Ha ha, I would love to keep both but I value my marriage.
.. I think the parasound sounds a bit better than the oppo but the differences are subtle
I also figure that the digital technology will continue to evolve and can always add a stand alone DAC to the line ins of the parasound.
Thanks to all for your input. Thread highjack over.
It's not any hijack to compare the ha1 with other equipment.
The problem with the parasound is I believe lesser dac and lesser power supply but better preamp features.
If you believe the parasound is just a little bit better, then check out the review a few page back here:
http://everythingaudionetwork.blogspot.com/2014/07/audiophile-review-oppos-ha-1.html?m=1
Where using the oppo headphone out into the system line in unleash the full potential or sound, which reviewer noted is substantial because of not using any op amps in input stage..
What you guys normally set for Volume when using the Balanced connection to your Speakers or Amp?
Normal Gain or High Gain?
This question is flawed as the "normal & high" gain setting is for the headphone out, not the balanced out...
^
High gain does raise the noise floor over the normal gain setting...
That is a general statement.
That does not apply to the oppo headphone out.
Also, the oppo statement is just a general statement as well,
So I must assume it is regarding sensitive cans like IEM'S or some portables.
Who uses normal gain?
I don't want my volume control way over the halfway point!
Anyway You don't loose anything or have "noise floor" issues on the oppo headphone out.
Tested high gain at max volume gave me zero noise floor.
Using high gain the he560 sounds better.
Using high gain the hd800 sounds better.
Using high gain the th600 sounds better.
How? Mainly I was able to go louder more easily and dynamics are more noticeable when you have volume on tap.
Anyway there is another more noticeable point that is another issue when listening and it is akin to like having an upgrade. .
Using balanced output..
On the hd800 & he560 it gives more authority even at low volumes.
You will want access the difference & beauty, & full potential that power makes to the XLR headphone out sound.
You will want to use the balanced outs.
You will never regret going balanced. .
You will never look back to anything less after this
I will also say that I believe this HA-1 is really really dam good and the real deal..
In time as more own it, this unit will be realised as holding it's own amongst the best gear out there..