Parasound Halo C1 Controller manual Parasound C 1 Design Overview

Page 63

PARASOUND C 1 DESIGN OVERVIEW

63

 

 

 

The Halo By Parasound components are designed to add extra distinction to Parasound’s 20-year reputation for rock-solid reliability, amazing sound quality, and unequaled value. Although built for the home, our components have seen extensive use in professional studios. Parasound equipment was used by Lucasfilm in the production of two Star Wars movies (we received screen credits for Episodes I and II) and by other production companies.

Our design brief for the Halo By Parasound C 1 was to produce a component that could serve as the cen- terpiece for even the most complex home theater, provide for future technical developments, and meet the needs of the most critical listener and viewer. Twenty-two highly talented design engineers on three continents collaborated to fulfill that mission.

Audio and Video Circuit Path Topologies

Some things are best done in the digital domain, oth- ers in the analog. Some situations call for extensive sig- nal processing, others for none at all. The circuit path topologies of the C 1 take these factors into account.

Signal processing, such as surround decoding, filter- ing, and tone control, works best in the digital domain, where even the most complex processing won’t add noise, distortion, or phase anomalies. Analog audio signals in the C 1 therefore pass through a 24-bit, 96-kHz analog-to-digital (A/D) con- verter at the input and a 24-bit, 96-kHz digital-to-ana- log (D/A) converter after processing. Because analog circuits can handle low-level signals with no loss of effective resolution, volume control takes place entire- ly in the analog domain. The analog volume and level- trim controls, designed in collaboration with the C 1 design team, have lower noise and wider dynamic range than any others in the world. And to ensure that the volume adjustments will track perfectly together for all channels, the volume-control stages for all channels are under precise digital control.

Signals that require no processing, such as those to the tape outputs, pass directly through the C 1, entirely in the analog domain. There is also a purist Bypass mode for the balanced analog input, which sends the signal straight from input to balanced left and right front output with no processing save the volume control; the same can be accomplished for unbalanced analog stereo signals by connecting them to the left and right channels of the 7.1-channel input. As insurance against any possible circuit interactions, the balanced circuits are on a separate board, which is disconnected from the rest of the C 1 in Bypass mode, and the 7.1-channel input has its own volume control.

For bass management, the C 1 uses a patented hybrid of analog and digital circuitry to optimize head-

room while reducing noise and distortion. It also preserves bass coherence by reducing time-smearing when channels with differing delay times are com- bined into a single subwoofer output.

The C 1 has a total of 7.5 output channels, including an extra subwoofer output, a low-passed output for use with floor-shakers, and two programmable chan- nels that can each be fed a user-selectable mix of signals from the other channels.

The video side of the C 1 handles composite video, S-video and component video signals. The component video circuits, which have more than enough band- width (300 MHz) for any of today’s high-definition TV or video signals, are also on a separate board that isolates them from the rest of the video circuitry. The two component video inputs can be assigned to any of the ten audio and A/V inputs.

Component Selection

Signals in the analog domain are handled by high-speed Burr-Brown op amps, running at high current in pure class-A mode, for linear performance and musicality.

The converters, chosen for their ultra-low jitter, flawless performance and superb sound quality, are 24-bit, 96-kHz codecs from AKM, long a leader in single-chip, multi- channel, analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters.

The signal processor is Motorola’s Symphony DSP56367, a 24-bit processor designed specifically for audio use. With the ability to handle 150 million instructions per second (150 mips), this DSP has enough processing power to perform surround decoding, tone control, the user interface, and more. The operation of this processor is managed by the finest DSP engine in the world, designed by Flextronics Design in Finland.

Other components include metal-film 1% resistors, polypropylene and mica capacitors, and high-quality, gold-plated input and output connectors. Muting is han- dled by high-quality relays. The chassis is of heavy-gauge steel. Circuit boards are of FR4 glass epoxy; some are of four-layer construction, to ensure near-perfect ground planes for minimum noise and distortion.

The Power Supply

The C 1 uses a high-energy switched-mode power supply (SMPS). Extremely efficient, such power sup- plies generate very little heat. This allows the entire C 1 to run very cool, even when left on continually, for extreme reliability. The C 1 employs additional LC (inductive-capacitive) filtering after the filters con- tained in the power supply for the utmost purity and refinement of audio details.

Image 63
Contents Controller Thank YOU Congratulations, and Thank You for Choosing ParasoundParasound Staff Keeping Records for Future Reference Table of Contents Rack Mounting Your Parasound C Unpacking and Placement Guidelines for the CPlacement Guidelines Unpacking Your CMaking Connections a Preview Getting StartedGetting Started AC Connection and PowerN t r o l l e r Controls and OperationGetting Started Using the Main Controls Main Operations On-Off, Volume, Source SelectionOn-Off Volume and Muting Using the Main ControlsChanging Your Listening and Viewing Source Using Audio RecordersSelecting Sound Patterns Listening Modes Online Sources for Further Information DTS Listening Modes and the Signals They Work WithDual-Zone Operation Using the Status and Info Buttons and the DisplaysMaster Remote and the C 1 Controller Using the Master and Sidekick RemotesUsing the Master and Sidekick Remotes Printed Buttons and the C Using the Master and Sidekick Remotes2 of the C1/C2 Menu 3 of the C1/C2 MenuCircular thumbpad on the Master remote changes the C Controlling Other Components In Your System Using the SideKick For Further Information Navigating the Setup Menus ADJUSTMENTS, MENUS, and SetupADJUSTMENTS, MENUS, and Setup Dolby/DTS Setup Audio SetupWoofers sound distorted and could, in very rare cases Preset SetupSpeaker Setup Distance Setup Level SetupAux Programmable Channel Setup Ch 9 or 10 Config Setup brings up this submenu Programming Aux Channels 9Mix Levels Level and Distance Autocalibrate Front-panel knob on the C2. When you have changed Source SetupPlay some music that you know has high peak levels, Ntsc Display SetupTHX Audio Setup Trigger SetupParasound Halo Setup Halo Setup SoftwareConnection Types Connecting Audio and Video Sources and RecordersGeneral Rules When Connecting Sources to the C Connecting Audio and Video Sources and RecordersConnecting a CD or Other Audio Source Component to the C Connecting a DVD Or Other Video Source Component to the CWhat You May Need Component Component Video Inputs and Outputs Connecting a Multichannel Source to the COutput Connecting a Balanced-Output Audio SourceComposite Video Digital Audio Record Out Outputs Connecting RecordersAnalog Recording Via the Tape Monitor Jacks Connecting a Digital Audio Recorder Video Inputs Video Outputs Connecting a Video RecorderMain Audio Outputs Connecting the Audio and Video OutputsAmplifier Alternatives Connecting the Audio and Video OutputsConnecting Video Displays Connecting the Audio and Video OutputsParasound Products, Inc Connecting a Second Entertainment ZoneProgramming New Channels Input/Output Summary Control Connections RS-232 ControlIR Inputs Volt Triggers Control ConnectionsTrouble Probable Cause Remedy Troubleshooting GuideHeadphones Troubleshooting GuideRemote control does Important Notice Shipping the C Procedure for Returning your C 1 to Parasound for ServiceServicing Your C If All Else Fails Call Us for HelpBalanced and Unbalanced Analog Audio Connections Technically SpeakingPreventing or Minimizing Hum and Buzz Technically SpeakingUsing Unmatched Power Amplifiers Helpful Web Addresses Audio and Video Circuit Path Topologies Parasound C 1 Design OverviewParasound C 1 Design Overview Parasound C 1 Specifications Index Index Parasound Products, Inc Battery Street, San Francisco, CA

Halo C1 Controller specifications

The Parasound Halo C1 Controller emerges as a premium choice for audio enthusiasts seeking high-performance home theater solutions. This exceptional product combines innovative technology with user-friendly features, ensuring an unparalleled listening experience for both music and movie lovers.

At its core, the Halo C1 Controller serves as a powerful preamplifier and processor, designed to manage and control audio and video signals effectively. It is equipped with a balanced XLR input and multiple RCA inputs, allowing seamless integration with various audio sources. With support for high-resolution audio formats, including PCM and DSD, the Halo C1 delivers pristine sound quality that enhances the listening experience.

One of the defining characteristics of the Halo C1 is its advanced digital processing capabilities. The unit features Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, along with several proprietary audio technologies that elevate its performance. Its ability to upmix stereo signals into multi-channel formats contributes to an immersive surround sound experience, making it an ideal companion for both music playback and movie watching.

The Halo C1 also boasts an intuitive user interface, complete with an easy-to-navigate on-screen display. This feature simplifies the setup and configuration process, allowing users to personalize their audio experience to suit their preferences. For added convenience, the C1 supports remote control operation, enabling users to adjust settings without leaving their seats.

In terms of connectivity, the Halo C1 provides an impressive array of options. It includes HDMI inputs and outputs, ensuring compatibility with modern AV equipment and facilitating the transmission of high-definition video alongside high-fidelity audio. Additionally, it features variable and fixed outputs, making it adaptable for different system configurations.

Another standout feature of the Halo C1 is its robust power supply. The unit employs a toroidal transformer, ensuring clean and stable power delivery that translates into superior sound performance. This design choice minimizes power supply noise, which can adversely affect audio quality.

In conclusion, the Parasound Halo C1 Controller is a sophisticated and versatile audio solution that caters to both audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts. With its exceptional performance, advanced technology, and user-friendly features, the Halo C1 stands out as a key component for creating a high-quality audio and video experience in any home entertainment system. Its ability to adapt and enhance the listening experience makes it a worthy investment for anyone serious about sound quality.