Parasound amps - what is difference btween 1200 and 1500A?

pglbook
pglbook Posts: 2,222
edited February 2013 in Electronics
I am about to take the big leap into the world of power amps (previously I always have had vintage receivers like the Yamaha CR 2020 and CR 2040) and, after lots of research and lots of great advice from the nice folks at this forum, I have decided to get a Parasound 2 channel amp.

The Parasound HCA 1200 or 1500A look like they will fit my needs and budget.

What is the difference between the 1200 and 1500A? Is one preferable to the other?

Also, what should I expect to pay for one of those models in nice condition?

My budget is around $300, give or take.

There was a nice HCA 1200 for sale here recently but unfortunately I was not ready at that time...I was still learning about amps and also saving up some money again after a recent purchase of a pair of Polk SDA 2B tl speakers.

I'd appreciate any info on the Parasound amps. I willl strictly use the amp to power my speakers and a CD player.

Thanks!
Post edited by pglbook on
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Comments

  • gudnoyez
    gudnoyez Posts: 8,124
    edited February 2013
    What will you be using for a preamp? You will need more than 300 if you don't have one, that 1200 came with a preamp for $600 I believe the seller still has them for sale, I've read good things about that Parasound 1200. Good luck searching.
    Home Theater
    Parasound Halo A 31 OnkyoTX-NR838 Sony XBR55X850B 55" 4K RtiA9 Fronts CsiA6 Center RtiA3 Rears FxiA6 Side Surrounds Dual Psw 111's Oppo 105D Signal Ultra Speaker Cables & IC's Signal Magic Power Cable Technics SL Q300 Panamax MR4300 Audioquest Chocolate HDMI Cables Audioquest Forest USB Cable

    2 Channel
    Adcom 555II Vincent SA-T1 Marantz SA 15S2 Denon DR-M11 Clearaudio Bluemotion SDA 2.3tl's (Z) edition MIT Terminator II Speaker Cables & IC's Adcom 545II Adcom Gtp-450 Marantz CD5004 Technics M245X SDA 2B's, SDA CRS+

    Stuff for the Head
    JD LABS C5 Headphone Amplifier, Sennheiser HD 598, Polk Audio Buckle, Polk Audio Hinge, Velodyne vPulse, Bose IE2, Sennheiser CX 200 Street II, Sennheiser MX 365

    Shower & Off the beaten path Rigs
    Polk Audio Boom Swimmer, Polk Audio Urchin B)
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  • pglbook
    pglbook Posts: 2,222
    edited February 2013
    Thanks, gudnoyez. I also will need to get a pre amp but that will be the next thing I'll research...one thing at a time.

    I thought the Seller had recently sold the Parasound HCA 1200. If not, I'd be interested if it is in my price range.

    Thanks for the tip. I'll contact the Seller and see if he still has the HCA 1200 for sale.

    Thanks again.
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  • pglbook
    pglbook Posts: 2,222
    edited February 2013
    gudnoyez, I went back to the original fs post for the Parasound HCA 1200 (jmwest) and, just as I thought, it sold on January 25.
    Sorry I missed that one becuase it was a good deal and I probably would have bought both the pre amp and amp together.

    So I am still looking for a Parasound amp - either the HCA 1200 or HCA 1500A, although I am still trying to figure out the differnce between those 2 models and if one is better or more preferable than the other.

    Thanks.
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  • adb3da
    adb3da Posts: 507
    edited February 2013
    As far as I know they are very similar. The 1500a replaced the 1200, so you know 1200s are older. The 1500a also has a 12v trigger which the 1200 does not.
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  • pglbook
    pglbook Posts: 2,222
    edited February 2013
    Thanks. adb3da Sorry for the ignorance but what is a 12v trigger and what does it do?

    Thanks again.
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  • deronb1
    deronb1 Posts: 5,021
    edited February 2013
    pglbook wrote: »
    Thanks. adb3da Sorry for the ignorance but what is a 12v trigger and what does it do?

    Thanks again.

    12v trigger will turn on the amp when another source that it is hooked up to is turned on, eg. AVR, pre amp.
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  • pglbook
    pglbook Posts: 2,222
    edited February 2013
    Thanks, appreciate it.
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  • PSOVLSK
    PSOVLSK Posts: 5,204
    edited February 2013
    Not a model you mentioned, but... http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?141410-Parasound-HCA-1000A-Amp
    Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden
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  • pglbook
    pglbook Posts: 2,222
    edited February 2013
    Thanks, Psovlsk. I had seen that model as well but was looking for a 200+ watt amp. The HCA 1000A is rated at 125 watts @ 8 OHMs, which is the same as my Yamaha CR 2040 receiver. I was looking for something a bit more powerful to make my speakers (Polk SDA 2B TL and Dahlquist DQ 10) sing. The Dahlquists need lots of power.

    Thanks for the suggestion, however. I appreciate it.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited February 2013
    The HCA-1500A is 60amp capable, I'm not sure if the 1200 is....
    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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  • pglbook
    pglbook Posts: 2,222
    edited February 2013
    steveinaz, what do you mean by "60amp capable?" I guees I need that in layman's terms, haaa.
    Thanks.
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  • Emlyn
    Emlyn Posts: 4,491
    edited February 2013
    Both amps appear to use a similar power supply. The power supply in the 1200 has a peak current capability of around 57 amps. The 1500 has a peak current capability of around 60 amps. The 1500 has a slightly higher rated power output (watts) than the 1200 and a much higher damping factor (700 vs. 120) indicating that there were some signifcant changes in the amps from one model to the next. The 1500 wasn't simply a renaming and repackaging from the 1200. If were my choice, I'd go for the 1500, even if if costs a little more.
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  • pglbook
    pglbook Posts: 2,222
    edited February 2013
    emlyn, thanks for the detailed information and recommendation. That helps a lot. I appreciate it.
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  • Emlyn
    Emlyn Posts: 4,491
    edited February 2013
    Both amps come up frequently on Ebay now. I'd just bide your time until either one in great condition comes available for a good price. Both are good choices, I just think the 1500 is a bit more refined amp but a little more expensive.
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  • pglbook
    pglbook Posts: 2,222
    edited February 2013
    emlyn, one more question, if you do not mind. What about the Parasound HCA 1200 MK II.
    Do you know anything about that model and how that one might compare to the HCA 1200 or HCA 1500A?

    There are currently a couple of Parasound HCA 1200s on ebay and also a HCA 1500A for sale there, although I'd prefer to deal with Polkies on this site since one knows one is getting quality equipment from great people.

    I do not know if I'll be able to get one within my budget (about $300, give or take) but I will be patient and keep on looking to try to find a nice one for a decent price. I am just trying to determine which model is the one I should get (HCA 1200, HCA 1200 MK II, or HCA 1500A).

    Thanks again.
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  • Emlyn
    Emlyn Posts: 4,491
    edited February 2013
    I'm not sure about specific differences, but Parasound's MK II amps back then used to just be a minor revision, like adding a 12 volt trigger capability, relocating switches, changing the cosmetics a little, and maybe updating some internal parts.

    I think you're on the right track, as I wouldn't settle on an amp below 200 watts with what speakers you'll be running.
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  • adb3da
    adb3da Posts: 507
    edited February 2013
    On eBay it seems the going rate for the 1500A is a bit higher, around $400-$450.

    You should keep a close eye on craigslist. I picked up a 1500a for $350 about 3 months ago. There are some people who are unwilling to deal with eBay so you might be surprised at how much quality gear shows up on craigslist. There's no buyer protection so you must keep that in mind.
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  • 11tsteve
    11tsteve Posts: 1,166
    edited February 2013
    The 1200 mk. II is THX certified and moved the volume controls to the backside.
    Polk Lsi9
    N.E.W. A-20 class A 20W
    NAD 1020 completely refurbished
    Keces DA-131 mk.II
    Analysis Plus Copper Oval, Douglass, Morrow SUB3, Huffman Digital
    Paradigm DSP-3100 v.2
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  • 11tsteve
    11tsteve Posts: 1,166
    edited February 2013
    The mk. II is also 205 w and 60 amp peak. I like mine just fine.
    Here is an archived thread on the mk. II and the 1500.
    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-108036.html
    Polk Lsi9
    N.E.W. A-20 class A 20W
    NAD 1020 completely refurbished
    Keces DA-131 mk.II
    Analysis Plus Copper Oval, Douglass, Morrow SUB3, Huffman Digital
    Paradigm DSP-3100 v.2
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  • pglbook
    pglbook Posts: 2,222
    edited February 2013
    11steve, what does "THX ceritified" mean and is there an advantage to that?
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  • 11tsteve
    11tsteve Posts: 1,166
    edited February 2013
    pglbook wrote: »
    11steve, what does "THX ceritified" mean and is there an advantage to that?
    basically it means the amp meets THX standards for playback.

    http://www.thx.com/consumer/home-entertainment/audio/thx-certified-receivers/
    Polk Lsi9
    N.E.W. A-20 class A 20W
    NAD 1020 completely refurbished
    Keces DA-131 mk.II
    Analysis Plus Copper Oval, Douglass, Morrow SUB3, Huffman Digital
    Paradigm DSP-3100 v.2
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  • soundfreak1
    soundfreak1 Posts: 3,414
    edited February 2013
    Cant speak to the 1500 as ive not listened to it, however the 1200 is a fantastic amp and lends itself to some nice mods available for futher upgrades. (see signiture)
    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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  • pglbook
    pglbook Posts: 2,222
    edited February 2013
    Thanks to all for the info and for sharing your thoughts. Much appreciated. As I will only be using a power amp for 2 channel audio and not for a home theater system, it seems like the HCA 1200 or 1200 MK II is the way to go for me. Thanks again. Now the search is on!!!!
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