Preamp For Parasound HCA-1000A

skrol

I am presently using a Parasound C/PT-600 preamp / tuner which is working very well. I re-cap'd it last year with Nichicon FG and Muse. It is a nice little preamp for what it is. However, as I have ventured down the rabbit hole, I am considering an upgrade. I would be using it with an HCA-1000A so the natural thought would be for a Parasound pre-amp but it doesn't have to be. My budget is tight, we will say less than $300. Used is good.

I am considering the: P/FET-900II, PHP-850, PLD-1100, PLD-1500, PLD-2000, New Classic 2100 or P3. I realize that newer or higher number does not always mean better. Any opinions on these would be appreciated.

Would Adcom or Carver work well with the Parasound amp?

Thanks
Stan

steveinaz

I owned and really respected the PHP-850 given it's price. I'd just do a new classic 2100.

oldrocker

I use a 2100 pre with a 2250. I only have one thing I'm not staisfied on the 2100.
No indicator light on the volume dial, other than that, I'm quite happy with both units. I did put a tiny piece of reflective tape on the dial which works good enough for me.

deronb1

Parasound PL/D 1100 line drive pre. Great sound with an excellent phono stage. Remote control with 12v trigger out.

tratliff

I had a P3 in my system for about 18 months. Liked everything about it except for the digital volume. Sounded really nice.

You might be able to pick one up within your budget but you will have to find the right deal.

skrol

Thanks. I'll keep a look out for a good deal on any of those.

skrol

I finally upgraded my preamp to a P/LD-1100 in excellent condition, complete with remote. This thing looks like it was hardly ever used and the remote still has the protective film. As I listen, it seems to sound better and better. I spun Peter Gabriel's "Up" CD and felt right there in the music.

tonyb

skrol wrote: »

I finally upgraded my preamp to a P/LD-1100 in excellent condition, complete with remote. This thing looks like it was hardly ever used and the remote still has the protective film. As I listen, it seems to sound better and better. I spun Peter Gabriel's "Up" CD and felt right there in the music.

Congrats man, the 1100 is a great pre, punches well above it's price point.

deronb1

It is a wonderful sounding pre. Ran one with a 1500a for a while. Couldnt stand the gain past 3

steveinaz

Very nice choice, could very well be the only pre you ever need.

voltz

Congrats Stan! as you spend more time with it let us know how it sounds

skrol

At first, the sound was kind of constrained, however, I feel like this thing is opening up more and more as I use it. Other than a small scratch on top, it looks brand new. I can't believe it would be broken in previously but that how it sounds.

The combo works better with the LSi15's in that the bass seems to blend a little better with the rest of the speaker. If this is Parasound Cool-Aid, I like it!

soundfreak1

I've owned several parasound amps and never liked the sdcom pre's with them (several of them) the parasound tends to be on the warm side and with the adcom's they were boomy and rather tinny on the high end, at least the 500 and 600 series. The darad tube pre was fantastin with the parasounds untill i ran into the perreaux ( thanks Moose) best pre I've heard on my system to date. But the dared had synergy with the parasound that was hard to beat at the price point.

leftwinger57

I know it's a little late but I found this comparative review between a Wright tube pre and your PLD/1100. If I had the cash the $40 Dynaco Pat-4 I have would go and the Parasound PLD/1100 would be in my rack, sounds like a great deal w/ motorized remote and all.

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_7_2/wright-parasound-preamps-5-2000.html