Rudy81

Mike: It will be worth the wait! You are going to love it.

I ended up with the HALO because after much research I found that many recommended the Parasound amps with Klipsch precisely for the softening of the mids. I also looked at Outlaw, which is much less expensive. I almost went that route until I ran into Brent. I really wanted Parasound based on those recommendations. Many complain of a harsh sound with some amps. I don't know, since I have not owned any of those other amps, and the only way to really know is to do an A/B comparisson. I will say that the HALO amps have a very smooth and accurate sound to them.

You should soon see at least one more forum member comment on the HALO line. He has yet to get his order.

I have spent the larger part of this past weekend setting up my new HT. It all came together at once, so my learning curve has been very steep. The video has been tremendous from the Sharp Z9000U. But even more astonishing, was the sound. Thanks to Brent Huskins of Media Design for steering me to Parasound Halo. He has done an outstanding job of helping me find a nice match to my Klipsch. Granted, this was a huge step from my Marantz SR7000 and H/K AVR 8000. I though my Belles sounded good with the AVR, but the Belles paired with the HALO C2 and the A52 amp are absolutely incredible. I don't have the "audiophile" vocabulary to adequately explain the difference, but it is like a whole new sound. The bass is tight and powerful, the mids are not at all harsh, this sound is very smooth! Each note is crisp and clear. The Parasound HALO amps are fantastic. The C2 is the finest piece of audio equipment I have ever owned...other than my Belle's of course. While watching a movie last night, my wife surprised me by very seriously commenting on how good the movie soundtracks and dialog sounded. I have yet to get a chance to play with the various modes on the C2 other than basic Stereo and DTS modes. The C2 comes triple boxed and is tucked in a blue silk bag. The remote is the HALO version of the Home Theater MX-700. This is one superb remote. The remote and the C2 are configurable with your computer and the system works very well. I don't know what the professional reviews are going to say, but I bet they are going to love this HALO gear. If you are in the market for A/V gear, give the HALO a look. Brent, thanks for all your help.

meaning?

What other brand names can you compare the outlaw to?

Well, this is my leap into separates. I have been using a Marantz SR 7000. I guess you can say that so far I have not been too picky. I'm not an audiophile nor do I play one on TV, but I know good sound when I hear it. I am trying to decide if going with the 770 and 200 watts will provide improved peformance vs. the new 7100 and 100 watts. I know that with the very efficient Belles, I don't "need" 200 watts, but am wondering if the headroom will help.

I am contemplating the outlaw 950/770 or 950/7100 combo. Anyone have Outlaw separates with Klipsch? Thanks for your comments.

mmiles: Can you expound on the jist of your conversation with Parasound. I too am ready to pull the trigger on this. I might still do it either way, but I need to know what I'm getting into.

Man, You guys are scaring me.

Yes. Turns out I had already been working with him and then looked into the posted dealer. They were one and the same. What Parasound letter?

I was seriously looking at the 950/7100 combo, but for roughly twice the price I can have what hopefully will be top of the line stuff. There has not been much written about the Halo products yet, but looking at the specs and capabilities of the C2, I can't pass that up.

Thank you. Amazingly enough, I may be going with the new Halo line by Parasound.

It was a shame about the AVR. However, to Harman Audio's credit, they worked very hard to satisfy my order. They are about the best I have ever worked with. I used rope caulk on mine. I wanted something that could easily be taken off without damage to the horns. Funny you mention the bass. When I first hooked up the AVR, I heard tremendous bass as compared to my Marantz SR7000. It wasn't even close. I am now back to the Marantz and it sure is different. Unfortunately I am now in the very expensive world of separates.

NOZ, Al is building my ALK's for my Belles. I can't wait. Where did you find informaiton on stuffing the Bass bins? I had already worked on my squakers and they definately improved. Glad to hear you are doing well with your system. I am currently trying to decide between Parasound and Outlaw for my HT. This includes deciding between the Outlaw 950 and the new Parasound Halo C2. There is a "slight" price differance. I'm pretty sure the Parasound amps will be better suited to my Heritage system. I know just how well the AVR 8000 performs. I wish I could have kept mine. I only went through 3 receivers trying to get one that didn't buzz in the main and center channels. The amp section of that unit is just great.

Anyone have experience with both Parasound and Shelbourn amps? I am consider them for my Heritage H/T.

The real pain was that I really liked the sound of the AVR with the Belles. Simply fantastic. I cannot imagine the sound with the ALK's wich Al is currently building for me. I also really liked the Logic 7. That receiver was very nice...unfortunately the design flaw that causes that buzzing ruined a great thing. I beleive production of the 8000 has ended and they are now on the AVR 7200. With Outlaw's 30 day money back guarantee I might try them and see how the 950/7100 combination works. The 7100 series amp is new and had 100 watt/ch, which should be enough for any Klipsch. The 700 model is over 200 watts/ch and might be overkill. The Parasound is supposedly nicer, but also much more expensive. Still waiting on the Lotto to hit...

Perhaps the trouble will work out in the long run. I am now serously looking a separates. The Harman Audio folks were extremely helpful, but they could not guarantee that any other units they would send would not have the same buzzing problem. Funny, the first unit I had only had the buzzing in the center at a very low level. The second and third had it in the center and mains at levels loud enough to be heard anywhere in the room. I just couldn't live with the buzzing. I am now trying to figure if I should go with Parasound or Outlaw. I have heard that Outlaw is a little "bright" for Klipsch. Good luck with yours.

NOZ: How's the AVR 8000 treating you? I ended up going through 3 units and could the center buzz got worse each time. In the last two units, I had buzzing in the mains. So, I'll be getting a refund and I'm now looking for separates, like Outlaw or Parasound. I sure did like the AVR 8000 though, except for that loud buzzing.

I visit that site all the time looking for deals. Thanks for the input.

If you have a H/T with Belles, could you post your amp selection and your opinion on amp as well as if you have a sub? I am trying to select a good SS amp for my HT as well as a subwoofer to complement the Belles. Thanks

I have a pair of '88 Belles with an AB crossover. After much research and after speaking with AlK, I decided to order his crossover. His opinion is that the AB is not a very good crossover. Some of what he said was "I dislike the "AB" network most of all the Klipsch networks becasue it is reverse equalized. It has a network that makes the level of the midrange (squawker) droop as it goes up in frequency." Al seems extremely knowledgeable on the subject. You can visit his crossover at http://www.alkeng.com/klipsch.html As soon as I get mine delivered and installed, I will post my impressions.

Al: I'm beginning to see why you aren't a big fan of the AB crossover. Just one more reason for me to get your crossover ASAP. Thank you very much.

Can someone tell me the crossover frequencies for a Belle? 1988 with AB crossover.

What program is it? I can't find anything with the link you posted. ...Never mind, found it at siasoft.com...very pricey indeed.