Parasound HCA-2200II
Comments
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how much do those upgrades cost?
did you do them on your 1500a too?Living Room 7.1 HT Rig:
M70 | CS2 | M60 | Atrium5 - Surr. | SUB - Emotiva ULTRA12 + Tara Labs sub cable | Pioneer Elite VSX-52 | Parasound HCAs 1000A | Sony BDP-S790 | Belkin PureAV PF60 | MIT Exp2 Wires
Bedroom 5.0 HT Rig (Music/Movies/Gaming) :
LSi9 | LsiC | Lsi/fx | Marantz SR7002 | NAD T955 | Sony BDP-S360 | Belkin PureAV PF30 | AQ Blue Racer II ICs & AQ Type 4 wires | PS3 -
Unless I was going JC1, of which I have zero need to do so, I'd stick with the vintage HCA series over the newer designs. The bang for the buck is higher and always will be. They're also cheaper to work on if they get slagged.
I do know that DJ got his Halo(s?) for a kicking price so that's certainly a whole 'nother issue since price is what would drive me around from here to there.CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint. -
Unless I was going JC1, of which I have zero need to do so, I'd stick with the vintage HCA series over the newer designs. The bang for the buck is higher and always will be. They're also cheaper to work on if they get slagged.
I do know that DJ got his Halo(s?) for a kicking price so that's certainly a whole 'nother issue since price is what would drive me around from here to there.
One of the big reasons I have stuck with the HCA series. I could have saved money and gotten the newer Halo series, but I just can't justify the cost difference. I think the Parasound HCA series used is just about the best value out there right now. IMHO
DonLiving Room: Adcom GFP-750 (Upgraded), Squeezebox Touch, Oppo BDP-83, Pioneer DV-79AVi, Parasound HCA-3500 (Upgraded), SDA SRS 2 P/B (Gimpod, Sonicaps, & Mills)
Theater: Denon 4311ci, Oppo BDP-93, Parasound HCA-2205+HCA-2200II, Polk LSi9, LSiC, LSiFX, LSi7, Custom 18" TC Sounds sub with 2 18" PR, Sharp XV-Z12000, Pioneer Kuro KRP-500M (isf Enabled)
Bedroom: HK AVR354, Pioneer DV-47a, Parasound HCA-1500a, Polk LSi9 -
Got one and love it. In my 2-channel rig, that amp will be the last piece I upgrade. Source, cables, DAC, preamp: all will be changed out before the amp. I think I would even change out the 1c's before I upgraded that amp.:eek:
Please post a comparison with the 3500 when you get it back. I know it's not fair, w/ the Big Sky rebuild and all, but still... And I'd also like to hear your impressions of the 3500 pre and post upgrade, as I'm considering sending my 2200ii to them. I guess what I'd like to figure out is whether I should hotrod the 2200ii, or sell it, get a 3500, and hotrod the 3500.
...or get a second 2200ii and run them bridged as monoblocks for 750watts/ channel....too much?2-Channel: PC > Schiit Eitr > Audio Research DAC-8 > Audio Research LS-26 > Pass Labs X-250.5 > Magnepan 3.7's
Living Room: PC > Marantz AV-7703 > Emotiva XPA-5 > Sonus Faber Liuto Towers, Sonus Faber Liuto Center, Sonus Faber Liuto Bookshelves > Dual SVS PC12-Pluses
Office: Phone/Tablet > AudioEngine B1 > McIntosh D100 > Bryston 4B-ST > Polk Audio LSiM-703's -
I would say that if you need the power, the 3500 would be the way to go over the bridged 2200II's. I will be posting a full write up of my impressions of the upgraded 3500 once it gets back. But that is going to be a couple weeks...
I am expecting big things!
DonLiving Room: Adcom GFP-750 (Upgraded), Squeezebox Touch, Oppo BDP-83, Pioneer DV-79AVi, Parasound HCA-3500 (Upgraded), SDA SRS 2 P/B (Gimpod, Sonicaps, & Mills)
Theater: Denon 4311ci, Oppo BDP-93, Parasound HCA-2205+HCA-2200II, Polk LSi9, LSiC, LSiFX, LSi7, Custom 18" TC Sounds sub with 2 18" PR, Sharp XV-Z12000, Pioneer Kuro KRP-500M (isf Enabled)
Bedroom: HK AVR354, Pioneer DV-47a, Parasound HCA-1500a, Polk LSi9 -
since I did end up picking up the 1500a from a-gon, I wonder what cables I will need to hook it up to my marantz 7002 correctly, and what would be a good place to get them? any specific cables/brands to avoid?
don't mean to hijack guys, just a quick answer or even a PM would be much appreciated!
I have to say... I'm pretty excited! :biggrin:Living Room 7.1 HT Rig:
M70 | CS2 | M60 | Atrium5 - Surr. | SUB - Emotiva ULTRA12 + Tara Labs sub cable | Pioneer Elite VSX-52 | Parasound HCAs 1000A | Sony BDP-S790 | Belkin PureAV PF60 | MIT Exp2 Wires
Bedroom 5.0 HT Rig (Music/Movies/Gaming) :
LSi9 | LsiC | Lsi/fx | Marantz SR7002 | NAD T955 | Sony BDP-S360 | Belkin PureAV PF30 | AQ Blue Racer II ICs & AQ Type 4 wires | PS3 -
I use a couple different flavors. If you are looking for a good budget cable that I think performs very well, I like the Audioquest Alpha Snake. Audio Advisor has them for a great price and you can get the 5 pack if you need multiples at a HUGE discount. I also like the PCA Interconnects from Outlaw Audio. They are, IMHO, a step up from the alpha snake, but that is reflected in the price.
DonLiving Room: Adcom GFP-750 (Upgraded), Squeezebox Touch, Oppo BDP-83, Pioneer DV-79AVi, Parasound HCA-3500 (Upgraded), SDA SRS 2 P/B (Gimpod, Sonicaps, & Mills)
Theater: Denon 4311ci, Oppo BDP-93, Parasound HCA-2205+HCA-2200II, Polk LSi9, LSiC, LSiFX, LSi7, Custom 18" TC Sounds sub with 2 18" PR, Sharp XV-Z12000, Pioneer Kuro KRP-500M (isf Enabled)
Bedroom: HK AVR354, Pioneer DV-47a, Parasound HCA-1500a, Polk LSi9 -
Thanks, that sounds good!
I found the Audioquest Alpha Snake singles on Audio Advisor, but can't seem to find the 5pack. Do you have a direct link by any chance?
*EDIT*
nevermind!!! Found it, it was one of the "options"Living Room 7.1 HT Rig:
M70 | CS2 | M60 | Atrium5 - Surr. | SUB - Emotiva ULTRA12 + Tara Labs sub cable | Pioneer Elite VSX-52 | Parasound HCAs 1000A | Sony BDP-S790 | Belkin PureAV PF60 | MIT Exp2 Wires
Bedroom 5.0 HT Rig (Music/Movies/Gaming) :
LSi9 | LsiC | Lsi/fx | Marantz SR7002 | NAD T955 | Sony BDP-S360 | Belkin PureAV PF30 | AQ Blue Racer II ICs & AQ Type 4 wires | PS3 -
If you click the drop down, it will say 1.0 meter 5 Pack, there is also a 2 and 3 meter 5 pack I believe.
DonLiving Room: Adcom GFP-750 (Upgraded), Squeezebox Touch, Oppo BDP-83, Pioneer DV-79AVi, Parasound HCA-3500 (Upgraded), SDA SRS 2 P/B (Gimpod, Sonicaps, & Mills)
Theater: Denon 4311ci, Oppo BDP-93, Parasound HCA-2205+HCA-2200II, Polk LSi9, LSiC, LSiFX, LSi7, Custom 18" TC Sounds sub with 2 18" PR, Sharp XV-Z12000, Pioneer Kuro KRP-500M (isf Enabled)
Bedroom: HK AVR354, Pioneer DV-47a, Parasound HCA-1500a, Polk LSi9 -
yep, bought the 5pack, thanks bud!Living Room 7.1 HT Rig:
M70 | CS2 | M60 | Atrium5 - Surr. | SUB - Emotiva ULTRA12 + Tara Labs sub cable | Pioneer Elite VSX-52 | Parasound HCAs 1000A | Sony BDP-S790 | Belkin PureAV PF60 | MIT Exp2 Wires
Bedroom 5.0 HT Rig (Music/Movies/Gaming) :
LSi9 | LsiC | Lsi/fx | Marantz SR7002 | NAD T955 | Sony BDP-S360 | Belkin PureAV PF30 | AQ Blue Racer II ICs & AQ Type 4 wires | PS3 -
Enjoy, the HCA-1500A doesn't get the love it should. I've read nothing but stellar reviews on it--everyone seems to think it's a serious over-achiever for the bucks.Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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well, with shipping and cables i will have right at $450 in this thing, and for 205 watts per ch of clean/quality power at 8 ohms, i think it is probably well worth it. What makes me happy too is that this thing should push some lsi7s or 9s faily well too, cuz it supposedly does 315w/ ch at 4 ohms, so I should be able to keep it once I upgrade the speakers. That is until the dreaded upgrade/"what if" bug bites again...
my secret way of dealing with it though is: add a sub to off load the low frequancies so that way the speakers will do better with the power it already gets. That's just my thinking anyway...Living Room 7.1 HT Rig:
M70 | CS2 | M60 | Atrium5 - Surr. | SUB - Emotiva ULTRA12 + Tara Labs sub cable | Pioneer Elite VSX-52 | Parasound HCAs 1000A | Sony BDP-S790 | Belkin PureAV PF60 | MIT Exp2 Wires
Bedroom 5.0 HT Rig (Music/Movies/Gaming) :
LSi9 | LsiC | Lsi/fx | Marantz SR7002 | NAD T955 | Sony BDP-S360 | Belkin PureAV PF30 | AQ Blue Racer II ICs & AQ Type 4 wires | PS3 -
What do you guys think of the HCA-1000A bridged mono (or biamped) for a CSi A6? Looks like it's 400W / 45amps @ 8ohms.ALL BOXED UP for a while until I save up for a new place
Home Theater:
KEF Q900s / MIT Shotgun S3 / MIT CVT2 ICs | KEF Q600C | Polk FXi5 | BJC Wire | Signal / AQ ICs | Shunyata / Pangea PCs | Pioneer Elite SC 57 | Parasound NC2100 Pre | NAD M25 | Marantz SA8001 | Schiit Gungnir DAC | SB Touch
2 Channel:
Polk LSi9 (xo mods), Polk DSW MicroPro 2000 sub | NAD c375BEE | W4S DAC1 | SB Touch | Marantz SA-8001 | MIT AVt 2 | Kimber Hero / AQ / Signal ICs | Shunyata / Signal PCs -
Pass.CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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What do you guys think of the HCA-1000A bridged mono (or biamped) for a CSi A6? Looks like it's 400W / 45amps @ 8ohms.
You will be fine depending on the price of the Amp. I would think $200 or less. -
Disregard, mis-read your post.Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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Lietuvis91 wrote: »well, with shipping and cables i will have right at $450 in this thing, and for 205 watts per ch of clean/quality power at 8 ohms, i think it is probably well worth it. What makes me happy too is that this thing should push some lsi7s or 9s faily well too, cuz it supposedly does 315w/ ch at 4 ohms, so I should be able to keep it once I upgrade the speakers. That is until the dreaded upgrade/"what if" bug bites again...
my secret way of dealing with it though is: add a sub to off load the low frequancies so that way the speakers will do better with the power it already gets. That's just my thinking anyway...
I ran a set of Lsi9's off my HCA-1500a, the 9's ran out of steam long before the amp did. The soundstage began to collapse/compress at very high levels; but in the 9's defense, I have a large room.(36ft x 18ft)
Remember, give it plenty of ventilation--It WILL shut down if you don't. Ask me how I know...8" minimum.Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2 -
What I want to know: Why are you driving a pair of $500 speakers with $400-$600 worth of amp?
Take that ~ $1000, get $800 speakers and a $200 amp.
I NEVER understand this question.
Why do you or anyone else care how much the speakers cost in relation to how much an amp costs? So long as any amplifier gives any speakers the power they need to operate to their FULL potential, that is all that should matter!
I bet more people waste money buying new speakers when they could have added a powerful amp and found out just how much better their speakers sound getting the full power that they need.Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2 -
Enjoy, the HCA-1500A doesn't get the love it should. I've read nothing but stellar reviews on it--everyone seems to think it's a serious over-achiever for the bucks.
I totally agree Steve. It showed my how good my RTA's could sound, and now it is bringing out the best of my brothers LSI 7s.Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2 -
I NEVER understand this question.
Why do you or anyone else care how much the speakers cost in relation to how much an amp costs? So long as any amplifier gives any speakers the power they need to operate to their FULL potential, that is all that should matter!
I bet more people waste money buying new speakers when they could have added a powerful amp and found out just how much better their speakers sound getting the full power that they need.
First off we are talking about Monitor 70's. Not exactly the worlds most challenging speaker to drive.
Second I never said don't get an external amp, I just said when you have $1000 to play with get $200 in amp and $800 in speakers.
My HCA1000A cost $200, I would pair that with some TSi 500s for a total of $1k vs any amp you could come up with considering that you would have $500 to spend on said amp left over after purchasing some Monitor 70 II's $500 for the pair.
That was the only point I was making. Sonically for that budget I don't think there is an amp that you are going to get at market value of $500 that is going to bridge the performance gap between the TSi 500 and the Monitor 70's. -
Well, i'm glad to hear all this guys! Really can't wait to get it now... :biggrin:
Just hoping all goes well...Living Room 7.1 HT Rig:
M70 | CS2 | M60 | Atrium5 - Surr. | SUB - Emotiva ULTRA12 + Tara Labs sub cable | Pioneer Elite VSX-52 | Parasound HCAs 1000A | Sony BDP-S790 | Belkin PureAV PF60 | MIT Exp2 Wires
Bedroom 5.0 HT Rig (Music/Movies/Gaming) :
LSi9 | LsiC | Lsi/fx | Marantz SR7002 | NAD T955 | Sony BDP-S360 | Belkin PureAV PF30 | AQ Blue Racer II ICs & AQ Type 4 wires | PS3 -
purchasing some Monitor 70 II's $500 for the pair.
I got mine for $320 shipped... But again, in my case, as in probably many others, these are just a stepping stone, so when I do step up to the next level of speakers, it will be nice to know that nothing else should be upgraded. For me its: Do it once, do it right.
How well would your hca-1000 push some lsi7 or 9s?Living Room 7.1 HT Rig:
M70 | CS2 | M60 | Atrium5 - Surr. | SUB - Emotiva ULTRA12 + Tara Labs sub cable | Pioneer Elite VSX-52 | Parasound HCAs 1000A | Sony BDP-S790 | Belkin PureAV PF60 | MIT Exp2 Wires
Bedroom 5.0 HT Rig (Music/Movies/Gaming) :
LSi9 | LsiC | Lsi/fx | Marantz SR7002 | NAD T955 | Sony BDP-S360 | Belkin PureAV PF30 | AQ Blue Racer II ICs & AQ Type 4 wires | PS3 -
You will be fine depending on the price of the Amp. I would think $200 or less.
Well I'm seeing 'em in the $250 - 275 range at the moment - which is doable.
There's an HCA-1500A for $450 as well ...though not sure what I'd use it for.ALL BOXED UP for a while until I save up for a new place
Home Theater:
KEF Q900s / MIT Shotgun S3 / MIT CVT2 ICs | KEF Q600C | Polk FXi5 | BJC Wire | Signal / AQ ICs | Shunyata / Pangea PCs | Pioneer Elite SC 57 | Parasound NC2100 Pre | NAD M25 | Marantz SA8001 | Schiit Gungnir DAC | SB Touch
2 Channel:
Polk LSi9 (xo mods), Polk DSW MicroPro 2000 sub | NAD c375BEE | W4S DAC1 | SB Touch | Marantz SA-8001 | MIT AVt 2 | Kimber Hero / AQ / Signal ICs | Shunyata / Signal PCs -
Lietuvis91 wrote: »I got mine for $320 shipped... But again, in my case, as in probably many others, these are just a stepping stone, so when I do step up to the next level of speakers, it will be nice to know that nothing else should be upgraded. For me its: Do it once, do it right.
How well would your hca-1000 push some lsi7 or 9s?
$320 shipped is a good deal (the 70's or the 70 II's?) (I just did a quick google and saw 70 II's at Amazon and Newegg for $249 each).
The 7 or 9's would be no problem. The 1000a is rated 200 watt at 4 ohm / channel, the 9's are rated same.
The 1000A would also drive the 15/25's in the vast majority of scenarios. But I could see wanting a bit more current for them.
As a matter of fact I will be driving my next DIY build with the 1000a: Mission Statements -
I just picked up a 1000a for my center - should be here Friday. Looking fwd to it.ALL BOXED UP for a while until I save up for a new place
Home Theater:
KEF Q900s / MIT Shotgun S3 / MIT CVT2 ICs | KEF Q600C | Polk FXi5 | BJC Wire | Signal / AQ ICs | Shunyata / Pangea PCs | Pioneer Elite SC 57 | Parasound NC2100 Pre | NAD M25 | Marantz SA8001 | Schiit Gungnir DAC | SB Touch
2 Channel:
Polk LSi9 (xo mods), Polk DSW MicroPro 2000 sub | NAD c375BEE | W4S DAC1 | SB Touch | Marantz SA-8001 | MIT AVt 2 | Kimber Hero / AQ / Signal ICs | Shunyata / Signal PCs -
$320 shipped is a good deal (the 70's or the 70 II's?) (I just did a quick google and saw 70 II's at Amazon and Newegg for $249 each).
My m70's are not the IIs. They are the original design. I bought them from new egg right before they released the IIs, so they had a fire sale on these for $159 each shipped.
Just got word that the amp shipped today, heck yeah!
*** EDIT***
I take that back, my m70's were $305.96 for the pair out the door. Apparently I used some promo code available at the time. This was 5/28/10 so really not that long ago... jeez, it feels like i have had them for a while...Living Room 7.1 HT Rig:
M70 | CS2 | M60 | Atrium5 - Surr. | SUB - Emotiva ULTRA12 + Tara Labs sub cable | Pioneer Elite VSX-52 | Parasound HCAs 1000A | Sony BDP-S790 | Belkin PureAV PF60 | MIT Exp2 Wires
Bedroom 5.0 HT Rig (Music/Movies/Gaming) :
LSi9 | LsiC | Lsi/fx | Marantz SR7002 | NAD T955 | Sony BDP-S360 | Belkin PureAV PF30 | AQ Blue Racer II ICs & AQ Type 4 wires | PS3 -
How do you guys feel about the Parasound -1205A? I can get one for $400? Or shoild I go with the Emotiva Xpa-5 for $300 more??LIVING ROOM:
Emotiva XPA-5, Emotiva USP-1, Polk LSI15's, Polk LSiC, Velodyne 12", Mirage Nanosat Prestige rears, MIT AVT Speaker Cables, Audioquest King Cobra Interconnects, Panamax M5300pm Surge Protection/ Power Conditioning -
angelsfann02 wrote: »How do you guys feel about the Parasound -1205A? I can get one for $400? Or shoild I go with the Emotiva Xpa-5 for $300 more??
Just by the numbers the 1205a has a larger x-former, more 2ndary capacitance than the XPA-5.
I would say the 1205a is under rated in it's output capacity.
However, and for some it is important, the XPA-5 has balanced inputs. That leaves you a decent amount of flexibility in your upgrade path. Both are capable amps.
** BTW though there is a difference in 2ndary capacitance with these units I don't know if the rail voltages are the same. It could be that while the XPA-5 has less capacitor, they may be of higher voltage. -
I NEVER understand this question.
Why do you or anyone else care how much the speakers cost in relation to how much an amp costs? So long as any amplifier gives any speakers the power they need to operate to their FULL potential, that is all that should matter!
I bet more people waste money buying new speakers when they could have added a powerful amp and found out just how much better their speakers sound getting the full power that they need.
Cathy,
Consider your source here....
BDTI plan for the future. - F1Nut -
Cathy,
Consider your source here....
BDT
Cathy asked her question and Cathy received an answer. She's more than capable, if she feels I'm incorrect, to comment on my reply with a good degree of authority.
Cathy, unlike you, would rather be a contributor here to the people that need it rather than run her mouth off like others in every thread that has the word Emotiva in it.
Now if you would like to explain to the newer guys here how a Pair of Monitor 70's with a $500-$600 amp is going to bridge the performance delta vs some TSi 500's and a $200 Parasound HCA1000A then be our collective guest and enlighten all us poor souls. (disregarding that having a nice amp allows for a clear upgrade path).
Or you could just shut your pie hole if you haven't anything to actually contribute.