Parasound vs Emotiva

sfosselman
sfosselman Posts: 184
in 2 Channel Audio
I received the Parasound hca-1200 ii from a fellow polkie and I must say it is a welcome change from my Emotiva xpa-2 I was running for the last 4 year. Compared to the Emotiva the Parasound is smoother, warm and inviting. It seems to be a fuller, meatier sound compared to the Emotiva. Now the XPA-2 with its massive power can put out a massive soundstage with dynamics to spare, but sometimes those dynamics translated into a harsh, clinical presentation...not what I want with my music. If home theater is your primary focus you may be pleased with the XPA-2 but to add some soul to your 2 channel the Parasound, for me, has found a new home. Also, I am currently on the hunt for a vtl 2.5 pre so any leads would be greatly appreciated.
Polk SDA 1C Upgraded, Eastern Electric Minimax Supreme DAC, Parasound HCA 1200ii, Belles 21a Preamp, Rotel RSX-1056, Matricom G Box Q, Blue Jean & Signal Cable interconnects, Sonographe SG-3 TT, Panamax M4300-PM
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,957
    sfosselman wrote: »
    I received the Parasound hca-1200 ii from a fellow polkie and I must say it is a welcome change from my Emotiva xpa-2 I was running for the last 4 year. Compared to the Emotiva the Parasound is smoother, warm and inviting. It seems to be a fuller, meatier sound compared to the Emotiva. Now the XPA-2 with its massive power can put out a massive soundstage with dynamics to spare, but sometimes those dynamics translated into a harsh, clinical presentation...not what I want with my music. If home theater is your primary focus you may be pleased with the XPA-2 but to add some soul to your 2 channel the Parasound, for me, has found a new home. Also, I am currently on the hunt for a vtl 2.5 pre so any leads would be greatly appreciated.

    .....and that's all we've been saying for years. Congrats on the new toy. Now you know what we keep talking about and all amps do NOT sound the same. You heard it for yourself....Kudos brother for walking through that door and trying different stuff.

    Btw...nice pre too your on the hunt for. Your really starting to get your 2 channel on there. Rock on and we'll keep an eye out for ya.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • cstmar01
    cstmar01 Posts: 4,424
    Nice on the upgrade and I love VTL stuff. There was a 2.5 on audiogon not too long ago and I haven't seen those for sale very often there. Congrats for trying something different and hearing a difference for yourself and not getting sucked into its all the same. Your ears will please you doing what you did.
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,957
    http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649213817-vtl-25-tube-preamplifier-with-remoteexcellent-condition/

    Try this, was listed back in August but it may not have sold....least it doesn't say it has.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • sfosselman
    sfosselman Posts: 184
    I tried sending that listing a message with no reply yet ....thanks for the kind words
    Polk SDA 1C Upgraded, Eastern Electric Minimax Supreme DAC, Parasound HCA 1200ii, Belles 21a Preamp, Rotel RSX-1056, Matricom G Box Q, Blue Jean & Signal Cable interconnects, Sonographe SG-3 TT, Panamax M4300-PM
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  • sfosselman
    sfosselman Posts: 184
    I'm not sure what others are saying but these two amps sound anything but the same
    Polk SDA 1C Upgraded, Eastern Electric Minimax Supreme DAC, Parasound HCA 1200ii, Belles 21a Preamp, Rotel RSX-1056, Matricom G Box Q, Blue Jean & Signal Cable interconnects, Sonographe SG-3 TT, Panamax M4300-PM
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  • tophatjohnny
    tophatjohnny Posts: 4,182
    I owned that same Parasound amp when I started to care about hearing music again a few years ago. (took a long hiatus from listening to stereos as I was playing in several bands for more than 24 years and had no time to think about or care about a stereo) but that Parasound sure did its job. Congrats and enjoy!
    "if it's not fun, it's not worth it & remember folks, "It's All About The Music"!!
    *****************************
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  • Upstatemax
    Upstatemax Posts: 2,664
    Nice! Nothing beats sitting down, listening to gear and hearing the difference for yourself.

    Enjoy that Parasound, I know I enjoy my gear...
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,194
    Upstatemax wrote: »
    Nice! Nothing beats sitting down, listening to gear and hearing the difference for yourself.

    Enjoy that Parasound, I know I enjoy my gear...
    It's the only way to do it my friend.

    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    I love the Parasound amps. A touch of warmth, quality build, and they often compete with products 3 times the price---or more. I paid $750 for my HCA-1500A 14yrs ago, new; and it's not going anywhere.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 10,716
    how do you feel about cables? :*
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  • gumbay13
    gumbay13 Posts: 360
    sfosselman wrote: »
    I received the Parasound hca-1200 ii from a fellow polkie and I must say it is a welcome change from my Emotiva xpa-2 I was running for the last 4 year. Compared to the Emotiva the Parasound is smoother, warm and inviting. It seems to be a fuller, meatier sound compared to the Emotiva. Now the XPA-2 with its massive power can put out a massive soundstage with dynamics to spare, but sometimes those dynamics translated into a harsh, clinical presentation...not what I want with my music. If home theater is your primary focus you may be pleased with the XPA-2 but to add some soul to your 2 channel the Parasound, for me, has found a new home. Also, I am currently on the hunt for a vtl 2.5 pre so any leads would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks for sharing your insight between the two!
    As i contemplate between Rotel, Parasound and Emotiva for my next audio outlay in the coming months, this certainly helps!
    AMP/Pre Pro: Outlaw 7000x, Marantz AV7703
    Speakers: Fronts:LSiM 705s/ Center: LSiM 706c / Surrounds: LSim 703s
    SUB: Rythmik LV12R x2
    Source:OPPO UDP-203
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,396
    Don't rule out the Sunfire TGA 7401.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 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 680d DSD

    “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
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  • dhart86
    dhart86 Posts: 1,594
    Hey fosselman.....Glad the Parasound arrived safe and sound. Happy that you are enjoying it as well! Are your SDA 1C;s up and running? What is the parasound driving?
    Main Rig:
    Antipodes DX > Roon > PS Audio Directstream Jr.>deHavilland Ultraverve 3 >Belles Reference 150a >Harbeth C7 ES3


    Second Rig:
    Roon> PS Audio Directstream Jr Bridge II > EE Minimax pre (Tutay mods) >Belles 150A Ref >Monitor 5 (Westmassguy-modded)


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  • sfosselman
    sfosselman Posts: 184
    I'm still waiting for my crossovers to arrive to finish the 1c's. Right blnow they are powering a plair of avance epsilon 980's. A very underappreciated floorstander. I know the Parasound will elevate the sda's as they have done with the epsilon. I will update as I get the 1cs up and running shortly
    Polk SDA 1C Upgraded, Eastern Electric Minimax Supreme DAC, Parasound HCA 1200ii, Belles 21a Preamp, Rotel RSX-1056, Matricom G Box Q, Blue Jean & Signal Cable interconnects, Sonographe SG-3 TT, Panamax M4300-PM
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  • westmassguy
    westmassguy Posts: 6,850
    sfosselman wrote: »
    I'm still waiting for my crossovers to arrive to finish the 1c's. Right blnow they are powering a plair of avance epsilon 980's. A very underappreciated floorstander. I know the Parasound will elevate the sda's as they have done with the epsilon. I will update as I get the 1cs up and running shortly
    The Post office is still saying expected delivery...yesterday
    Home Theater/2 Channel:
    Front: SDA-2ATL forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/143984/my-2as-finally-finished-almost/p1
    Center: Custom Built forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/150760/my-center-channel-project/p1
    Surrounds & Rears: Custom Built forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/151647/my-surround-project/p1
    Sonicaps, Mills, RDO-194s-198s, Dynamat, Hurricane Nuts, Blackhole5
    Pioneer Elite VSX-72TXV, Carver PM-600, SVS PB2-Plus Subwoofer

    dhsspeakerservice.com/
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  • motorhead43026
    motorhead43026 Posts: 3,897
    edited November 2015
    The Post office is still saying expected delivery...yesterday





    This usually means the next day......lol.

    The best way to predict the future is to invent it.

    It is imperative that we recognize that an opinion is not a fact.
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  • sfosselman
    sfosselman Posts: 184
    Yep...I tracked it and due to the holiday im thinking tomorrow
    Polk SDA 1C Upgraded, Eastern Electric Minimax Supreme DAC, Parasound HCA 1200ii, Belles 21a Preamp, Rotel RSX-1056, Matricom G Box Q, Blue Jean & Signal Cable interconnects, Sonographe SG-3 TT, Panamax M4300-PM
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  • sfosselman
    sfosselman Posts: 184
    By the way ...hope everyone is having a happy Thanksgiving... Go lions!
    Polk SDA 1C Upgraded, Eastern Electric Minimax Supreme DAC, Parasound HCA 1200ii, Belles 21a Preamp, Rotel RSX-1056, Matricom G Box Q, Blue Jean & Signal Cable interconnects, Sonographe SG-3 TT, Panamax M4300-PM
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  • slbenz
    slbenz Posts: 97
    [quoteThanks for sharing your insight between the two!
    As i contemplate between Rotel, Parasound and Emotiva for my next audio outlay in the coming months, this certainly helps! [/quote]

    Having owned all three, here is what I experienced with my Magnepans: Emotiva XPA-5 has lots of power, is the brightest of the three and has a more upfront sound stage than the other two. Parasound HCA-1205A is warm, has a deeper sound stage than the Emotiva but less than the Rotel. Instruments and voice sound more realistic than the Emotiva. Rotel RMB-1565 has a similar deep sound stage as the Parasound. Brightness/warmth is between the Emotiva and Parasound and is very neutral. Instruments and voice sound slightly more realistic than the Parasound.

    Disclosure: I liked the Parasound and owned it for over ten years as its original owner. I did have one channel go out but was repaired under warranty. Currently using the Rotel and like it as well. Especially since it is a Class D amp and doesn't generate near the amount of heat my Parasound (most) nor the Emotiva did since I use an enclosed cabinet.

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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,517
    It's obvious that as time passes on more and more folks are coming to the same conclusion as those who knew from the start that emo wasn't all that. Shame they didn't listen to us, but some of the best lessons are learned the hard way.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • sfosselman
    sfosselman Posts: 184
    Agreed....Emotiva was supposed to be my first taste of hi-fi...it has furthered my passion for audio (for better of for worse) but hi-fi it is not.
    Polk SDA 1C Upgraded, Eastern Electric Minimax Supreme DAC, Parasound HCA 1200ii, Belles 21a Preamp, Rotel RSX-1056, Matricom G Box Q, Blue Jean & Signal Cable interconnects, Sonographe SG-3 TT, Panamax M4300-PM
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  • gfong
    gfong Posts: 1,079
    I own a XPA 3 amp and like it for what it was intended for and that was home theater. It is a bright amp for music compared to most if not all music amps.

    Glad the Parasound worked out for you.

    I did use my XPA 3 for music sometimes and do agree with F1 that the X series isn't all that for music.

    But I will defend it for home theater! :);)

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  • sfosselman
    sfosselman Posts: 184
    Sound is a very subjective. I have not heard the xpa-1s so I can't comment on the comparison
    Polk SDA 1C Upgraded, Eastern Electric Minimax Supreme DAC, Parasound HCA 1200ii, Belles 21a Preamp, Rotel RSX-1056, Matricom G Box Q, Blue Jean & Signal Cable interconnects, Sonographe SG-3 TT, Panamax M4300-PM
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  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 10,716
    It's like arguing about what the best Chuck Norris movie is...
    xcapri79 wrote: »
    The XPA-1 and XPA-1L's are better amps than the rest of the XPA series.
    I've compared the XPA-1L to the XPR-1 amps too and I'll take the XPA-1L for the price difference.
    You are so right about sound being so subjective. Like everything else, different people have their own preferences. I like different sounds and that is one reason I have so much equipment - different day different sound, different buttons to press and knobs to turn. :)

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  • sfosselman
    sfosselman Posts: 184
    Speakers and amps are subjective...the fact that LonenWolf McQuade is Chuck Norris's best movie is not!
    Polk SDA 1C Upgraded, Eastern Electric Minimax Supreme DAC, Parasound HCA 1200ii, Belles 21a Preamp, Rotel RSX-1056, Matricom G Box Q, Blue Jean & Signal Cable interconnects, Sonographe SG-3 TT, Panamax M4300-PM
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  • vmaxer
    vmaxer Posts: 5,117
    sfosselman wrote: »
    Speakers and amps are subjective...the fact that LonenWolf McQuade is Chuck Norris's best movie is not!

    Lol.
    Pio Elete Pro 520
    Panamax 5400-EX
    Sunfire TGP 5
    Micro Seiki DD-40 - Lyra-Dorian and Denon DL-160
    PS Audio GCPH phono pre
    Sunfire CG 200 X 5
    Sunfire CG Sig 405 X 5
    OPPO BDP-83 SE
    SDA SRS 1.2TL Sonicaps and Mills
    Ctr CS1000p
    Sur - FX1000 x 4
    SUB - SVS PB2-Plus

    Workkout room:
    Sony Bravia XBR- 32-Inch 1080p
    Onkyo TX-DS898
    GFA 555
    Yamaha DVD-S1800BL/SACD
    Ft - SDA 1C

    Not being used:
    RTi 38's -4
    RT55i's - 2
    RT25i's -2, using other 2 in shop
    LSI 15's
    CSi40
    PSW 404
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  • sfosselman
    sfosselman Posts: 184
    Reallyc5a3lfbyah6k.jpg
    Polk SDA 1C Upgraded, Eastern Electric Minimax Supreme DAC, Parasound HCA 1200ii, Belles 21a Preamp, Rotel RSX-1056, Matricom G Box Q, Blue Jean & Signal Cable interconnects, Sonographe SG-3 TT, Panamax M4300-PM
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  • jeremymarcinko
    jeremymarcinko Posts: 3,785
    I love my XPA-1 Gen2's...They are absolutely awesome with my RTI12's. Yes they may not be the warmest amp, but a warm amp isn't always needed. I would say that the Emotiva's feel more accurate than my previous ATI which is a nice warm sounding amp. My ATI amp has been said to be as good as the comparable Bryston, and it did a great job with my RTi's but the big honkin monoblocs are much more revealing, airy, and dynamic. I know I am comparing 125w to 600w but even at low volumes the Emotivas are better. This isn't knocking the ATI either, it was an upgrade from the Yamaha M60 I had prior. I have not heard the other Emotiva range, so I won't comment, but the mono's are great. I had the opportunity to purchase the A21 nearly the same cost as the xpa1's, but passed on it to get the Emotiva's and I have yet to regret it. ..Enjoy!
    Oh, Listen here mister. We got no way of understandin' this world. But we got as much sense of this bird flyin in the sky. Now there is a lot that bird don't know, but it don't change the fact that the world is happening to him all the same. What I am tryin to say is, is that the course of your life, well its changing, and you don't even see it- Forest Bondurant
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  • sfosselman
    sfosselman Posts: 184
    Did you hear and compare the A21 to the xpa1's? What was the Parasound hooked up to?
    Polk SDA 1C Upgraded, Eastern Electric Minimax Supreme DAC, Parasound HCA 1200ii, Belles 21a Preamp, Rotel RSX-1056, Matricom G Box Q, Blue Jean & Signal Cable interconnects, Sonographe SG-3 TT, Panamax M4300-PM
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  • vmaxer
    vmaxer Posts: 5,117
    edited November 2015
    Emotiva is in a different league, entry level at best. Yes, I have owned one and anything & everything I have had since beat it to death for music.
    Pio Elete Pro 520
    Panamax 5400-EX
    Sunfire TGP 5
    Micro Seiki DD-40 - Lyra-Dorian and Denon DL-160
    PS Audio GCPH phono pre
    Sunfire CG 200 X 5
    Sunfire CG Sig 405 X 5
    OPPO BDP-83 SE
    SDA SRS 1.2TL Sonicaps and Mills
    Ctr CS1000p
    Sur - FX1000 x 4
    SUB - SVS PB2-Plus

    Workkout room:
    Sony Bravia XBR- 32-Inch 1080p
    Onkyo TX-DS898
    GFA 555
    Yamaha DVD-S1800BL/SACD
    Ft - SDA 1C

    Not being used:
    RTi 38's -4
    RT55i's - 2
    RT25i's -2, using other 2 in shop
    LSI 15's
    CSi40
    PSW 404
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