Used Parasound A51 is worth???

You could buy new: http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PAHA51

A-51 is newer and flashier but if you don't mind getting a little older amp, look for the Parasound HCA-2205A or HCA-2205AT (later version of the HCA-2205) for under a grand.

I was only commenting on Audiogon since that was the question. eBay isn't a reliable source of sales since the range will be all over the place. I've found many items that have SOLD, only to be re-listed for higher prices because of a seller/buyer dispute or default.

It's good to get a feel for things but I don't allow buyers to lowball or deal with me on pricing based on anything from eBay.

In my opinion, A51 is a higher end amplifier than the HCA class. If you could afford the A51 I would highly recomended. This amplifier is still cheaper than say Classe or Macintosh which should be the equivalente to the A51.

The HCA line was no slouch, and I now have some personal experience with it.
After selling my Emotiva XPA-5 last week, I borrowed, again, my uncle's Sunfire Cinema Grand while looking for a replacement. I was following that very model of Sunfire on Audiogon. However, the Sunfire did not give me much clarity and was quite bloated running my Polk LSi15s-LSiC-LSiFXs set in my 17x25 living room. I ran into this thread, and, luckily, decided to ask for Mark (dorokusai)'s recommendations since I've always respected his opinions and very much agreed with him.
As he introduced me to the general trademarks of Rotel, Parasound, and B&K amps, I focused my attention on two Parasound: the 5-channel Halo A51 & the 6-channel HCA-1206. At first I was a little afraid the HCA-1206 wasn't going to be powerful enough since it was listed as 135W/channel for 8-ohm and 200W/channel for 4-ohm speakers; not only that, I was way way attracted to the Halo A51's marvelous look. Thanksfully, Mark also helped point out that I would get a much better value out of the HCA-1206 with such pricing of the 2 items listed at the 'Gon.
Well, the PM trail paid off big time. Not only that I got the HCA-1206 at a great price, it was AMAZING! I haven't even bridged it yet, just using a simple direct 5-channel connection. Wow, wow, wow, with this Parasound amp, the high end was as soft & smooth as silk, the mid bass was very detailed, together with such fatigue-less warm tone. For 4-ohm speakers, the Emotiva XPA-5 was listed as 300W/channel, the Sunfire Cinema Grand 400W/channel, while this Parasound HCA-1206 just 200W/channel, but it was already more than abundant to fill my entire living room. It's hard to find such great value, and I had a chance to experience this amp as well as Parasound's signature thanks to Mark's prudent advice
Thank you, thank you very much, Mark, you sure did encourage me to try stuff I wasn't familiar with. Without asking for your opinion, I would have never even looked at the ad of such old devices, I would have missed the fun of experiencing this amp while being able to save quite a few dollars for later

@EndersShadow: for HT, I've always liked to play my multi-channel music/ Bluray movies loud, as much to make me feel like I was in the theater. At the reference volume of my Denon AVR-4810ci receiver, the Sunfire I borrowed produced a significant lower output level than my old Emotiva XPA-5. Anything between mid and high end produced by the two front LSi15's wasn't as crisp and clear anymore, making me feel like it was covered behind my dual F113 subs; low bass just ate a part off the weak soft tone, hence the bloated comment. At first I thought I need to re-run Audyssey, but then why would I need to do that just because of replacing the amp??? As soon as I plugged the Parasound HCA-1206 in, it became apparent to me that the Sunfire Cinema Grand did not match well with my current setup.

DMara wrote: »

@EndersShadow: for HT, I've always liked to play my multi-channel music/ Bluray movies loud, as much to make me feel like I was in the theater. At the reference volume of my Denon AVR-4810ci receiver, the Sunfire I borrowed produced a significant lower output level than my old Emotiva XPA-5. Anything between mid and high end produced by the two front LSi15's wasn't as crisp and clear anymore, making me feel like it was covered behind my dual F113 subs; low bass just ate a part off the weak soft tone, hence the bloated comment. At first I thought I need to re-run Audyssey, but then why would I need to do that just because of replacing the amp??? As soon as I plugged the Parasound HCA-1206 in, it became apparent to me that the Sunfire Cinema Grand did not match well with my current setup.

Gotcha. So if I understand what are you saying it was more of a "system synergy" thing correct?

DMara wrote: »

Well, I carefully put it that way because I only tested the Sunfire in my system, not any others.

Gotcha. I ask because I heard a NooshinJohn's Sunfire driving some SDA 2.1 (I think), CSi5 and LSi 15 surrounds and it sounded awesome to me.

I understand the careful wording. Some folks round here will jump on ya for saying stuff like that

FYI - to anyone interested

there is a Para 5250 on Ebay right now

no bids yet = $1350 start

I wanna try some parasound gear really bad. Just gotta get the little lady to stop spending my money before i can lol.

I have a Parasound HCA-1200 II that used to work fine. Now, in stereo mode, one channel does not work.

If anyone looking for Parasound HCA-2205AT or A, here is one. It's not in the best shape I've seen but under 1G.

No affil with the seller and don't know who he is.

Caution is advised and a great deal for someone local to pickup and test it in person.


http://cgi.ebay.com/Parasound-HCA-2205AT-5-Channel-Amplifier-/280699899361?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item415b048de1