just jumped into separates and got Parasound 1200 amp

pglbook
pglbook Posts: 2,222
edited April 2013 in Electronics
I finally took the plunge into the world of separates (up until now, have always been a vintage receiver fan) and bought a new-to-me Parasound HCA 1200 power amp. I have been looking for one for about 2 months (even posted in Wanted section here), without any luck. By chance I was perusing CL a week ago and noticed one for sale, very reasonably ($225), only 5 hours from me. I jumped at it and just received it today. Although shipping cost an extra $40, I think total cost of $265 was still a great deal. The unit was packed great and is in excellent condition. Just a few surface scratches on top of the unit around its left side/corner, nothing bad at all. The faceplate is perfect as is the rest of it. One thing I did notice is that the button on the rear "Bridge or biamp Mono/Stereo" is pushed in and not sticking out as I guess it should be. It is set to stereo side. Is that ok? I will post a pic once I get the time to do so. Is there anything special I need to know about these amps? I have never had separates and am still a newbie so please let me know anything at all. Also, unfortunately, I cannot use it yet so I have not listened to it. I need to get a good pre-amp. I do not have a pre. I'd also appreciate any recommendations on what would be a great pre-amp to match with the Parasound HCA 1200.

Thanks.

Down another rabbit hole I go.......
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Comments

  • brgman
    brgman Posts: 2,859
    edited April 2013
    Parasound is a great place to start.What kind of budget and what do you want the pre to do?
    stand alone 2 channel? integrate into a home theater?
    Main Rig-Realistic AM/FM Record player 8 track boasting 4 WPC

    Backup Rig-2 CH-Rogue Audio Zeus w/Factory Special Dark Mods,Joule-Electra 300ME Platinum Preamp,OPPO-105 w/Modwright Tube Mod, Auralic Aries G2.1,Polk 2.3TL,3.1TL's,Dreadnought,RTA-15TL's,1C's All Fully Modded,2xRTA-12c's ,Benchmark DAC3 HGC,Synology NAS,VPI Scout w/Dynavector DV-20XH and Rogue Audio Ares Phono Preamp,Sony PCM-R500 DAT,HHB-850 Pro CDR,Tascam CC-222SLMKII Cassette/CDR,MIT S3.3 Shotgun Cables,Shunyata Hyra-8,Shunyata and Triode Labs Power Cords

    I’M OFFENDED!!!!
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  • pglbook
    pglbook Posts: 2,222
    edited April 2013
    Thanks, brgman. Strictly 2 channel. I am not sure about budget, probably around $200-$300. I'd like to get a quality pre-amp now rather than get something cheaper and have to upgrade later. Dunno if my budget will allow that but that is the thought.
    I have a turntable so pre should have a phono stage.

    Thanks!
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  • pglbook
    pglbook Posts: 2,222
    edited April 2013
    I forgot to add that I'll be using the amp and pre to power either my Polk SDA 2B TL speakers or another pair of speakers (Dahlquist DQ 10s), and a Rotel CD player and a Yamaha turntable (tt not set up yet, needs some servicing).
    Thanks.
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