
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
The lightning fl ash with the arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user
to the presence of “dangerous voltage” inside the product that may constitute a risk of electric shock.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence
of important operating and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying the product.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE
PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL
— Read all the safety and operating instructions before operating this product.
— Retain safety and operating instructions for future reference.
— Adhere to all warnings on the product and in the operating instructions.
— Follow all operating and use instructions.
— Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
— Do not use attachments that are not recommended by the product manufacturer;
— Do not use this product near water.
— Do not place this product on an unstable cart or stand. The product may fall, causing
— Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation to ensure reliable operation of
the product and to protect it from overheating. These openings must not be blocked or covered. This product
— Operate this product only from the type of power source indicated on the label.
to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding plug.
— Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be
walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them.
— Unplug the unit from the wall outlet for added protection during a lightning storm
and when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time. This will prevent damage to the
— Do not overload wall outlets or extension cords. This can result in a fire or electric shock.
— Never push objects of any kind into this product through any openings;
they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in fire or electric shock.
— Do not attempt to repair or service this product yourself. Opening or removing covers may
— Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified
If the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.
If liquid has been spilled into the product.
If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance.
— When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used
— Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the service technician
to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in proper operating condition.
— Mount the product to a wall or ceiling only as recommended.
— The product should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,

Halo P 7 preamplifi er is the pinnacle of analog audio technology and value
We are proud to offer you this exceptionally versatile audio component, knowing that it will
We appreciate you taking the time to read these instructions and thank you for selecting
Also note your Parasound Dealer’s name and telephone number. Your purchase receipt/bill
There is no Parasound warranty for this unit if it was not purchased from an Authorized
very carefully, as you will need to depend entirely upon your dealer, and NOT upon Parasound.
between 8:30 am and 4 pm Pacific time.
A missing or altered serial number could indicate that this unit was re-sold by an unauthorized
INTRODUCTION
OWNERSHIP REFERENCE INFORMATION
3

UNPACKING YOUR P 7 AND PLACEMENT GUIDLINES
Carefully remove your P 7 from its shipping carton and locate all the enclosed accessories:
Remote control and two AAA batteries
Stereo 3.5mm cable for front panel MP3 input
Four trigger wires, two with 2.5 mm sub-mini plugs, two with a 2.5mm and a 3.5mm mini plug
While you are unpacking your P 7, inspect it thoroughly for possible shipping damage and tell your
taped seams on the bottom fl aps. This would be a good time to make a copy of your sales receipt
to store with the P 7’s original packing.
The P 7 will be easier to use and will last longer if you follow these simple guidelines:
Place the P 7 on a shelf that will adequately support its weight.
Unless you’ll control the P 7 through a remote infrared sensor/repeater system, put it on a shelf
where you can aim the remote control handset directly at the P 7. (If you use a remote repeater
To reduce the chances of your P 7 overheating please follow these guidelines:
Install your P 7 away from heat sources such as heating ducts, radiators, or heat-producing
Always position the P 7 horizontally.
We do not recommend placing the P7 directly on top of a power amplifi er because this could
Do not install the P 7 in an unventilated equipment cabinet or compartment. Pockets of stagnant
With its four feet removed, the P 7’s front panel height occupies two rack spaces: 3.5” or
and the other components mounted in the rack.
Tighten each bolt just enough to keep the unit secure in the rack to avoid deforming the
5

6
Always disconnect the AC cords to your P 7 and power amplifi er(s) before making or
changing any input, output or trigger wire connections.
Inserting or removing an input or
them to pull loose. The P 7 has many different types of audio and control connections and some
The P 7 is equipped with a total of 10 audio inputs:
1 phono input for connecting a turntable with either a moving magnet or moving coil cartridge
6 pairs of unbalanced line level RCA type input jacks (In 2 ~ In 7/Tape)
1 pair of balanced XLR inputs (In 8/Balanced)
2 multi-channel inputs for surround sound movies and music (In 9/Multi 1 and In 10/Multi 2)
A front panel 3.5mm input jack for connecting a portable device such as an MP3 player is
The P 7 is equipped with a high quality phono preamplifi er. If you wish to connect a
turntable, set the Input 1 Phono Cartridge switch to MM (moving magnet) or
through the hole and twist the knurled cap clockwise to tighten it against the bare wire.
If the volume is far too low or far too high when you listen to your LPs, you have selected
the incorrect setting for your type of phono cartridge.
CONNECTING YOUR P 7

CONNECTING YOUR P 7: AUDIO INPUT CONNECTIONS
all have the same input sensitivity, input
typical analog line level source such as a
for connecting an audio recorder.
The rear panel In 6/MP3 jacks and the front panel MP3 input jack are both for Input 6 so
you should not connect a source to the rear panel In 6/MP3 jacks if you plan to use the front
and the front panel MP3 jack you would hear both sources playing at the same time.
fl oor contributes to a more defi ned and spacious soundstage. For
Asked Questions section of this manual.
These sources include many
Inputs 9 and 10 can also be used for additional stereo sources by using just their Front
the included cable with the 3.5mm stereo plugs between the MP3 player’s headphone jack
and the P 7’s MP3 input jack. For the best sound with an iPod
around 75% of its maximum. If you plan to use the front panel MP3 input jack you
to the rear panel Input 6 jacks since they share the same circuitry.
If your portable MP3 player does not sound as loud as your other sources you can
this manual for more information about changing the Input Offset.
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8
There are 2 sets of Main Output jacks, one set with RCA connectors and one set with balanced
XLR connectors. There is also a fi xed level record output for connecting an audio recorder. Read
through this section to determine which connections should be used in your setup.
The Main Output jacks connect to the inputs on your power amplifi er(s).
The P 7 is equipped with both balanced and unbalanced output jacks.
The balanced and unbalanced output jacks are active simultaneously.
your subwoofer. The frequency characteristics of the subwoofer output is determined by choices
you make in the P 7’s setup menu. For more information about the subwoofer output setup see
a 7.1 system, you will also connect the Main Output Back L & R jacks.
The P 7’s center, surround and back channel outputs reproduce signals only from sources
that are connected to the center, surround and back channel input jacks of the multichannel inputs
The P 7 has built-in analog bass management for audio systems which include a subwoofer. The
When inputs 1 through 8 are selected, the P 7 creates a subwoofer channel output by mixing the
the subwoofer crossover frequency in the P 7 Setup menu. If you have small front left and right
and speaker size/crossover settings should be selected in the source component’s setup menu.
CONNECTING YOUR P 7: AUDIO OUTPUT CONNECTIONS

CONNECTING YOUR P 7: AUDIO OUTPUT CONNECTIONS
The frequency response of the Left, Right & Sub output jacks is not affected by the P 7.
A subwoofer channel is not created by the P 7.
The subwoofer channel level can be adjusted from the P 7’s remote control or at the front panel.
the front panel, press the Select button twice then rotate the Volume/Select knob. There are two
and another setting for the multichannel inputs (Inputs 9 and 10). This is useful because you may
The Record Out jacks connect to the record Input jacks on your audio recorder. The Record Out
jacks provide fi xed level signals that are unaffected by the P 7’s volume control, balance control,
tone controls or mute. The Record Out jacks of the P 7 are always “live” and there is no simulta-
With stereo sources the Record Out jacks carry the L and R signals. For 5.1 or 7.1 channel
9

10
The headphone jack accepts a 1/8” (3.5 mm) mini plug. All of the Main Audio Outputs are muted
when a headphone plug is inserted into this jack so you can listen privately. The Tape Record Out
jacks remain active. With stereo sources the Headphone jack carries the L and R signals. For 5.1
Please check your listening level before unplugging your headphones to avoid an unexpected
jump in loudness that could damage your speakers.
There are three 12 volt trigger outputs on the P 7. The Output jack labeled “Main On” is active
whenever the P 7 is turned on. The Output jack labeled “In 9/10” is active whenever Inputs 9 or
Any of these outputs can be used to turn on power amplifi ers and other equip-
trigger wire with the 2.5 mm sub-mini plugs.
Most Parasound Power Amplifi ers are equipped with a 2.5 mm 12V
trigger input jack. The trigger voltage source is DC and the trigger plug tip is
Your P 7 is compatible with most popular infrared (IR) repeater systems for
a cabinet where its remote handset signals cannot reach its front panel
This 9-pin female DB9 connector is a full-duplex serial port. This permits the
The capabilities of such connections, and the programming and interfacing
trol system to your P 7. The complete RS-232 protocol can be found at:
CONNECTING YOUR P 7: OTHER CONNECTIONS

CONNECTING YOUR P 7: OTHER CONNECTIONS
The IEC standard AC cord supplied with your P 7 is an audiophile-grade component.
the outlets, resulting in audible hum.
This switch is provided to turn the P 7 completely off when it will not be
The Theater Bypass feature of the P 7 allows you to integrate the all-analog P 7 into a system
which also uses a digital surround sound receiver. By combining the P 7 with a high quality
an external power amplifi er will be of a higher quality than the amplifi er stage built into your
When the P 7 Bypass mode is selected in the Setup menu (see page 15), the P 7 volume level is
fi xed at unity gain (unity gain means that the output level equals the input level) and the
Never connect a source component such as a DVD player directly to one of the
The Theater Bypass mode is intended only for use with components such as
sound receivers and processors which have their own volume controls
sound receivers and processors which have their own volume controls
11

12
the sound quality of your front L & R channels. Drive your Front L & R channels with the separate
from the P 7 will connect to your power amplifi er. Your Front L & R speakers will connect directly
to the new 2 channel power amplifi er instead of the L & R speaker terminals on your surround
When the P 7’s Bypass mode is selected, its
and the balance, trims and
tone controls are all disabled; these adjustments should be made on the digital surround receiver.
USING THE BYPASS MODE WITH A SURROUND RECEIVER

USING THE BYPASS MODE WITH A SURROUND RECEIVER
With a separate 5 channel power amplifi er, or a 5 channel power amplifi er plus a 2 channel
amplifi er at all. Each channel’s speakers other than the sub would connect directly to the sepa-
tichannel Inputs (Inputs 9 or 10). The Main Outputs from the P 7 will connect to your power
amplifi er(s). Do not connect any speakers to the speaker terminals on your surround receiver.
woofer to the Sub Out jack of the P 7. The diagram below shows a 5 channel power amplifi er
When the P 7’s Bypass mode is selected, its
and the balance, trims and
tone controls are all disabled; these adjustments should be made on the digital surround receiver.
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14
The P 7 Setup menu gives you access to the following functions:
Replace “In 1 – In 10” with customized names.
Integrate the P 7 into a system with a digital surround receiver.
Match the listening level for sources whose output levels differ.
Assure a safe volume level for headphone listening.
Create a sub out channel and set crossovers for L & R channels.
Add 10 dB to the P 7’s maximum output level.
If you own a Parasound Zhd HDMI selector.
Erase all your Setup menu selections and restore factory defaults.
If you plan to use the P 7 as a conventional stereo preamplifi er with full range (“large”)
front speakers, you may not need to make any adjustments in the Setup menu.
Neither the Setup menu or any of these adjustments can be accessed from the front panel
MAKING ADJUSTMENTS IN THE SETUP MENU

MAKING ADJUSTMENTS IN THE SETUP MENU
The Setup menu is organized in this order:
to step through each of these functions. Pressing the
access the selected setup option. Pressing the
will step back a menu level or
You can change the name of each input here. For example, you might prefer Input 2 to show
Press the VOL Up or VOL Down buttons to select a
and many symbols are available.
Press the BAL Right button to modify the next character.
Press the BAL Left button to modify the previous character.
After you’ve renamed this input press the Enter button
to start renaming the next input.
After you fi nish renaming inputs, press the Exit Setup button
to return to the main Setup menu.
to function as bypass inputs. This
when the P 7 multichannel input jacks are connected to a surround sound receiver with its own
volume control. For more information about hooking up a component using the bypass mode,
Do not select Bypass “Yes” for an input which is connected to a source
component such as a DVD player.
Since the P 7 Theater Bypass mode provides no volume
Since the P 7 Theater Bypass mode provides no volume
control, the sound level would be very high and could damage your speakers
control, the sound level would be very high and could damage your speakers
for source components which have their own volume controls!
Press the VOL Up or VOL Down buttons to select
Press the Enter button to set In 10/Multi 2.
Press the VOL Up or VOL Down buttons to select
After you fi nish, press the Exit Setup button to return
15

16
is routed directly to the
When a Bypass mode is turned on (set to Yes), the
This setup menu allows you to increase or decrease each input’s volume level individually to
the offset setup you can cycle through and compare all the sources by pressing the Enter button
Press the VOL Up or VOL Down buttons to adjust the input
Press the Enter button to select the next input and
After you fi nish, press the Exit Setup button to return
and will play much too loud relative to your speakers’ apparent volume level.
to your speakers by as much as -20 dB. If you fi nd your headphones play too quietly compared to
your speakers, you can increase the volume offset compared to your speakers by up to +20 dB.
Press the VOL Up or VOL Down buttons to adjust the
After you fi nish, press the Exit Setup button to return
MAKING ADJUSTMENTS IN THE SETUP MENU

MAKING ADJUSTMENTS IN THE SETUP MENU
These settings only benefi t systems which include a subwoofer. If your system does not
Your P 7 is equipped with an analog bass management system for stereo playback (Inputs 1-8
a subwoofer channel with a low-pass fi lter. The bass frequencies which it fi lters out of the left
and right channels will be reproduced by your subwoofer, for the frequency range selected in the
The P 7’s bass management settings affect only the stereo inputs. Bass management
for the multichannel inputs 9 and 10 should be set up in the setup menu of the source devices
Press the VOL Up or VOL Down buttons to
Press the Enter button to change between the
After you fi nish, press the Exit Setup button to return to the main Setup menu.
With this setting the left and right front
This setting will fi lter bass frequencies below 80Hz from the left and
are using a subwoofer. When using this setting you will
This setting will fi lter bass frequencies below 50Hz from the left and
than a small size. This setting should only be used if you
are using a subwoofer. When using this setting you will
17

18
This setting creates a mono
without a low-pass fi lter. With this setting, the subwoofer
frequency adjustment on your subwoofer according to the
This setting creates a mono
frequency to avoid double fi ltering
This setting creates a mono
frequency to avoid double fi ltering.
This setting disables the subwoofer output
when a stereo input is selected. Use this option if you don’t
will still be available when the multichannel inputs 9 & 10 are selected.
These settings for bass management
The multichannel inputs (Inputs 9 & 10) have no bass management on the P 7
The multichannel inputs (Inputs 9 & 10) have no bass management on the P 7
This Setup menu allows you to increase the maximum volume
your room is large (over 3000 cubic feet and your speakers are
this case you can raise the maximum to 110.
Press the VOL Up or VOL Down buttons to change between
After you fi nish, press the Exit Setup button to return to the main Setup menu.
MAKING ADJUSTMENTS IN THE SETUP MENU

MAKING ADJUSTMENTS IN THE SETUP MENU
the ability to link to the Parasound Zhd 5 input HDMI selector (sold separately). This feature gives
you automatic switching of HDMI video sources as you select the audio sources on your P 7. In
the Zhd Input Assign setup, you can assign any of the Zhd’s 5 inputs to be selected simultaneously
with any of the P 7s 10 sources. Please note that this feature allows you to switch HDMI sources
association. For example you might want the HDMI input #3 to be selected when you select the
input. In this case you would want the Zhd Input Assign to look like this:
Press the VOL Up or VOL Down buttons to change HDMI input assignment in this order:
Press the Enter button to change the P 7 input you wish to
associate. Each press of the Enter button will step to the
After you fi nish, press the Exit Setup button to return to the
associate with an HDMI input on the Zhd.
For more information on the Parasound Zhd HDMI selector,
and custom input names and replaces
them with the factory default settings.
When “Factory Reset?” appears on the P 7 display, press the
the main Setup menu. Press the Volume Up button to
and restore the factory defaults.
If you press the Volume Up button to delete your settings
you cannot recall them and you will have to repeat the entire
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The P 7 uses an elegant and simple front panel interface. With only two buttons and one Volume/
A soft blue glow surrounds the On-Off button when the P 7 is turned off. The P badge also
will become brighter. When the P 7 is turned on, the front panel display will also illuminate. Push
the On-Off button again to turn it off.
the features of the P 7 from the front panel. In normal operation the Volume/Select Knob adjusts
the volume level of the P 7. Each press of the Select button changes the function of the knob
from volume adjust to become the selector for the next function. This is the order of the
functions you can adjust:
Adjust Subwoofer Level Trim
Adjust Left/Right Balance
Adjust Front/Rear Balance
the Select button it will revert to controlling the volume level.
Front/Rear Balance can only be adjusted when either In 9/Multi 1 or In 10/Multi 2 is selected.
FRONT PANEL OPERATION

REMOTE CONTROL OPERATION
The P 7 remote control has a maximum range of approximately 20 – 25 feet (6 – 7.5 meters).
These buttons have the same function
as the On-Off button on the front panel. These separate buttons
Trigger Off and On Buttons –
The 12V Trigger Event jack on
the rear panel labeled “Remote” is activated by pressing these
additional accessories such as a projection screen or lights.
Treble and Bass Buttons –
These offer precision adjustment of
tonal balance. To preserve sonic clarity, use these controls sparingly.
You will fi nd that very slight adjustments can add a degree of
warmth, richness, clarity or airiness. However, larger adjustments
tone controls are turned on by pressing the Tone Bypass button.
Subwoofer level trim is adjusted by fi rst
Pressing this button once disengages
the subwoofer trim and balance settings. Pressing this button a
Pressing this button once engages
the bass and treble tone control circuitry. Pressing this button a
tone controls off will give greater audiophile purity by reducing the
Each press of the Dim button decreases the brightness of the front
the front panel display tube will go completely dark. In this mode the display will remain
turn back on at a dim setting.
21

22
Press this button once to display your current bass, treble and
These buttons control the volume level of the P 7.
These buttons adjust the Left/Right speaker balance. You may
active when the trim controls are turned on by pressing the Cancel Trims button.
These buttons adjust the Front/Rear speaker balance. Front
Front/Rear Balance can only be adjusted when either In 9/Multi 1 or In 10/Multi 2 is selected.
Pressing the Mute button once will attenuate (reduce) the volume by 20 db.
A third press of the Mute button will return the volume to its normal level. Mute is also
automatically turned off when you adjust the volume using the remote control or front panel
This enters the Setup menu of the P 7. See page 14 for info on the Setup menu.
This enters the Setup menu of the P 7. See page 14 for info on the Setup menu.Setup Button –
This button Exits the Setup menu or steps up one level in the Setup menu.
This button Exits the Setup menu or steps up one level in the Setup menu.Exit Setup Button –
This button is used for making adjustments in the Setup menu. The Enter
Press the input button of the source that you wish to hear. Please note
that In 6 is used for the front panel MP3 connection. In 9 and In 10 are the Multichannel inputs.
These buttons control the Parasound Halo T 3 Tuner. They select
the FM or AM band and scroll up and down through station presets.
REMOTE CONTROL OPERATION

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Is the AC power live? You should see a faint blue glow around the On-Off button and the
- Check to see that the rear panel AC power switch is in its “on” position.
- Check that input and output cables are secure at both ends.
- Make sure your P 7 is switched to the correct input.
- Weak or dead batteries. (For information about battery recycling see www.Earth911.org)
- Insure that the front panel IR receiver is not obscured or exposed to direct sunlight or to an LCD
- IR signals might be received via the rear panel input jack and the front panel IR sensor. Insure
that the IR signals are only reaching one of the two.
- You are exceeding the maximum range of 25 feet or you are trying to operate the remote too
far off-axis from the P 7’s front panel.
- Move audio cables and AC cords away from each other (while power is off).
- Try to re-route audio cables and AC cords to be perpendicular to each other (while power is off).
- Make sure insulating shoulder washers are used if P 7 is rack-mounted.
- Reversing the direction of the other components’ AC plugs, one-by-one (while power is off).
- Insure that the power amps and the P 7 are plugged into the same AC outlet.
- The turntable ground wire must be attached to the GND terminal. In some rare cases, the hum
- Make sure the gain of the power amp is not set too low.
- Are you trying to use the P 7 with a turntable? Make sure you have set the MM-MC phono
- Make sure the stereo power amp’s stereo/mono switch is set to stereo.
- Make sure your subwoofer is turned on and the built in volume control is turned up full.
- Check the connections from the P 7 Subwoofer output to your Subwoofer input.
- Check the subwoofer level trim by pressing the Enter button on the remote control
- Check the settings in the Setup menu of the P 7 under 2ch Bass Management to make sure
the subwoofer is not turned off, for more information see page 17.
- There is no bass management for the Multichannel inputs (Inputs 9 & 10). You must select the
- Make sure you are listening to a 5.1 or 7.1 channel source that is connected to Input 9 or 10.
- Check the setting for Front/Rear balance by pressing the Status button on the remote control.
23

24
- The Tone controls are turned off. To re-activate the tone controls, press the Tone Bypass button
- The trim controls are turned off. To re-activate the trim controls, press the Cancel Trims button
- The multichannel input you have selected has been set for the Bypass mode. Go back to the
a surround sound receiver. The volume control on the surround sound receiver should be used
to adjust the volume level when a Bypass input is selected. For more information on using the
Recording and broadcast studios use balanced connections almost exclusively because of bal-
anced lines’ inherent ability to reject noise and hum, even when components are far apart and
The P 7’s balanced outputs enable you to take full advantage of the inherent noise-rejection
also insure the best possible analog connection to source components which are equipped with
We generally recommend balanced connections if your power amplifi ers or source equipment
are located more than 10 feet from your P 7. Many serious listeners prefer the sonic character-
with music playing after it is fi rst turned on before it will sound its best. Any volume level is ok.
This gives various internal components and wiring a chance to “form” their optimum electron
transparency. Although your P 7 will sound spectacular when you fi rst turn it on, you will come
to appreciate it even more as your listening hours accumulate. You’ll discover additional musical
Your P 7 requires no periodic maintenance and has no user-serviceable parts inside. To avoid risk
with a few drops of clear water or Windex. Never use any solvents or abrasives. The remote
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ARE YOU HAVING DIFFICULTY?
to call Parasound’s Technical Service Department, toll-free at 1
Warranty Center for inspection and possible servicing, we will provide the location of a warranty
adequate insurance to cover its value. You must include a copy of your purchase receipt, since this
3. Unit has inadequate packing materials and is likely to have been damaged in transit.
4. Unit was shipped collect for shipping charges. We do not accept collect shipments.
The Parasound Technical Department shipping address is not the same as Parasound’s offi ce
address. The Parasound offi ce does not accept packages.
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 outside the Warranty.
3. You are not the original owner. The Parasound warranty is not transferable.
4. Unit’s serial number was removed, modifi ed, or defaced.
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26
Total Gain: 14 db (Volume limiter set to 110)
(voltage is automatically selected)
Specifi cations and features subject to change or improvement without notice.
© 2008 Parasound Products, Inc. iPod, Crestron, AMX, Control4, Niles and Elan are registered trademarks. Rev. 0.9
P 7 SPECIFICATIONS

CONNECTION AND SETUP NOTES
27