The Parasound P5 and A23 perform synergistically as an outstanding pre/power duo, with particular kudos due the A23
The same could also be said of power output, because the Parasound A23 proved to be able to deliver far more power than most audiophiles will ever require—no matter how inefficient their loudspeakers—with Newport Test Labs recording ‘both channels driven’ power outputs of 147-watts into 8 230-watts into 4 loads and 325-watts into 2 loads. The fact that the Parasound will deliver even higher output levels when only a single channel is driven mean that it’s capable of even higher levels of ‘dynamic’ power, so you’ll get even more power again on musical transients. Importantly, unlike many competitive amplifiers, the Parasound was able to deliver these very high power output levels at the frequency extremes (20Hz and 20kHz), as you can see from the results tabulated in the power output table (and shown graphically in the bar charts that accompany this equipment review). The only point at which the Parasound revealed a limitation was when driving 2 loads at 20Hz, where the amplifier’s protection circuitry cut-in to ‘limit’ power
Input sensitivity testing returned the voltages I’d expect, but I was surprised to find that the sensitivity of the unbalanced inputs—31mV required for an output of 1-watt, and 345mV in order for the amplifier to deliver its rated output—was almost identical to that of the balanced input.
Mains power consumption was fairly high no matter what power levels the amplifier is delivering, and peak at 478-watts, but I’d plan on the pair drawing an average of around 100-watts from your mains in day-to-day use, so less than a couple of light bulbs.
In standby, the pair drew only 0.77-watts, so if measured individually each one would easily meet the Australian standard for stand-by power consumption.
Overall, the Parasound P5 and A23 perform synergistically as an outstanding pre/power duo, with particular kudos due the performance of the A23.
But then given the credentials of its designer, I would not have expected anything less!