PARASOUND HCA-1205A...HEAR IT THUNDER!!
Written: Oct 26 '02 (Updated Nov 19 '02)
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Pros: Power, sound quality, price, 12 volt DC trigger, THX Ultra certification, 10 year warranty
Cons: none
The Bottom Line: See my review
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| Placidman's Full Review: Parasound HCA-1205A 5-Channel Amplifier |
I decided recently that it was time to begin the move toward seperates for both movies and music. My home theater is set up in my family room which measures 14 X 23. I have a Pioneer Elite receiver that has THX post processing, Surround EX/DTS ES decoding and 7.1 channel pre outs. I really like the unit and figured the logical first step would be to upgrade to an amplifier to power the five main channels in my system, and utilize the receiver as a pre amp/processor. I am currently using the AMC 2100 stereo amplifier to power the two rear center channel surrounds in my 7.1 channel set up. I wanted an amp rated at 150 watts per channel with all channels being driven. I also wanted an amp with THX Ultra certification, and one with auto turn on capability. After doing some research, considering my budget, and it's 10 year warranty ( you read right ), I decided that the 1205A was going to be the amp of choice. I contacted my authorized Parasound dealer and worked a good price and off we went.
I brought the 1205A home and of course the first thing I noticed was that while in the box it was HEAVY. I was further impressed upon opening the box up to find that Parasound had the unit double boxed, and quite securely packaged. I unpacked the 1205A and took a look at it. This is a beautiful amplifier with it's brushed black aluminum face plate with the trade mark red " P " and Parasound underneath in the gold bonded area. The feet and RCA inputs are gold plated ( Parasound refers' to this " Tiffany Style, I think it looks outstanding ). " Parasound " is engraved in the top of the cover right before the vents, ( no cooling fans thank goodness! ). The front panel contains a power switch, LED's for AC line, standby, and 5 overload indicators. Of course the THX Ultra mark is dead center. Around back the 1205A has 5 sets of gold plated speaker binding posts, 5 color coded line level unbalanced inputs, level controls for each input, the 12 volt DC trigger assembly and the AC line input. There are also carrying handles on each side ( nice ! ). The power cord supplied with the 1205A is grounded and extra heavy duty ( it's also pretty long ). Overall the 1205A has a sturdy feel to it which reflects excellent build quality. The owners manual is of the dual variety, also including information for the HCA-855A Parasound amp ( Which is identical other than it's 85 watts per channel ).
* The unit's owners manual came with an added addendum regarding ground loop hums. Some owners have reported ground loop hum through their speakers after connecting the Parasound amplifier. The addendum explains what the causes of ground loop problems are. Not mentioned above is that Parasound has added a toggle switch to the rear panel. It has two settings " normal " and " lift ". In the event you encounter ground loop problems you would set the toggle to the Lift position to compensate.
Let me make it clear that ground loop problems do not originate from the Parasound, but from exterior sources. I did not encounter any such problems in my setup, and most probably should not. It's comforting to know that Parasound has taken the time to address it though.*
The 1205A is rated at 140 watts RMS per channel with all channels driven simultaneously. From what I have read and now heard, those numbers are conservative. This unit is actually closer to 155 watts per channel ( ACD ). This unit has a heafty power supply, with independent power supplies for each channel. This will ensure that the unit does not run out of steam when all channels are under a load ( nice ).
I connected the 1205A to the pre outs on my VSX-39TX and connected the five main speakers to it ( using banana plug connectors ). I turned each channels gain controls to maximum ( THX 0db reference level ), and set up the 12 Volt DC Trigger. The DC trigger setup usually garners questions so I will explain. The 1205A has an input on it's rear which when fed a 9Vdc to 12Vdc current will power the unit on and off. Some pre amp's have a 12 volt DC output which would normally be connected to this so that when the pre amp is powered on the amp will power up as well. In the event that you have a pre/pro or receiver that does not have this output you do have an option. I purchased a 12 volt AC to DC adaptor from Radio Shack. I plugged the adaptor into the switched outlet on the rear of my receiver. The 12 Volt trigger assembly on the 1205A has two screws one marked " plus " and the other " ground ". You will have to cut the end of the adaptor off and expose the two bare wares. Connect the positive wire to the " plus " and the other to the ground. When you power on your receiver or pre/pro it will power up the 1205A. This worked perfectly, and this is what Parasound will advise if you inquire.
Once I got things setup and powered on I began with two channel music listening. The first thing I noticed was that the sound stage was much wider. Details and seperation of the instruments was also quite apparent. This amp definitely increased the output in my system. I noticed an enriched low end which added depth to the sound. These factors all became more apparent with the High resolution DVD Audio and Super Audio discs I listened to. I could not get over the increased detail and clarity of the sound which I already thought was so good before. DVD soundtracks took on an increased level of dynamics, along with dialog which was more intelligible. I again noticed a better degree of seperation, especially across the front soundstage. Explosions, WOW!! Things don't just blow up, they explode with room shaking bass. I have a powered subwoofer, and after setting up the 1205A I re calibrated my receivers settings using my trusty Radio Shack SPL meter. The bass extension from my left, right, and center channel speakers definitely benefited from the 1205A's added dynamics. MY VSX-39TX had no trouble filling my theater with sound, however the 1205A has added not only more power but depth, clarity and realism. Let me add that the 1205A sounds excellent not only at reference levels but at lower ones as well, and at lower levels it retains fine detail. If you are thinking about taking the plunge and moving to seperates, give the HCA-1205A serious consideration. I think that this amp will do justice to most set ups whether it's a large home theater or even a smaller two channel set up ( you always have to option to add more channels ! ). Any questions or comments please feel free to e mail me at placidman1802@netscape.net.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 995.00
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Epinions.com ID:
Placidman
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Member: Ralph Potts
Location: Middletown, NY
Reviews written: 22
Trusted by: 9 members
About Me:
I am an Audiophile who loves to read and write about Home Audio/Video.
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