Which Parasound amp to pair with the RTiA9...?

HDTVAV

Hello:

I am looking at the following speaker set-up...

RTiA9 - Fronts
CSiA6 - Center
FXiA6 - Surrounds
Pro660wi - Sub

Which Parasound amp would you recommend?

Thanks!

deronb1

I had the HCA1500A for awile. Great amp. 205 wpc. Can be had for between 300 and 400 bucks

drummer86

Depends on the budget, your current receiver/amp, and how many channels you're looking for.

If you're only running the A9's off the amp the HCA1500A is a good choice.

HDTVAV

drummer86 wrote: »

Depends on the budget, your current receiver/amp, and how many channels you're looking for.

I have a 125 Watt/Channel 7.2 AVR...

Preferably under $1,000...

The Halos (in black) look nice... the others, not so much...

drummer86

HDTVAV wrote: »

I have a 125 Watt/Channel 7.2 AVR...

Preferably under $1,000...

The Halos (in black) look nice... the others, not so much...

What is the make and model number of the receiver?

If you have the budget for the Halos then go for it.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/Parasound-Halo-A51-Five-Channel-Amplifier/productinfo/PAHA51/#.UwUScGJdXTo

Inspector 24

Something with at least 200wpc will do the a9's nicely. All the above recommendations check that box.

Alternatively you could do a HCA-1206:
http://www.parasound.com/vintage/hca1206.php

At continuous 135wpc to all channels and that's a lot more power than your AVR can muster...it might do 80wpc all channels driven.
Or ridge the channels for 350wpc for the A9's, still have two more at 135wpc for the center and a spare

There are three 1206's on eBay right now.

HDTVAV

Thanks to everyone for all of the suggestions!

Unfortunately, almost all of them are discontinued...

And to be fair I really like the look of the Halo amps - the other series from Parasound - I don't really care for...:(

Any other ideas for amps - not necessarily Parasound?

Yes, I would like at least 200 W/Channel - and around $1,000...lol:)

Thanks!

hochpt21

A used B&K reference 5 or 7 channel amp would do well for you in your price range.

Inspector 24

I take it you want to buy new then?

Do you want to enjoy listening to or looking at an amp?

If both plan to compromise either power or price.

Or buy Emotiva. They're nifty looking, the compromise is sound quality from what I hear, though I have no personal experience.

HDTVAV

Inspector 24 wrote: »

I take it you want to buy new then?

Do you want to enjoy listening to or looking at an amp?

If both plan to compromise either power or price.

Or buy Emotiva. They're nifty looking, the compromise is sound quality from what I hear, though I have no personal experience.

Both! lol...

Of course I am interested in looks - that is one of the reasons I am interested in the RTi A9!

If I wasn't - I would be looking at the Paradigm Monitor series!

drummer86

Plan on watching movies with the lights on? :-)

HDTVAV

drummer86 wrote: »

Plan on watching movies with the lights on? :-)

LOL, no... but I do like listening to music with the lights on - most of the time

And any other time of day I have to see them even while not in use...

Inspector 24

Agree 1,000%

I would never have the level of gear I have if it weren't for buying second hand.

Looks? It's dark, I close my eyes, and all my stuff sits in a ventilated cabinet on rollers. Though I do understand the desire for something that looks good, WAF may be an issue, and he may not have a space where a bunch of big black boxes will go unnoticed. Just means a compromise is in order.

Although when it comes to a9's I'd highly recommend that power is not compromised. In my experience more power helps even at lower volumes, a lot more than I ever thought it would.

FastGame

Inspector 24 wrote: »

Although when it comes to a9's I'd highly recommend that power is not compromised. In my experience more power helps even at lower volumes, a lot more than I ever thought it would.

Not an expert so I don't understand this....doesn't power and volume go hand in hand ? If I were to listen at low volume and lets say this took 30 watts to achieve the volume from said speakers, what part of the extra power from the amp comes into play ?

Thanks

ZLTFUL

Unfortunately, it isn't that black and white.
Maybe 75% of all average listening is done in the sub-5 watt range.
But having more overhead allows those dynamic peaks or spikes if you will to have all the power they need.
Your amp isn't going to be putting out a constant 30 watts. It is going to fluctuate. Not only that, but the impedance of the speaker you are connected to is going to change based on what notes are playing. Bass requires more power and causes dips in impedance while high end requires drastically less power to achieve the same volume while impedance on the high end fluctuates little at a given volume.

This is the reason why you hear so many people say, "With this new amp, the highs sound the same but the mids and lows are like I got new speakers." Suddenly, the speakers have the power they need for those dynamic swings in power demands.

tonyb

FastGame wrote: »

Not an expert so I don't understand this....doesn't power and volume go hand in hand ? If I were to listen at low volume and lets say this took 30 watts to achieve the volume from said speakers, what part of the extra power from the amp comes into play ?

Thanks

If that question means can you play louder with more power, then the answer is not really. You need to basically double your power to gain 3db's of volume, which isn't a lot. People don't add amps to gain volume, it's to gain dynamics, a clarity to the sound. Think of it like the old hose analogy. Your common water hose with your thumb over the end restricting the flow of water. An amp helps remove the thumb.

Now, with an amp your benefits may also be a cleaner sound on top enabling you to play a touch louder, but don't be fooled, the dangers of higher volumes still come into play.

If your the type that likes ear splitting volumes, the kind you hear front row at a concert, then PA speakers are more suited for you than home audio speakers.

HDTVAV

OK... I really am beginning to like this set-up...

Yamaha pre/pro CX-A5000 and the Yamaha 11.2 150 Watt/Channel amp MX_5000A...

What exactly is bi-amping?

Does that mean that I can take 2 of the 11 amps and connect them to make 300 Watts/Channel - for each other the 2 front speakers...?

drummer86

FastGame wrote: »

Not an expert so I don't understand this....doesn't power and volume go hand in hand ? If I were to listen at low volume and lets say this took 30 watts to achieve the volume from said speakers, what part of the extra power from the amp comes into play ?

Thanks

Headroom is the name of the game. Even if you never use more than 100 watts/channel I'd rather have a 200wpc amp only cranking out 100 watts than a 100wpc amp going full throttle.

HDTVAV

drummer86 wrote: »

Headroom is the name of the game. Even if you never use more than 100 watts/channel I'd rather have a 200wpc amp only cranking out 100 watts than a 100wpc amp going full throttle.

How about 165 wpc...?

cfrizz

If you are going to only limit yourself to new gear, then your choices are going to be very limited. However, if keep an eye out on www.audiogon.com you will get a lot more for your money. Take your time, continue to save for something. Oh and yes get over the looks of the amp and focus on the power, clarity, and headroom that you will get. Looks aren't that important, performance is everything.

HDTVAV

cfrizz wrote: »

Oh and yes get over the looks of the amp and focus on the power, clarity, and headroom that you will get. Looks aren't that important, performance is everything.

To you...

But to me, it matters:)

I really like the looks - and power, clarity, and headroom - of the Parasound Halo...

cfrizz

So get the Halo.

HDTVAV

cfrizz wrote: »

So get the Halo.

I'm looking at it!

Inspector 24

My frugal side cringes when you say you want the Halo ONLY because of it's looks.

FWIW, when I've had discussions with the Parasound guys at CES about upgrading from the HCA-2003 to the A31 to the Halo series, they weren't sure I would hear much of a difference as they are very very similar inside, and gushed about how good the 'old' Parasound amps are, not taking anything away from the Halo series, they are a tick better, but the only tick you may notice is the looks. :razz:

Even comparing the HCA-3500 to the JC1's they said there would be a difference, but not sure it would be a difference that would justify the expense.

In any case, you will end up with some fantastic sound, and in the end if you get that, and you're happy with your purchase, that's all that matters.

Now go buy an A21.

tonyb

The older HCA series is a steal. The quality of the sound they produce, at the used prices they go for....no brainers in my book for anyone looking to add amplification on the cheap. Those and B&k amps, should be on everyones short list. Especially those looking to dive into external amplification for the first time.