WTB: Parasound HCA-1500a

disneyjoe7 · February 2005

Is anyone interested in selling one? Or what is a good price for one?

pjdami · February 2005

Last one on eBay sold for $770 which seems a bit high. $500 to $600 I have seen on Audiogon. There is one there if no one here offers.

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1112934914

But the guy has 1 neg. feedback.

There is also a Halo A23 from a vendor (Toy's from the Attic).

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1113336611

That Halo amp has won many awards.

dorokusai · February 2005

I agree, $700 is high. I wouldn't pay over $550 for a MINT HCA-1500.

The Halo series is very nice and more robust than the power figures may lead you to believe. The A23 would be an excellent alternative....less power overall, but it's still a solid performer.

disneyjoe7 · February 2005

Ya that is what I'm looking at good price? List is $995 new small dent, worth $525 shipped?

I also was thinking about the HCA-3500 but I like the "A" version because of my wife likes it simple one button on / off.

disneyjoe7 · February 2005

I looked at the Halo A23 vs the HCA-1500a but the noise seem better on the A23 but the power seems better on the HCA-1500a.

Doro,

Your input since you own a Parasound proto type?

dorokusai · February 2005

New from an Authorized dealer? Where's the dent? If it's not on the faceplate, and authorized....definetly. I say faceplate because at some point you may have to unload it, who knows why, but you'd be suprised how many people want 9/10 gear.

The power IS better on the HCA-1500, the HALO steps up the component level in contrast to the power level.

Aesthetically they are night and day.

I've owned a couple 1500's, and demo'd everything 2CH wise from that company. The HCA-3500 is a BEAST, and if you pick one of those up, you're pretty much done in the amplification category. The only thing a monster like that needs is some tubes from a nice pre-amp.

Ceruleance · February 2005

My 3500 is great, but it does add two more power switches to my setup. If you ever get the opportunity to audtion the A23 vs. the 1500 I would be interested to hear how the new halo line compares. It would probably need to be double blind, I know i wouldn't trust my own ears with that aluminum fascia and blue led glow

(not that JC1's are in my financial horizon anytime soon anyways.. )

disneyjoe7 · February 2005

As for as the HCA-3500 it's off my list, unless there's a way they can be switched on auto.

Is there a device that those this looks for a load on a plug turns on other plugs? It's the only way something like that could live in my house. Other then that it's Bridged Mono mode for newer smaller amps.

scornful · February 2005

Originally posted by disneyjoe7
As for as the HCA-3500 it's off my list, unless there's a way they can be switched on auto.

Is there a device that those this looks for a load on a plug turns on other plugs? It's the only way something like that could live in my house. Other then that it's Bridged Mono mode for newer smaller amps.

If you're handy at all, wire up one (or more) 12VDC relay thats rated at 120VAC 20A. That would do the trick. A purist would likely hate the relay in line with the power. Relays can be a bit noisy at times.

If not, there are "power strips" out there that will switch via 12VDC. Couldnt name any off the top of my head, but I looked into it for switching my entire rack on/off through the receiver.

pjdami · February 2005

Couldnt name any off the top of my head

Panamax and Monster make powercenters that have delayed turn on outlets for stuff like amps. I'm sure there are others.

Paul

disneyjoe7 · February 2005

Originally posted by pjdami
Panamax and Monster make powercenters that have delayed turn on outlets for stuff like amps. I'm sure there are others.

Paul

Those these work off the load sense of another outlet, or does these work off the 12vac input?

pjdami · February 2005

Depends Joe. You just need to research up on them. Some use 12V "triggers" from your preamp or receiver to turn on your amp. Or you can plug the amp into the "switched" outlet with the time delay. Then when you turn on the powercenter it turns on the amp a few seconds later. Lots of options here with these gears. They can pretty much do whatever you want as long as that particular model supports it.

Take a look at your budget and what's out there and then post your thoughts and we can help out more.

pjdami · February 2005

Joe,

See pages 4 and 5 for examples from Panamax.

http://www.panamax.com/pdf/INS5100B.pdf

disneyjoe7 · February 2005

Originally posted by pjdami
Joe,

See pages 4 and 5 for examples from Panamax.

http://www.panamax.com/pdf/INS5100B.pdf

Thanks,

Got it

disneyjoe7 · February 2005

Originally posted by dorokusai

I've owned a couple 1500's, and demo'd everything 2CH wise from that company. The HCA-3500 is a BEAST, and if you pick one of those up, you're pretty much done in the amplification category. The only thing a monster like that needs is some tubes from a nice pre-amp.

Doro,

I thinking about bridge mono'ing some 1500's vs. the 3500 have you ever compared these together?

Steve

dorokusai · February 2005

AA is running the A23(DEMOS) out @ $499 with free shipping....that's a very nice deal. I'd grab two and bridge your **** off. Full factory warranty applies.

EDIT: The link shows the price without the instant savings coupon applied, WN215178. This gets adjusted @ checkout.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/store/productdetail.asp?sku=DMPARHA23&loc=5

I have not listened to a pair of bridged, HCA-1500 vs an HCA-3500. I wouldn't expect a tremendous difference sonically, but would give the edge to the HCA-1500's.

pjdami · February 2005

I'm ALL over it. Another "impulse" purchase. That is a killer deal w/ warranty for a nice amp. Thanks Doro.

Well, well, just got the email w/ coupon code from AA. Must be a time delay down here to the swamps of Louisiana!

Paul

scornful · February 2005

How did you guys get on the email list? I've drueled over the Parasounds but they a a little bit out of my price range if new. A coupon might make my wallet a little happier

Thx

dorokusai · February 2005

Paul - I get far more enjoyment out of money being spent on quality product, and that is a fine choice. Let me know how you like it. Emlyn(Polkie) owns an A23 currently, perhaps he will drop by and offer some comments. I will guess that he's very happy beings he later purchased an A51

I'm pretty sure he picked an A51 up....

Scornful - It's from a previous order w/ AA, you get automatically signed up. Here is the link for non-orders...they have excellent deals from time to time, and this is one of them.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/newsletter.asp

disneyjoe7 · February 2005

Mark,

I got one A23, I tried to get 2 but only 1 left

Not quick enough

Thank you

Steve

scornful · February 2005

Thanks Doro

dorokusai · February 2005

PJ - It's that swamp air man, don't you know it affects the internet!

Scornful - NP

DJ - Online or voice? If it was online, call them and find out for sure. I am sure one will be ok for now

PJ goes through enough gear, you may be working with him in the future

disneyjoe7 · February 2005

Originally posted by dorokusai

DJ - Online or voice? If it was online, call them and find out for sure. I am sure one will be ok for now

Doro,

I did it over Online, I just tried to call them but they are closed right now. I will call them tomorrow to check again.

Steve

BTW I just see the inside of the amp its beautiful, I also see the inside of the HCA-1500a it ok. So I believe I brought the right one.

Thanks

dorokusai · February 2005

Parasound Halo - BMW M Series
Parasound Classic - BMW 3 Series

disneyjoe7 · February 2005

Originally posted by dorokusai
Parasound Halo - BMW M Series
Parasound Classic - BMW 3 Series

I don't know, I almost brought a BWM 330 I almost got a woody. I then brought an Acura TL-S I still have a woody.

dorokusai · February 2005

Your woody scares me. Do I have to put a "collar" on you when Polkfest happens?

I hear you, as it should be 330i as a starting point for Bimmer respect in my book. I'm an Audi man...but sure would like to get my redneck back.

pjdami · February 2005

DJ,
I just happened to be home today because I'm working nights. I have been somewhat looking for a sand amp for my Monitor 10s for a bedroom rig.

So when I saw the deal I jumped on it because at that price I just knew they weren't going to last and it seemed like you were still undecided on what you were going to do.

I'm relieved that you at least got one but feel slightly guilty IF I got the second one that you may have been able to purchase. At least we have kept a pair in the Polk family here .

disneyjoe7 · February 2005

Originally posted by pjdami
DJ,
I just happened to be home today because I'm working nights. I have been somewhat looking for a sand amp for my Monitor 10s for a bedroom rig.

I looking to upgrade my 2 channel music. So when I get 2 of these I will bridge mono them for 400w each.

disneyjoe7 · February 2005

Originally posted by dorokusai
Your woody scares me. Do I have to put a "collar" on you when Polkfest happens?

I don't know....

I might like that

WTB: Parasound HCA-1500a

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