Need Parasound Amp Recommendation

mufsoman

just about to pull the trigger on a Parasound 2250 amp to power my Rti12's (my Rotel will be used for center and surrounds), but just recently saw a Parasound 2200II available. The specs on the 2200II appear to be much better than the 2250, but yet I know the 2250 is the newer amp.

2200II:
* 250 w/ch
* THX
* 50 amps continuous, 90 amps peak
* 2hz - 95hz
* Distortion < .009

2250:
* 250 w/ch
* THX Ultra2
* 45 amps peak
* 20hz - 50hz
* Distortion .015

The 2200II has more power, bigger frequency range and less distortion, but several generations removed from the 2250. The 2250 has THX Ultra2 certification and a 12v trigger, which is preferred.

Thoughts? What's going to sound better with my Rti12's? How important are the specs that appear to favor the 2200II?

drummer86

Those 2200's are positively enormous. IIRC the replacement to them was the HCA-3500. As far as sound quality, I've never heard one but I can't imagine them not being fantastic considering they were at the top of a solid lineup.

pitdogg2

they may indeed look similar but look at peak amps 2200II 50amps continuous 90amps peak vs. 45 amps peak current 2250... I'd go 2200II all day with that info...

falconcry72

I have a 2200ii. It is a beast. I haven't heard the 2250, but I agree with pit's assessment of the current delivering capabilities.

My 2200ii sounds awesome. It has competed very admirably against the likes of more expensive amps...

AsSiMiLaTeD

There's nothing really wrong with the New Classic line from Parasound but it wouldn't be my first choice. The older HCA line was higher end and IMO the current HALO line is the more appropriate replacement for that older HCA line. The New Classic amps are fine and well worth the asking price, but given a choice between the two assuming both are in good condition I'd opt for the 2200.

mufsoman

Also looking at a Parasound 1200MKII & 1500A, neither has specs as impressive as the 2200II. The 1500 appears to be a newer version of the 1200MKII. The 1500 at least has 12v trigger.

1200mkII & 1500A:
* 205 w/ch
* THX
* 60 amps peak
* 5hz - 100hz
* Distortion < .01

Lack of bass has been a consistent issue with my Rti12's. I have started several previous threads regarding this. So looking to potentially increase the amps vs. the Rotel, which doesn't list amp in their specs, to get better bass response.

Don't want to invest in an old piece of equipment that's going to need a bunch of rehab work either....

Any further recommendations?

steveinaz

I have owned my HCA-1500 for 11 yrs now, and have no intention of replacing it.

drumiv

I've got 2 2200II's. Once they've been recapped/upgraded, they are hard to beat. Even without any work. They sell like hotcakes, so if you don't like it, you'll have NO PROBLEM reselling. I use mine for high/low freq. on my SRS's, and do they ever sing.

mufsoman

This may be a dumb question, but which amp has more power; 250 w/ch with 45 amps peak OR 205 w/ch with 60 amps peak???

hochpt21

That is a very good question, and one I am hoping more knowledgeable parties chime in on.

I have always thought current was more important if the wattage was close, but that may be incorrect.

drummer86

Considering the 2250 is a newer amp my guess would be that they found a way to make the wattage rating appear more... favorable. As hochpt said, I always thought current was a better indicator of real power capabilities.

Inspector 24

Go for more current, that's what I was always told, it equals more headroom. Everybody needs moar headroom.

I'd go for the 2200 as well. I've had four Parasound HCA amps, currently sitting on two, and love every one of them.

jhracer3

12V trigger is a big deal for me, makes the whole system work just a little bit smoother together.

its not like you need anywhere near the power of either of those for those Rti's, I would just pick up the one with the better features.

tonyb

pitdogg2 wrote: »

they may indeed look similar but look at peak amps 2200II 50amps continuous 90amps peak vs. 45 amps peak current 2250... I'd go 2200II all day with that info...

Same here, wouldn't think twice about it either.