Warranty  
repairs are only performed by Parasound or Parasound Authorized warranty centers when  
your purchase receipt is from a Parasound Authorized Dealer or Parasound Authorized  
Reseller.  
Shipments Will Be Refused by Parasound Under the Following Conditions:  
1. Unit was sent without the Parasound-assigned RA number marked on the carton.  
2. Unit was sent in an unsuitable shipping carton and packing inserts and is likely to have  
been damaged in transit.  
3. Unit has inadequate packing materials and is likely to have been damaged in transit.  
Wrapping the P 5 with bubble wrap will not protect it during shipment.  
4. Unit was shipped collect for shipping charges. We do not accept collect shipments.  
5. Unit was shipped via the US Postal Service.  
6. Unit was sent to an address other than the address instructed by our Technical Department.  
Warranty Repair  
Please read your accompanying Parasound Limited Warranty carefully to understand the  
applicable rights and limitations. This section provides instructions for obtaining repairs, both for  
units covered under the Parasound Limited Warranty and for units or situations which are  
Unit is not eligible for repair under the terms of the Parasound warranty if:  
1. Unit was not purchased from a Parasound Authorized Dealer.  
2. You do not have the original bill of sale or sales receipt from a Parasound Authorized Dealer.  
3. You are not the original owner. The Parasound warranty is not transferable.  
4. Unit’s serial number was removed, modified, or defaced.  
5. Unit shows evidence of abuse and/or misuse.  
6. Unit was modified in any way.  
7. A prior repair was attempted by an unauthorized repair station.  
20  
 
Specifications  
Frequency Response  
Hi & Low Pass Crossover Slope  
10 Hz - 100 kHz, +0/-3 dB  
12 dB / Oct  
Total Harmonic Distortion  
DC Trigger Requirements  
< 0.01 %  
+9 Vdc to +12 Vdc, 2 mA  
Crosstalk  
XLR Pin Identification  
1 = Ground (Shield)  
2 = Positive  
> 70 dB at 20 kHz  
Input Sensitivity  
3 = Negative (Return)  
300 mv: 1 Volt Out  
Total Gain: 10 dB  
Maximum Output: 7 Volts  
Dimensions  
Width: 17-1/4” (437 mm)  
Depth: 13-3/4” (350 mm)  
Height, with feet: 4-1/8” (105 mm)  
Height, without feet: 3-1/2” (89 mm)  
Input Impedance  
Unbalanced: 24k Ω  
Balanced: 100k Ω per leg  
Net Weight  
Output Impedance  
Unbalanced: 100 Ω  
Balanced: 470 Ω per leg  
14 lb. (6.3 kg)  
Shipping Weight  
21 lb. (9.5 kg)  
S/N Ratio - Line Inputs 1- 5  
> 108 dB, input shorted, IHF A-weighted  
> 88 dB, input shorted, unweighted  
Power Requirement  
Standby: 0.5 Watts  
Power On: 12 Watts  
100-250 Volts, 50-60 Hz (Automatic)  
S/N Ratio - DAC Inputs  
> 108 dB, input shorted, IHF A-weighted  
> 90 dB, input shorted, unweighted  
S/N Ratio - Phono Inputs  
MM > 80 dB, input shorted, IHF A-weighted  
MM > 70 dB, input shorted, unweighted  
MC > 67 dB, input shorted, IHF A-weighted  
MC > 55 dB, input shorted, unweighted  
Specifications and features subject to change or improvement without notice.  
Copyright Parasound Product Inc., 2013  
Rev. 1.1  
21  
 
Parasound Products, Inc. 2250 McKinnon Ave, San Francisco, CA 94124  
415-397-7100 / Fax 415-397-0144 www.parasound.com  
22  
 

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