Build quality - Performance - Bang for Buck - elegant looks

None (after running amp through the Monster Cable HTS 5000 to eliminate hum)

I purchased this unit specifically to augment my Yamaha DSP A-1 integrated amp. I have not tried any other amps with the Yamaha. I was considering an Adcom GFA 5802 (300 wpc), but I wanted to see if I would be satisfied with the Parasound, and the much more affordable price! Yes, I am. The yammie puts out 110 wpc, the parasound 205 - I questioned if there would be an audible difference. Yes, there is. The sound is clean and powerful. My speakers are by no means high dollar (DCM TF600), however they sound much more full bodied than before. The Yammie is no slouch, but I always felt it lacked something when listening only to music, especially at higher volumes. With the Parasound, as noted earlier, you really don't notice how loud it is. I cringed in fear as I kept turning the dia past the 11,12,1:00 setting - and to my surprise, not only did I not damage my speakers, it still sounded crisp and clear. (of course the material selected has much to do with it) Previously, I would NEVER venture past 11:00 on the dial. Another concern I had, was running my center channel through the yammie (not as much power)- the integration of the Parasound is seemless. My concerns were swept away, as I watched movie after movie, and various concerts.

There was an irritating hum when plugged directly into the wall. This was completely eliminated by connecting it to a Monster Cable HTS 5000 power strip. The Parasound is now completely silent. One other note, this unit has not been hot to the touch, even after several hours on. I keep it well ventelated, on an open shelf, home-made rack. (a steel garage shelf kit from home depot, painted the frame black- and glued vinyl flooring to the mdf shelves, - used a black pool vacuum hose to organize the cables- beautiful!)It has only been a short time, however, I know I will keep this unit, the difference has been dramatic for me, (I have used the Yamaha solo for about two years prior to this purchase) -

If you want to experiment by adding more power to your current set up, give the Parasound a try, you might be surprised by what you get for the money.

Similar Products Used:

None

Powerful, inexpensive amp

I bought the Parasound HCA to power my SVS 2039CS subwoofer. I have been using the Samson S1000 pro-amp before, but didn't like the fan noise. I am using the Parasound HCA-2205AT to power the rest of my system.

The HCA-1500A is a fine amp. It powers the SVS subwoofer very well, though I think the Samson S1000 was a bit more powerful.

Similar Products Used:

Parasound HCA-2205
Samson S1000

for the money it dosent get any better.an exelent amp i absolutly love it well detailed sound. five stars easy.

I have found the Parasound HCA 1500A to be a powerful and well-made product. Other visitors to this forum have noted that Parasound amplifiers may have some ground-hum, or transformer-hum. My experience with this HCA 1500A paired to a Parasound P/LD 1100 preamplifier has been that there was not a problem with hum. There is a distinct lack of background noise (absolute silence) through the speakers regardless of volume setting. In contrast to previous Hafler/MOSFET equipment I have used, I find the Parasound system to be far more detailed and having more substantial bass with all other variables (speakers, cables, CD Changer) being the same. The designer of the HCA 1500A and P/LD 1000, John Curl, has done an excellent job at this price point.

well built it seems very clean appearance exterior also

none really

less edgy sounding than the adcom i used in the highend....bass is very solid probably because of high damping factor in specs? no thumping when first turned on like some other amps have good relays i guess...has protection for different things built in...i am still in the listening test mode here but so far i think its one helluva stereo amp and i am using it to drive a pair of klipsch rf-3 towers in my home theater system and it seems to give the klipsch nice tight distinct bass not sloppy at all...high current design can deliver for peaks!!i bought this amp for $500 used on ebay as it was about 4 months old and i am very happy!!

Similar Products Used:

adcom..proton...yamaha

Great value, excellent sound, no audible idle hiss at speaker.

None at this price!

Out of the box I was pleased. For several years I had powered my carver AL-III speakers with a 80 watt per channel NAD amplifier. I was fairly happy with it. The Parasound was a huge improvement. The speakers took on a whole new sound. I have since used the parasound on several different speakers. It has a slight warm sound that seems to come out on most of the speakers I have tried. I have heard several tube systems for comparison. It has quite a current reserve. It also has good control over the drivers. It has an excellent level of detail. Over all I would place this piece in the entry level of real high-end stuff.

If you want any real improvement you are going to have to go to Krell or some other ultra high-end gear. I got to borrow an older Krell CD top loader. Again my system took on a whole different level of performance. It really showed me what the real potential of the parasound amplifier was as well as my other components. My CD player has some high end harshness and exaggerated siblance. The parasound will throw this in your face. I didn't realize this until I heard the Krell player.

My point being the parasound deserves better electronics than I have presently hooked to it.

A great value any way you slice it!

My other gear is a marantz CD player, carver preamp, Custom speakers with Dynaudio drivers.

Similar Products Used:

Carver, NAD, Denon, Dynaco, Hafler

awesome power per dollar....build quality......military spec circuit board.....

none

Before I got this amp I was driving my Energy's A5+2 with my Denon avr3300......this setup sounded good...but I knew the speakers were capable of much more...decided to pick up the hca1500 to see if I can notice any night and day difference....Damn did I ever......I hooked this baby up to my receiver preouts....immediately I notice deeper tighter bass...very accurate bass.....soundstage was bigger...everything was just alot smoother....I thought the denon did a good job of driving my speakers but damn....the parasound made it sound like a aiwa portable tape player.....I give this amp 5 for build quality and performance.....Ohhh.....the volume gain on the back is pretty cool to have...

Similar Products Used:

adcom

trasparency,image stability,good built,

bi-wiring must use both spades & bananas

This is my sixth Amp.in a period of two years.
I was floored by its transparency at this price,(paid
$ 900 new).Excellent decay and extraction of naunce
without exaggeration.I mainly use this unit in its class A
domain with a pair of B&W CDM1s.Excellent 3D image with an
impresive FRONT extention.Life-like top end and solid
midrange.I will own this unit for a very long time.

Similar Products Used:

hafler,carver,yamaha,audio research,audio refinement,

The sound of course.I wish Acurus and Parasound could incorperate their styles, what an Amp they could make.

None so far, except for a break-in period.

Very Nice Stuff. I think I came stop looking around now. I just wish I had my Acurus RL-11 back so I throughly enjoy the amp.

Similar Products Used:

Acurus, Adcom, Moscode, B&K, NAD, several others.

Dynamics, bass slam, very clean overall sound

For the $$$, none

For the money, this amp is tough to beat. It gives my SL-3's plenty of clear and dynamic sound. I recommend this amp for any type of music but it does wonders for rock music. Movies sound awesome too. The bass is very deep and punchy, the mids are very clear and the highs are nice as well. If you like powerful, clean and dynamic sound then you should give this one a try. Highly recommended.

Similar Products Used:

Audio Research LS3
Martin Logan SL-3
Denon cd player
MIT Terminator 2 speaker cable
Tara Labs interconnects