Help me if u can! Parasound Hca Amp

angelsfann02
angelsfann02 Posts: 589
edited November 2012 in Electronics
Need help. Picked up a used Parasound at an estate sale. When I power it up, the "Current overload" light goes on with one channel. I keep powering and unpowering, same result. Any suggestions? The other channel works fine.
LIVING ROOM:
Pioneer PDP-6070HD, Pioneer Elite SC-25, Pioneer Elite BDP-05FD,
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
BEDROOM: VIZIO 32" LCD, Pioneer Elite VSX-23txh, Pioneer Elite BDP-23FD, Parasound HCA-2205A, Mirage Nanosat Prestige Speakers 5.1, Mirage S8 Sub, Monoprice cables, APC Surge Protection.
Post edited by angelsfann02 on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • gce
    gce Posts: 2,158
    edited November 2012
    Don't know if you got the manual with it but here it is... http://www.parasound.com/pdfs/vintage/hca1500aom.pdf

    Current Overload LEDs
    The Current Overload LEDs for left and right channels will only illuminate if the unit is driven past its
    maximum current capacity. These LEDs are not clipping indicators, but rather are designed to signal you
    when you are exceeding the limits of your amplifier. If these LEDs light, it’s usually a sign that your
    speaker impedance is too low, resulting in too much current draw from the amplifier's power supply. In
    virtually all imaginable listening situations with recommended loads, these LEDs should never illuminate.
    Anaheim Hills CA,
    HT 5.1: Anthem MRX 720 / BDP-Denon DBT1713UD / Polkaudio LSiM703 / W4S mAmp's / Polkaudio LSiM706c / Polkaudio LSiM702F/X's / SVS PC12-NSD / Panasonic TC P55VT30

    2 Channel: Rogue RP-5 / WireWorld Electra power cord / Marantz TT-15S1/ Ortofon - Quintet Black MC / Marantz NA8005 DAC / W4S mAmp's / Synology DS 216+ll-4TB / Polkaudio LSiM703
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • soundfreak1
    soundfreak1 Posts: 3,414
    edited November 2012
    Parasounds have occausional issues with output relays when they are of age. No biggie can purchaced from parasound, (not expencive) but i would get it checked out . It is a very good amp and well worth having it serviced.
    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
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • angelsfann02
    angelsfann02 Posts: 589
    edited November 2012
    Forgot to mention that the "current overload" red light is on even when the amp is not connected to anything, speakers OR rca inputs. I only have the amp plugged into the wall outlet. I had read somewhere it may be a loose screw between the capacitors. Maybe can confirm this. I did call Parasound, but they just fowarded me to a local repair shop :sad:
    LIVING ROOM:
    Pioneer PDP-6070HD, Pioneer Elite SC-25, Pioneer Elite BDP-05FD,
    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
    BEDROOM: VIZIO 32" LCD, Pioneer Elite VSX-23txh, Pioneer Elite BDP-23FD, Parasound HCA-2205A, Mirage Nanosat Prestige Speakers 5.1, Mirage S8 Sub, Monoprice cables, APC Surge Protection.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bthogan
    bthogan Posts: 151
    edited November 2012
    If the repair shop is listed on the Parasound site list as an official repair shop, then that's probably the place to take it to, if it needs repairs.

    http://www.parasound.com/misc/us_svc.php

    Have you tried connecting preamp, and turning preamp and source on before you turn on amp? When I got my HCA-1500A a month ago, I plugged it in without preamp connected. The little yellow light came on as soon as I plugged it in, but when I turned it on, it wouldn't go to standby or normal. Contacted the guy who sold it to me, who recommended that I connect preamp and turn on preamp and cd player, then amp. It's worked like a charm since. Just a suggestion.

    I think the proper order is: connect preamp, connect speakers, plug in amp/preamp/source, turn on source, then preamp, then amp. Give it a shot. Initially, there was a bit of a delay getting to Normal/green; that's mostly gone. Also, if anyone has comments/corrections, please feel free to jump in, especially if I got anything wrong.

    It's a great-sounding amp. Definitely an improvement over my Adcom GFA-545. My LSi9s love it. Hope this helps (or at least doesn't hurt).
    Marantz CD6004
    Adcom GFP-750
    McCormack DNA-1
    Polk LSi9s
    Signal Cable ICs
    Blue Jeans cables
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • angelsfann02
    angelsfann02 Posts: 589
    edited November 2012
    Decided to pop the top on the amp. Looked for any thing out of place or loose. Leaky componenets etc. To my surprise found a loose
    wiring harness. Works perfect. Thanks to all who chimed in.
    LIVING ROOM:
    Pioneer PDP-6070HD, Pioneer Elite SC-25, Pioneer Elite BDP-05FD,
    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
    BEDROOM: VIZIO 32" LCD, Pioneer Elite VSX-23txh, Pioneer Elite BDP-23FD, Parasound HCA-2205A, Mirage Nanosat Prestige Speakers 5.1, Mirage S8 Sub, Monoprice cables, APC Surge Protection.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited November 2012
    Congrats on the easy fix! Always the best find!
    Jake
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bthogan
    bthogan Posts: 151
    edited November 2012
    Never open the case! Except sometimes. Congrats, enjoy!
    Marantz CD6004
    Adcom GFP-750
    McCormack DNA-1
    Polk LSi9s
    Signal Cable ICs
    Blue Jeans cables
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter