Parasound HCA-2205A or B&K 7250

jolax73
jolax73 Posts: 225
edited October 2009 in Electronics
I am looking to buy a multichannel amp to drive my LSi7, LSiC and LsiFX for 5.1 setup. Between the two, which amp is a better pair for the Lsi speakers?
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  • SKsolutions
    SKsolutions Posts: 1,820
    edited October 2009
    I don't think you'd have a problem with either, although I've never had the particular models, but have had both brands in the mix at one point. I'd go with whichever one I could find a better deal on, and am leaning B&K if pushed to make a choice.
    -Ignorance is strength -
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  • disneyjoe7
    disneyjoe7 Posts: 11,435
    edited October 2009
    I think either would be ok also, but I would be a little pushed to leaning on a Parasound amp. I use Halo / Parasound amps, and I used a small B&K amp I like the Halo amp better.

    Speakers
    Carver Amazing Fronts
    CS400i Center
    RT800i's Rears
    Sub Paradigm Servo 15

    Electronics
    Conrad Johnson PV-5 pre-amp
    Parasound Halo A23
    Pioneer 84TXSi AVR
    Pioneer 79Avi DVD
    Sony CX400 CD changer
    Panasonic 42-PX60U Plasma
    WMC Win7 32bit HD DVR


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  • jolax73
    jolax73 Posts: 225
    edited October 2009
    Thanks for your comments to both of you. Sounds like these two brand are a tier. However, after reading a lot of forums, it does sound that B&K has more vote as being the most well rounded amp in terms of musicality, durability and overall sound quality. I am just having a hard time trying to find a mint used condition. Not too many are being sold out there. There is one guy in Polk forum that is selling his but he is hard to reach. Anyway, thanks again but if anyone is willing to share their experience with these two amps with their Lsi speakers, do not hesitate to chime in. I am really looking to hear more experience before I finally decide which amp to get. I also read that Rotel 1075 is pretty good too and comparable to this B&K 7250.
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  • TG Meat
    TG Meat Posts: 159
    edited October 2009
    I have both both B&K and Parasound Halo in my set up now. I like the Parasound better, but the B&K is a very nice amp, tons of power with a good sound. I would describe the Parasound as a sweeter sound, maybe more refined and musical. Good luck with your choice....I think you cant go wrong with either. Both are a huge step up from intergrated amps in my opinion.
    Anthem D2v
    NAD M50 Music Server
    B & K Reference 200.5
    Parasound A21
    B & W 804 (Mains)
    B & W HTM1 (Center)
    Polk Rti4 (Surrounds)
    PS3
    Seaton Submersive HP
    Pioneer PDP 6010FD Kuro
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  • jolax73
    jolax73 Posts: 225
    edited October 2009
    TG Meat wrote: »
    I have both both B&K and Parasound Halo in my set up now. I like the Parasound better, but the B&K is a very nice amp, tons of power with a good sound. I would describe the Parasound as a sweeter sound, maybe more refined and musical. Good luck with your choice....I think you cant go wrong with either. Both are a huge step up from intergrated amps in my opinion.

    TG,
    So you think even the power is less in Parasound 2205, you still think it has better sound? With 75 watts difference at 4 ohms, will that make a big difference in sonic output?
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  • jolax73
    jolax73 Posts: 225
    edited October 2009
    disneyjoe7 wrote: »
    I think either would be ok also, but I would be a little pushed to leaning on a Parasound amp. I use Halo / Parasound amps, and I used a small B&K amp I like the Halo amp better.

    Disneyjoe,
    But the Parasound that I am interested at is not the Halo model, right? It is the classic series. Do you think it is still better though than the B&K Reference 7250?
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  • megasat16
    megasat16 Posts: 3,521
    edited October 2009
    jolax73 wrote: »
    Disneyjoe,
    But the Parasound that I am interested at is not the Halo model, right? It is the classic series. Do you think it is still better though than the B&K Reference 7250?

    Halo or not, HCA2205A is a great amp! I have 3 units that is hauling HT duty for me with all LSi speakers. I can't comment on the B&K 7250 amp but no doubt it is a great amp as RT1 said. Flip your coin and choose but you can't be wrong with either one.
    Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin:
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  • disneyjoe7
    disneyjoe7 Posts: 11,435
    edited October 2009
    megasat16 wrote: »
    Halo or not, HCA2205A is a great amp! I have 3 units that is hauling HT duty for me with all LSi speakers. I can't comment on the B&K 7250 amp but no doubt it is a great amp as RT1 said. Flip your coin and choose but you can't be wrong with either one.



    Agree either way you're ok. But I would still be leaning on the Parasound amp :D

    Speakers
    Carver Amazing Fronts
    CS400i Center
    RT800i's Rears
    Sub Paradigm Servo 15

    Electronics
    Conrad Johnson PV-5 pre-amp
    Parasound Halo A23
    Pioneer 84TXSi AVR
    Pioneer 79Avi DVD
    Sony CX400 CD changer
    Panasonic 42-PX60U Plasma
    WMC Win7 32bit HD DVR


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  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited October 2009
    B&K amp are very Good, I would pick the 7250.
    You cant go wrong with either amp.
    Linn AV5140 fronts
    Linn AV5120 Center
    Linn AV5140 Rears
    M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
    Odyssey Mono-Blocs
    SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,932
    edited October 2009
    +1 for the Parasound.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2800 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon MiND2 Shunyata Triton

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson

    How many flies need to be buzzing a dead horse before you guys stop beating it?
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  • BrettT1
    BrettT1 Posts: 560
    edited October 2009
    Parasound
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,576
    edited October 2009
    I'd buy whichever one I could get the better deal on.....win/win.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • Monster Jam
    Monster Jam Posts: 919
    edited October 2009
    Looks like this race is a lock. When its time for me to finally break the bank and go separate amp, it will be Parasound.
    Do you hear that buzzing noise? :confused:
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  • jolax73
    jolax73 Posts: 225
    edited October 2009
    Yeah, it does seem like it is a tie here. I was just trying to weigh on the fact that these amps are quite old but hopefully will get one that has the less usage, coz I worry it is gonna give me problem down the road. I know these are reference series but I just want to be on the safe side.

    Based on the responses I get here, looks like I may go with Parasound but cosmetic appearance, I like B&K 7250 better. Looks more classic and cool. Parasound looks more like a tank to me.
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited October 2009
    Another vote for Parasound. The LSI's are not an overly bright speaker. If you had the older RTI's, or something too bright the B&K might be a little more forgiving.
    Ben
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • jolax73
    jolax73 Posts: 225
    edited October 2009
    megasat16 wrote: »
    Halo or not, HCA2205A is a great amp! I have 3 units that is hauling HT duty for me with all LSi speakers. I can't comment on the B&K 7250 amp but no doubt it is a great amp as RT1 said. Flip your coin and choose but you can't be wrong with either one.

    Megasat.
    Did you buy your Parasound brand new or used? Any hissing or humming issue with this amp?
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  • jolax73
    jolax73 Posts: 225
    edited October 2009
    ben62670 wrote: »
    Another vote for Parasound. The LSI's are not an overly bright speaker. If you had the older RTI's, or something too bright the B&K might be a little more forgiving.
    Ben

    Ben,
    Based on your comment, I assume B&K is a very neutral amp, am I correct?
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  • Hawkeye
    Hawkeye Posts: 1,313
    edited October 2009
    I've had a 7250 in my HT for over 10 years now. It has always served me well. As a matter of fact, it was the first amp I bought and used an AVR as a pre at the time. Went the pre route (Ref30) for several years (9) until it crapped out. Now I'm back to using an AVR, so I've come full circle.

    The B&K has been a solid investment for me and would replace it with another.

    Gordon

    I think the B&K is slightly on the warmer side of neutral which I prefer.
    2 Channel -
    Martin Logan Spire, 2 JL Audio F112 subs
    McIntosh C1000 Controller with Tube pre amp, 2 MC501 amplifiers, MD1K Transport & DAC, MR-88 Tuner
    WireWorld Eclipse 6.0 speaker wire and jumpers, Eclipse 5^2 Squared Balanced IC's. Silver Eclipse PCs (5)
    Symposium Rollerblocks 2+ (16)Black Diamond Racing Mk 3 pits (8)
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  • jolax73
    jolax73 Posts: 225
    edited October 2009
    Hakweye,

    So your B&K 7250 lasted for about 9 years.....that's what make me nervous buying an amp that is older than 10 years old. I am really in a dilemma. I could not afford to buy a brand new B&K or Parasound unless I go with Emotiva but I heard it is no comparable to these two brands I like plus they are not as musical and warm as these two. Am I correct?
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  • megasat16
    megasat16 Posts: 3,521
    edited October 2009
    jolax73 wrote: »
    Megasat.
    Did you buy your Parasound brand new or used? Any hissing or humming issue with this amp?

    No issue with any of mine. But it doesn't mean the unit you bought may not have the issue. Hiss / hum are unit dependent and not manufacturer dependent (no difference whether B&K or Parasound). A unit with faulty parts may cause hiss / hum / buss and there is also a ground loop issue. Your best bet is asking the seller.
    Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin:
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  • Hawkeye
    Hawkeye Posts: 1,313
    edited October 2009
    jolax73 wrote: »
    Hakweye,

    So your B&K 7250 lasted for about 9 years.....that's what make me nervous buying an amp that is older than 10 years old. I am really in a dilemma. I could not afford to buy a brand new B&K or Parasound unless I go with Emotiva but I heard it is no comparable to these two brands I like plus they are not as musical and warm as these two. Am I correct?

    No my 7250 is still going strong! The Ref30 died after 9 years. We use the HT for about 6-7 hours a week. The 7250 looks and performs as well as the day I bought it. I even have the original boxes and packaging! Sorry, I'm not trying to sell it:o I just think it is a fine amp compared to some out there.

    Gordon
    2 Channel -
    Martin Logan Spire, 2 JL Audio F112 subs
    McIntosh C1000 Controller with Tube pre amp, 2 MC501 amplifiers, MD1K Transport & DAC, MR-88 Tuner
    WireWorld Eclipse 6.0 speaker wire and jumpers, Eclipse 5^2 Squared Balanced IC's. Silver Eclipse PCs (5)
    Symposium Rollerblocks 2+ (16)Black Diamond Racing Mk 3 pits (8)
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  • jolax73
    jolax73 Posts: 225
    edited October 2009
    Is the Parasound HCA-2205A comparable to NAD T955 in terms of sound quality? Don't mention about wattage, I am just curious to see how much better is the Parasound....
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  • jolax73
    jolax73 Posts: 225
    edited October 2009
    Guys, since Parasound HCA-2205A that I will be buying is about 10 years old, should I just get an Emotiva XPA-5 new for about the same price with 5 yrs warranty. What kind of sonic output difference would I hear? Also in terms of SQ, will Parasound outperform XPA-5 easily??
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  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited October 2009
    jolax73 wrote: »
    Guys, since Parasound HCA-2205A that I will be buying is about 10 years old, should I just get an Emotiva XPA-5 new for about the same price with 5 yrs warranty. What kind of sonic output difference would I hear? Also in terms of SQ, will Parasound outperform XPA-5 easily??

    Not sure, lots of threads on the Emotiva XPA-5 amps.
    Linn AV5140 fronts
    Linn AV5120 Center
    Linn AV5140 Rears
    M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
    Odyssey Mono-Blocs
    SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D
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  • Poee7R
    Poee7R Posts: 906
    edited October 2009
    jolax73 wrote: »
    Guys, since Parasound HCA-2205A that I will be buying is about 10 years old, should I just get an Emotiva XPA-5 new for about the same price with 5 yrs warranty. What kind of sonic output difference would I hear? Also in terms of SQ, will Parasound outperform XPA-5 easily??

    If I were you, I would grab the Parasound and not worry about it. Ive had 20 year old amps that are still going without any issue's. Not to say its not possible to have a problem, but when buying a quality product, it is less likely.


    Dave

    Disclaimer:

    I have nothing against Emotiva, and its not a slight against them, I just personally dig Parasound. I have no problem admitting im biased.
    Once again we meet at last.
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  • jolax73
    jolax73 Posts: 225
    edited October 2009
    Poee,
    Nice to hear such input. It makes me more confidence in buying a used amp. Yeah, I hope it won't give me any issue even though the owner is not the first owner but I hope he described the amp truthfully....
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  • anhchungdoan
    anhchungdoan Posts: 760
    edited October 2009
    I used to own the similiar Para HCA 2205 AT. The toroidal transformer is 2 KVA. It's huge. Just becareful with the binding posts since they are very closed together, I would not recommend using space lugs to prevent accidental mishaps. Nice amp, it drove my Martin Logan SL3 easily . Highly recommended.
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  • beardog03
    beardog03 Posts: 5,550
    edited October 2009
    I have been using the HCA-2205A for a long time , with the full set of LSi`s for HT...

    No complaints here !!

    It sounds great and has plenty of power.....a solid amp IMO
    Cary SLP-98L F1 DC Pre Amp (Jag Blue)
    Parasound HCA-3500
    Cary Audio V12 amp (Jag Red)
    Polk Audio Xm Reciever (Autographed by THE MAN Himself) :cool:
    Magnum Dynalab MD-102 Analog Tuna
    Jolida JD-100 CDP
    Polk Audio LSi9 Speaks (ebony)
    SVS PC-Ultra Sub
    AQ Bedrock Speaker Cables (Bi-Wired)
    MIT Shotgun S1 I/C`s
    AQ Black Thunder Sub Cables
    PS Audio Plus Power Cords
    Magnum Dynalab ST-2 FM Antenna
    Sanus Cherry wood Speak Stands
    Adona AV45CS3 / 3 Tier Rack (Black /Gold)

    :cool:
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  • jolax73
    jolax73 Posts: 225
    edited October 2009
    beardog03 wrote: »
    I have been using the HCA-2205A for a long time , with the full set of LSi`s for HT...

    No complaints here !!

    It sounds great and has plenty of power.....a solid amp IMO

    Have you tried Emotiva XPA-5? I wonder how it compares to the Parasound that I am considering to buy.
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited October 2009
    Parasound, B&K, NAD are all good in no particular order each sounds excellent and offers bang for the buck, they make solid mid-fi which is helped along through trickle down of their hi-fi product lines.

    If I had to describe......Parasound.....great bass.....B&K....smooth but detailed.....NAD......warm and liquid......but these are personal observations with certain other gear.......ymmv

    I have had my B&K 7270 running my theater for many years......its never missed a beat.

    If you are only running an HT each of these companies makes high quality AVR's you might research.

    RT1
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