FS: Parasound HCA-3500, Mint Condition

sm88

This 85 lb beast has been a wonderful amp for me but has far more power than I need and I could use the cash now so i'd rather pass it on to someone who can appreciate it more! It's flawless from what I can see, not a scratch. Has handles for easier carrying, I do have the original double box and packing materials so shipping is a possible option but I would rather sell this locally.

I suppose i'll start it for $1200. Since it is my only amp currently I would also consider partial trades; i'm looking for something in the $300-400 range. One of the lesser Parasounds would fit the bill, as would an Anthem MCA20, or Rotel amp.

I live near Boston, MA. Thanks! Specs below


FEATURES

Independent power supplies for each channel for true dual-monaural operation
Massive encapsulated 1.4 kVA toroid power transformer for each channel
97,600 uF power supply capacitance for each channel
Multiple polystyrene film bypass capacitors in power supply
Direct coupled design uses no inductors or capacitors in the signal path
DC servo direct-coupled audio circuits with 0.5 Hz rolloff
Output transistors direct-coupled to speakers without LRC networks
Cascode Class A input stages with matched J-FET pairs
Hand-picked complementary MOSFET transistors in high voltage driver stage
High-bias Class A/AB operation provides 15 Watts of pure Class A operation
8 complementary pairs of 15 ampere 60 MHz output transistors per channel
High-quality Neutrik XLR jacks for balanced inputs
Two sets of gold-plated metal structure RCA input jacks for balanced operation
Two sets of gold-plated 5-way binding posts facilitates bi-wiring
Multiple protection circuits, temperature sensors and silver-cadmium relay protection
Glass epoxy circuit boards, double-sided for precision
Two hand-made audiophile-grade AC power cords-separate for each channel
SPECIFICATIONS

Continuous Power Output - Stereo:
350 watts RMS x 2, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 8 Ω, both channels driven;
500 watts RMS x 2, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 4 Ω, both channels driven
Current Capacity:
120 amperes peak per channel
Slew Rate:
> 200 V/?second
Power Bandwith:
2 Hz - 150 kHz, +0/-3 dB at 1 watt
Total Harmonic Distortion:
<0.025% at full power; < 0.01% at typical levels
IM Distortion:
<0.03%

chumlie

/\reported/\

PrazVT

120 amps peak - now that is high current! Awesome amp. Good luck w/ the sale!

EndersShadow

Pics always help as well, suggest posting some later tonight if you can....

pitdogg2

common ground?

cstmar01

I don't think this one is. Its a dual mono design so I think when I contacted Parasound they said that all their amps besides this one and the JC Mono are the exceptions for being used with SDA's.

pitdogg2

I was pretty sure of that but thought i'd toss it out there. just in case someone thought of using it for SDA's

sm88

I had to go find the camera charger so i'll get some pics up later when the battery is charged, but besides a bit of dust it pretty much looks brand new. As far as common ground goes I am not sure but this amplifier takes TWO power cords and each channel is turned on separately by a front switch. It is an awesome design with huge power reserves, plenty for any speaker I can think of. Thanks for the interest so far!

dorokusai

It should be common ground. Dual mono is just the core design principle. It can easily share a ground and still be a dual mono design. My CTC BBQ is common ground and so has every other amplifier I've owned from Parasound.

I'm not surprised that a JC1 monoblock isn't common ground....since it's a MONOblock.

audiocrawl

Not such a bad price for Parasound HCA-3500

dudeinaroom

The HCA 1000 is also a dual mono design and works well with SDA. I contacted parasound and they said there should be no issue. Should be the same amp design, just with a couple more transistors.

fossy

god I wish I had the money ...... anyone thinking of going into seperates ...... anyone wanting a bad as* amp .... this is the one

gdb

I would if I could. GLWS !

sm88

Couple of quick dusty flash pics. Not a scratch on this amp, i'll dust it and make sure there aren't any marks before I finalize any sale just to be sure though. It absolutely fits the "large and in charge" bill! I'll drop the price to $1100 to make it more accessible to non-locals. I've owned a lot of Parasound amps and some of them tend to get very hot, I will say that with my usage thus far this amplifier does NOT become a griddle like others. I bought it from the original owner; both of us are smoke free and pet free.

thejck

i have this amp.. very nice amp. I use it to drive my 1.2's
I would love to have this just cause i love it so much but that doesnt make sense to have 2. good luck with your sale.

audiocr381ve

sm88 wrote: »

Couple of quick dusty flash pics. Not a scratch on this amp, i'll dust it and make sure there aren't any marks before I finalize any sale just to be sure though. It absolutely fits the "large and in charge" bill! I'll drop the price to $1100 to make it more accessible to non-locals. I've owned a lot of Parasound amps and some of them tend to get very hot, I will say that with my usage thus far this amplifier does NOT become a griddle like others. I bought it from the original owner; both of us are smoke free and pet free.

Well if you're going to throw in the DAC 2 on me like that I'll take it! ;P

wkjeffers

this is a powerful amp, wish I had room for it!

sm88

audiocr381ve wrote: »

Well if you're going to throw in the DAC 2 on me like that I'll take it! ;P

I wish I could include it! I might sell the Wyred4Sound DAC2 a little later, would likewise need a replacement though (probably a dacmagic). Another amazing piece of equipment.

audiocr381ve

sm88 wrote: »

I wish I could include it! I might sell the Wyred4Sound DAC2 a little later, would likewise need a replacement though (probably a dacmagic). Another amazing piece of equipment.

Why the downgrade? (to a dacmagic)

sm88

audiocr381ve wrote: »

Why the downgrade? (to a dacmagic)

I work as a waiter in fine dining and am typically very successful, especially over the summer, but the restaurant I am at is new and hasn't really established itself yet. The summer was great but business tanked after Christmas and i'm basically out of work, I only go in a few times a week and it's never for a lot. Coupled with smashing the door on my car by accident and having to buy another vehicle that can actually drive in the snow.. audio equipment very quickly becomes an expendable luxury. I want to keep the speakers and enjoy them, but I can live with a lesser amp and a lesser DAC for the time being.

sm88

-bump-

sm88

-bump-

kenyer

sm88 wrote: »

-bump-

I am looking for a high wattage amp of good quality and like new condition and wanted to ask if you would be interested in taking my Pioneer SA 9900 that was restored by my friend Terry Dewick this past summer?

dorokusai

This is a last amplifier type of amp....and it should seriously be considered by those looking to end the amp search.

sm88

kenyer wrote: »

I am looking for a high wattage amp of good quality and like new condition and wanted to ask if you would be interested in taking my Pioneer SA 9900 that was restored by my friend Terry Dewick this past summer?

I love the vintage look of that amp but i'm looking for separates, don't need the extras as I have a DAC with a decent Pre function. I think this amp would exceed your expectations, it is built like a tank, has room for upgrades should you ever wish to get more out of it, and will drive pretty much any loudspeaker you might have to ear bleeding levels. Whereabouts are you located?

audiocr381ve

sm88 wrote: »

I love the vintage look of that amp but i'm looking for separates, don't need the extras as I have a DAC with a decent Pre function. I think this amp would exceed your expectations, it is built like a tank, has room for upgrades should you ever wish to get more out of it, and will drive pretty much any loudspeaker you might have to ear bleeding levels. Whereabouts are you located?

If you listed this in the 'gon it would be GONE by now.

kenyer

I'm in Daytona Beach..Just moved here from Kingston TN 4 weeks ago..Terry lives about 30 min from me in Knoxville which was very nice anytime I needed something worked on or just wanted to hang out and talk while he worked on stuff at his bench

danz1906

Great Amp........Good luck with the sale!

sm88

audiocr381ve wrote: »

If you listed this in the 'gon it would be GONE by now.

I'm very appreciative of everyone here on the Polk forum, so I prefer to give my friends here a chance on anything I sell before it goes off to Audiogon at a higher price

dorokusai

SM88 - I'm interested but have to move something of my own first. If you're not a huge hurry, I can't possibly let this amplifier head to Audiogon if at all possible. I have absolutely ZERO use for it but it's THAT good and so powerful, that we gotta keep this one in the family. Hit me up offline thru email here and let's talk.

kn505

Are you interested in a partial trade with a Musical Design D75?

WAP4410NI am in Hartford and can meet you in Boston.