First impressions on Parasound HCA-1205A AMP
lonwa
Posts: 83
Well, got the used 1205A amp all plugged in Sunday night.
I let it sit powered on over night without playing any music, and man that thing gets hot. I have been told that's normal, as long as you can't cook on it.
I did several tests last night of stereo only material (my pre amp has a 5 channel stereo mode, but I wanted to keep the tests standard for now). I did notice the sound stage was much more open, and the lows were more defined (not boomy). The highs did not change much for me so far, but I did notice the volume is a little louder when set at the same DB as my receiver (Denon AVR-2801, which I am comparing it to - The Denon is the Pre-Amp for my new AMP). Female vocals did sound clearer, and less sharp.
I am using new DIY interconnects so I need to burn them in for a while, but right out of the gates, I am already liking the 1205A better than the 90 watts X 5 from the Denon. My guess is it will get even better as the cables finish the break in period.
I am going to test out 5 channel DD/DTS tonight to see how it handles movies, and the 5 channel stereo mode of my Pre - Amp.
I will keep you guys posted.
Lonwa
I let it sit powered on over night without playing any music, and man that thing gets hot. I have been told that's normal, as long as you can't cook on it.
I did several tests last night of stereo only material (my pre amp has a 5 channel stereo mode, but I wanted to keep the tests standard for now). I did notice the sound stage was much more open, and the lows were more defined (not boomy). The highs did not change much for me so far, but I did notice the volume is a little louder when set at the same DB as my receiver (Denon AVR-2801, which I am comparing it to - The Denon is the Pre-Amp for my new AMP). Female vocals did sound clearer, and less sharp.
I am using new DIY interconnects so I need to burn them in for a while, but right out of the gates, I am already liking the 1205A better than the 90 watts X 5 from the Denon. My guess is it will get even better as the cables finish the break in period.
I am going to test out 5 channel DD/DTS tonight to see how it handles movies, and the 5 channel stereo mode of my Pre - Amp.
I will keep you guys posted.
Lonwa
Sometimes good command decisions get compromised by bad emotional responses."
Post edited by lonwa on
Comments
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sounds good, i've never heard a parasound myself, but i hear nothing but good things, congrats and have fun.Living Room 2 Channel -
Schiit SYS Passive Pre. Jolida CD player. Songbird streamer. California Audio Labs Sigma II DAC, DIY 300as1/a1 Ice modules Class D amp. LSi15 with MM842 woofer upgrade, Nordost Blue Heaven and Unity interconnects.
Upstairs 2 Channel Rig -
Prometheus Ref. TVC passive pre, SAE A-205 Amp, Wiim pro streamer and Topping E50 DAC, California Audio Labs DX1 CD player, Von Schweikert VR3.5 speakers.
Studio Rig - Scarlett 18i20(Gen3) DAW, Mac Mini, Aiyma A07 Max (BridgedX2), Totem Mites -
My HCA-2200 pushes my SDA's to insane (+100dB's) levels without so much as breaking a sweat or letting the music get out of control either. Unfotunately, I can't say the same for a HCA-1000A.
It started to indicate clipping at a mere 80-85dB's. (like 1W of output! :eek: )
This is my experience only, but if you go Parasound, get the biggest you can afford.
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