Dilemma & query: Parasound HCA 1200 vs 1500A

pglbook
pglbook Posts: 2,222
edited May 2013 in Electronics
I bought a used Parasound HCA 1200 power amp a few months ago for a good price (just a little under $300 total with shipping)and like it a lot. However, yesterday I was offered a Parasound HCA 1500A amp, in mint condition, for an equally good price ($350 + $75 shipping). While I do like the Parasound HCA 1200, I am thinking that the HCA 1500A, being a newer model, would be an upgrade. Is that true? I was thinking of purchasing the HCA 1500A and then selling off my HCA 1200 to help cover the cost of the HCA 1500A. Would this be worth it? How much of an upgrade would the
HCA 1500A be over the HCA 1200? Does this make any sense to do? Or is it just crazy thinking on my part? I will be using the amp exclusively in a 2 channel system with a pair of Polk SDA 2B TL speakers, although I would like to get into home theater at some point in the next few years (but not at present) and would like to keep that option open as well.

I'd appreciate any feedback and suggestions.

Thanks.
Post edited by pglbook on
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Comments

  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,727
    edited May 2013
    Well, the 1500 has a little more power and a little more current. Honestly though I bet you'll have a hard time hearing any difference. If it were me I wouldn't bother, the trouble and extra expense just aren't worth it IMO.

    OTOH, that's a great price on the 1500 and I'd almost buy it at that price for when you do go HT.
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  • pglbook
    pglbook Posts: 2,222
    edited May 2013
    Thanks, assimilated. I was thinking the same thing...although I really do not need the HCA 1500A at present, it is a fantastic price for it (although the $75 shipping does add quite a bit to the total price) and I was thinking it would be a great amp for a future home theater set up.

    Can the HCA 1200 also be used in a ht set up? I really do not know much about home theater as ht is something I am just starting to research and learn about.
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  • chumlie
    chumlie Posts: 8,658
    edited May 2013
    Can't speak to the 1200. The 1500a is nice amp. $425 is a fair price but not a bargain. Like you said though, if you can sell the 1200 and put that on the 1500, IMO it would be a nice upgrade for the money.
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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,727
    edited May 2013
    If you "can't speak for the 1200" how can you possibly state that the 1500 would be a good upgrade for the money over the 1200????
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  • chumlie
    chumlie Posts: 8,658
    edited May 2013
    Op asked for OPINION. Newer, more power, current & higher quality components on the 1500a.
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  • deronb1
    deronb1 Posts: 5,021
    edited May 2013
    The 1500 has a.12v trigger if you have a pre or avr with one.
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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,727
    edited May 2013
    Honestly that 12v trigger on the 1500 would be enough reason for me to upgrade, I cannot imagine an amp without that.
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  • pglbook
    pglbook Posts: 2,222
    edited May 2013
    Sorry for a dumb question but what is a 12v trigger and what does it do?
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  • AsSiMiLaTeD
    AsSiMiLaTeD Posts: 11,727
    edited May 2013
    it turns the amp on when you turn on your preamp or receiver, assuming said device also has a 12v trigger.
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  • chumlie
    chumlie Posts: 8,658
    edited May 2013
    pglbook wrote: »
    Sorry for a dumb question but what is a 12v trigger and what does it do?
    It turns your amp on/off via your pre-amp or avr. No need to turn amp on and off manually.
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  • pglbook
    pglbook Posts: 2,222
    edited May 2013
    Thanks for the info. I can see where that would be a nice convenience to have.
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  • pglbook
    pglbook Posts: 2,222
    edited May 2013
    I am still debating whether to get the Parasound HCA 1500A and whether it would be that much of an upgrade over my HCA 1200, which I would sell if I decided to buy the HCA 1500A.

    I have to get back to the seller of the HCA 1500A by Friday so I'd appreciate any more feedback on whether people think it is worth getting the HCA 1500A or if I should just stick with my HCA 1200.

    Thanks.
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  • Polkie2009
    Polkie2009 Posts: 3,834
    edited May 2013
    Why not just use the HCA1200 for now and wait awhile to see if a nice amp shows up here in the CP flea market from one of our trusted CP members. Hopefully you can find a deal on something within driving distance and not have to deal with shipping. Just my 2 cents...
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  • pglbook
    pglbook Posts: 2,222
    edited May 2013
    Thanks to all for your input. After thinking it over, I have decided to pass on the Parasound HCA 1500A and to stay with my HCA 1200 for a few reasons: (1) I really do not need the 1500A as I recently purchased a HCA 1200 and, from the posts, it seems that the HCA 1500A, while admittedly a newer model and with a few nice options not found on the HCA 1200 (such as a 12v trigger), would not be that much of an upgrade over the HCA 1200. And (2), while the asking price of $350 is a great price for the HCA 1500A, when the $75 shipping cost is factored in it pushes the total cost to $425, which is is still a good price but not a super deal by any means (I think the average selling price on a HCA 1500A is in the $450-$500 range). I was thinking of buying the HCA 1500A and then selling my HCA 1200 but I have decided that the hassle and cost (and uncertainty) of doing so aren't worth it. If the HCA 1500A were local at that price ($350) and I didn't have to pay shipping costs, etc, it would be a different story. Thanks again for all of the advice and recommendations.
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  • pglbook
    pglbook Posts: 2,222
    edited May 2013
    Well, I contacted the Seller a short while ago to let him know I was not interested and he just sent me an e-mail lowering the price of the HCA 1500A from $350 to $325 (with shipping still $75) so the total cost would now be $400 (instead of $425). The seller also told me he would pack the amp in foam to ensure safe shipping (I am not sure how that works, are there any issues with packing in foam?). I know it is only a $25 difference but it is now getting me thinking again, haa.
    Thanks.
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