Parasound HCA 1200 mods

muncybob
muncybob Posts: 3,043
edited May 2011 in 2 Channel Audio
I've been looking for a used amp to mate with my SDA 2B's....I only understand some of what has been done to this amp...are the below mods considered an upgrade to the stck amp?:

List of Modifications:
* WBT NextGen copper binding posts, RCA inputs
* MJL21193 & MJL21194 output devices--they are MATCHED!
* Gen 1 Sonicaps used throughout
* Voltage amplification stage FULLY REGULATED
* MUR series Ultra fast diodes replaced original bridge rectifiers
* Sand-filled resistors replaced with metal film resistors
* DC servo circuit upgraded
* cryogenically treated 6-9's copper wire used within

List of Disabled Features:
* level controls removed (sounds better without them)
* bridge mode disabled
* loop output jacks removed

I have no intention of bridging or using the loop outputs on the stock amp so these are of no concern to me. The concern I have with older amps is possibly needing to do some work due to old caps, etc. and I'm not able to perform that work...seems this one would possibly be the way to go?
Yep, my name really is Bob.
Parasound HCA1500A(indoor sound) and HCA1000(outdoor sound), Dynaco PAS4, Denon DP1200 w/Shure V15 Type V and Jico SAS stylus, Marantz UD7007, Polk L600, Rythmik L12 sub.
Post edited by muncybob on
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Comments

  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited May 2011
    Yes.
    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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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited May 2011
    I'd like to have the level controls and bridged mode switch by-passed as well on my HCA-1500A. I do want to keep the looped outputs in case I ever do attempt to integrate a sub again.
    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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  • audiocr381ve
    audiocr381ve Posts: 2,588
    edited May 2011
    muncybob wrote: »
    I've been looking for a used amp to mate with my SDA 2B's....I only understand some of what has been done to this amp...are the below mods considered an upgrade to the stck amp?:

    List of Modifications:
    * WBT NextGen copper binding posts, RCA inputs
    * MJL21193 & MJL21194 output devices--they are MATCHED!
    * Gen 1 Sonicaps used throughout
    * Voltage amplification stage FULLY REGULATED
    * MUR series Ultra fast diodes replaced original bridge rectifiers
    * Sand-filled resistors replaced with metal film resistors
    * DC servo circuit upgraded
    * cryogenically treated 6-9's copper wire used within

    List of Disabled Features:
    * level controls removed (sounds better without them)
    * bridge mode disabled
    * loop output jacks removed

    I have no intention of bridging or using the loop outputs on the stock amp so these are of no concern to me. The concern I have with older amps is possibly needing to do some work due to old caps, etc. and I'm not able to perform that work...seems this one would possibly be the way to go?

    I saw this ad on Audiogon. Looks like a solid amp. Those are huge upgrades.
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  • muncybob
    muncybob Posts: 3,043
    edited May 2011
    I made a mistake though, it's a HCA 1000 and not 1200. Did find a another 1000 model with apprx 60 hours on it...I'm thinking these upgrades are worth the extra 100 bucks?

    and now I see a NAD in our FS section priced in same ballpark....decisions...decisions.
    Yep, my name really is Bob.
    Parasound HCA1500A(indoor sound) and HCA1000(outdoor sound), Dynaco PAS4, Denon DP1200 w/Shure V15 Type V and Jico SAS stylus, Marantz UD7007, Polk L600, Rythmik L12 sub.
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  • soundfreak1
    soundfreak1 Posts: 3,414
    edited May 2011
    Don't know what the price is,but these upgrades change unit quite a bit. Definitly won't sound the same--good or bad. Is up to the listener!
    Main Rig:
    Krell KAV 250a biamped to mid/highs
    Parasound HCA1500A biamped to lows
    Nakamichi EC100 Active xover
    MIT exp 1 ic's
    Perreaux SA33 class A preamp
    AQ kingcobra ic's
    OPPO 83 CDP
    Lehmann audio black cube SE phono pre, Audioquest phono wire (ITA1/1)
    Denon DP-1200 TT. AToc9ML MC cart.
    Monster HTS 3600 power conditioner
    ADS L1590/2 Biamped
    MIT exps2 speaker cable
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  • Lietuvis91
    Lietuvis91 Posts: 908
    edited May 2011
    muncybob wrote: »
    I made a mistake though, it's a HCA 1000 and not 1200. Did find a another 1000 model with apprx 60 hours on it...I'm thinking these upgrades are worth the extra 100 bucks?

    and now I see a NAD in our FS section priced in same ballpark....decisions...decisions.

    i'm looking at both of those too, you better make a decision quick! :tongue:
    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
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