Parasound 2250 hum

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Comments

  • NewHTguy
    NewHTguy Posts: 584
    edited April 2009
    cfrizz wrote: »
    Did you at least TRY getting a cheater plug to see if that solved your problem before you go spending a lot more money?

    Try the easy stuff first before trying to create rocket science.

    Cfrizz,
    This is my first amp and must admit that I do not know exactly what a cheater plug does and your suggestion went over my head (for me it is all rocket science). But it *seemed* as if your suggestion was based on initially not realizing that is is a "mechanical" hum that exists even if nothing is attached. So I did not try your quick fix. Please note that I did switch the ground loop on the back with no improvement. If you think that a cheater plug will help with a mechanical hum, then can you send me a link so I know what to buy.
    Thanks!
    MAIN: Polk Lsi9s; Polk PSW505; Lsic (in box); Onkyo SR-875; Parasound 2250; Cambridge Audio 740C; LG BD370
    OFFICE: Polk Lsi7; REL T3; HK 3490; CA 840W; Onkyo C-S5VL
    BENCHED: CS20; OWM3s
  • NewHTguy
    NewHTguy Posts: 584
    edited April 2009
    Terra S wrote: »
    NewHTguy, I'd like to know how you like the amp sound-wise? Also, you got a very good deal, open box 2250's are now $800 on AA. My only dilemma is a Parasound 2250 or an Emotiva XPA-2. I can't find any good comparisons online. But I agree with you about buying used, its always a gamble. I always question why the person is selling when they usually describe it so wonderfully. If it's so wonderful, why get rid of it then?

    This is my first amp, so I cannot give you a comparison. I can only tell you that it yielded an improvement with my Rti 10s (over just an Onk 875).

    One nice feature with "open box" units is you get the security of a warranty along with much of the discount of a used item. For me, it is a nice compromise. I'm new to all this so every purchase is a gamble. I never know if I am going to like what I buy or when upgraditis will strike again.

    Btw, I can tell you that both my Parasound 2250 amp and my Cambridge Audio 740C ( a "factory refreshed" CDP) looked new to me. When I purchased my CDP from AA, they were selling on Audiogon for about the same price "new in sealed box." But they were not authorized dealers. I'd rather have the warranty even if that means someone else had a chance to play with it.

    Heck, my Lsi 25s are "refurbs" from Polk Direct. They look new to me. Sometimes companies have excess inventory and are willing to sell a few for less, but they don't want to the whole world a discount.
    MAIN: Polk Lsi9s; Polk PSW505; Lsic (in box); Onkyo SR-875; Parasound 2250; Cambridge Audio 740C; LG BD370
    OFFICE: Polk Lsi7; REL T3; HK 3490; CA 840W; Onkyo C-S5VL
    BENCHED: CS20; OWM3s
  • Terra S
    Terra S Posts: 74
    edited April 2009
    I certainly see your point with "open box" being close to used prices but with the piece of mind of a warranty. I'd like to know how long ago you bought it because they're $796.66 right now. And like I said, that's the same price as the XPA-2 brand new. I really wish I could read about which of those tow amps, the 2250 or the XPA-2, would be the better buy. Perhaps they're quite equal though (both 250 wpc). I personally like the looks of the Parasound over the XPA-2. If I could get the 2250 at the price you paid ($700) I think that would sway me. Of course brand new factory sealed 2250's are priced at $1350, almost double the price of the XPA-2. Perhaps that should tell me something as to which amp is the better buy?
  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,872
    edited April 2009
    NewHTguy wrote: »
    If you think that a cheater plug will help with a mechanical hum,
    As mentioned in my previous post,the ground lift switch achieves the same thing as the cheater plug without disconnecting the chassis from the safety ground.This will only help with ground loops,not mechanical hum.
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  • Terra S
    Terra S Posts: 74
    edited April 2009
    Does the presence of a ground loop (hum through the speakers) indicate something with the interconnects or speaker wire is faulty? Could it indicate that there is a problem with the electrical outlet the equipment is plugged into?
  • megasat16
    megasat16 Posts: 3,521
    edited April 2009
    Terra S wrote: »
    Does the presence of a ground loop (hum through the speakers) indicate something with the interconnects or speaker wire is faulty? Could it indicate that there is a problem with the electrical outlet the equipment is plugged into?

    Ground loop hums does not an mean a definite indication of a failed I/C but Ground loop can occurs with some I/C which has termination on both ends of the shielding.

    I've never heard or ground loops to be associated with speaker wires.

    You can't rule out hearing Ground loop hums only is not a definite problem with AC outlets or the equipments plugging in. There are certain steps you need to do to rule out if there is an equipment failure or simply Ground loop problem.

    The easiest way being said here is to use the cheater plug. If it goes away using cheater plug, it's only Ground loop hums and no need to concern about bad I/C or bad equipments.
    Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin:
  • megasat16
    megasat16 Posts: 3,521
    edited April 2009
    Terra S wrote: »
    I certainly see your point with "open box" being close to used prices but with the piece of mind of a warranty. I'd like to know how long ago you bought it because they're $796.66 right now. And like I said, that's the same price as the XPA-2 brand new. I really wish I could read about which of those tow amps, the 2250 or the XPA-2, would be the better buy. Perhaps they're quite equal though (both 250 wpc). I personally like the looks of the Parasound over the XPA-2. If I could get the 2250 at the price you paid ($700) I think that would sway me. Of course brand new factory sealed 2250's are priced at $1350, almost double the price of the XPA-2. Perhaps that should tell me something as to which amp is the better buy?

    If I or anyone tells you Parasound HCA-2250 is a better choice, the EMOTIVA fan boys (owners) may possibly think it's biased.

    So, try this - setup a Poll in the club and ask the majority of the forum members here what they think. You get the idea.
    Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin:
  • Terra S
    Terra S Posts: 74
    edited April 2009
    Thanks for the suggestion. I also didn't mean to hijack OP's thread. I think I'll just quietly do my own research though. I'm sure a poll would get some interesting replies but I'm not sure I'm established enough in here to initiate one.
  • NewHTguy
    NewHTguy Posts: 584
    edited April 2009
    Terra S wrote: »
    I certainly see your point with "open box" being close to used prices but with the piece of mind of a warranty. I'd like to know how long ago you bought it because they're $796.66 right now. And like I said, that's the same price as the XPA-2 brand new. I really wish I could read about which of those tow amps, the 2250 or the XPA-2, would be the better buy. Perhaps they're quite equal though (both 250 wpc). I personally like the looks of the Parasound over the XPA-2. If I could get the 2250 at the price you paid ($700) I think that would sway me. Of course brand new factory sealed 2250's are priced at $1350, almost double the price of the XPA-2. Perhaps that should tell me something as to which amp is the better buy?

    I bought my amp late Dec 08.

    I can tell you that the "open box," "demo" etc prices at AA seem to fluctuate. I was eyeing my CDP at $750 and then it dropped to $700. Then it went back up to $750. If you're not in a rush, just keep your eye on them and pull the trigger when you see a drop. BUT make sure you actually click on the item that interests you. For some strange reason, they often list even lower prices on the main item page. Case in point:
    http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=2PAC5250
    That is a pretty good deal by the way!
    MAIN: Polk Lsi9s; Polk PSW505; Lsic (in box); Onkyo SR-875; Parasound 2250; Cambridge Audio 740C; LG BD370
    OFFICE: Polk Lsi7; REL T3; HK 3490; CA 840W; Onkyo C-S5VL
    BENCHED: CS20; OWM3s
  • NewHTguy
    NewHTguy Posts: 584
    edited April 2009
    GV#27 wrote: »
    As mentioned in my previous post,the ground lift switch achieves the same thing as the cheater plug without disconnecting the chassis from the safety ground.This will only help with ground loops,not mechanical hum.

    GV, yes, I saw your comment but wanted to give Cfrizz a chance to state a different opinion.
    MAIN: Polk Lsi9s; Polk PSW505; Lsic (in box); Onkyo SR-875; Parasound 2250; Cambridge Audio 740C; LG BD370
    OFFICE: Polk Lsi7; REL T3; HK 3490; CA 840W; Onkyo C-S5VL
    BENCHED: CS20; OWM3s
  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,872
    edited April 2009
    NewHTguy wrote: »
    GV, yes, I saw your comment but wanted to give Cfrizz a chance to state a different opinion.
    Ah ok .
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