Entry Level Class Act
Written: Nov 22 '02 (Updated Nov 25 '02)
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Pros: Sound quality, Build quality, Toroidal transformer, Appearance, Low Heat output, 10 year warranty
Cons: Haven't found any yet.
The Bottom Line: While there are many multi-channel amplifiers to choose from in the entry level class, there is still something to be said for true quality.
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| astrol's Full Review: Parasound HCA-855A 5-Channel Amplifier |
During the first few months of this year I decided to revamp my audio equipment and enter the world of HT a little more seriously. New additions included several H/K receivers and other components, 4 Wharfedale Emerald 97 towers, a JBL 10” sub and the Parasound 855A. Previous to my new purchases I had a strictly low-fi system built around a JVC 884BK receiver, odd/end components and low level Pioneer speakers.
My new low/mid-fi systems are now largely filled with components of higher quality. The main system is built around the H/K 510 which has a power rating very similar to the 855A. I am a big fan of H/K but as good as SOME receiver amps can be they cannot truly compare to separate amplification. When the 855A's came up as a model closeout on Ubid I did not hesitate to take advantage. While I would have preferred the 1205A for it's greater power, the 855A was both available and could be had for a little over $300, a nearly 70% savings from MSRP. This qualified the purchase as a no-brainer, even considering the similarity in power of the 510. And so with this amp, my thinking and expectation was that improvements in sound might lie largely in areas other than power. In this I was only partly right. (More later)
The amp arrived double-boxed and solidly packed, altogether one of the better packages I’ve ever received from any source. The build quality of the amp is just outstanding and the appearance bespeaks of simple, classic lines and thoughtful design details. There is a clean, highly attractive fascia featuring the Parasound logo, 5 overload LED indicators, power/standby LED's and the power switch. At the rear all hardware is of excellent quality: sturdy, color-coded binding posts and trim dials for each channel, 12V trigger screws and a set of grab handles (a very nice touch). The manual is blessedly simple and straightforward.
I immediately set up an A/B trial for the 510 alone against the 510/855A combo using various test discs. Once the system setups were calibrated to the same output (75dB) and channel levels properly adjusted using the same speakers, I found approx. 3dB difference with the combo as measured from the volume setting; this despite the similarity in advertised power. I consider this impressive performance and another testament that 35 lbs of receiver is not likely to compare to 41 lbs of dedicated power amp. The power delivery was uniformly smooth throughout, even under reasonably heavy loads, yielding significant increases in both horizontal and vertical soundstaging and also imaging precision. Musically, I noticed increased depth, detail and control, especially noteworthy in the bass realm. I had never considered H/K to be bass light but there was a noticeable effective tightening and control to the bass which I strongly attribute to the superior dampening factor of the amp.
My tower speakers are 6 Ohm, 88dB, 125W and I must say the 855A does them justice. In 2 channel I notice how the sound quality stays very composed at any level I choose to listen. As I'm both fond of hearing and living in a townhouse with communal walls, I tend not to push the volume to insane levels. In HT however, I do like to listen loudly so for me -15 or higher is fairly common with most DVD source material. I keep thinking that I'll need to upgrade to more power whenever I relocate to new digs (my current main listening space is 12x17) but in truth I really haven't begun to take advantage of what I already have in the 855A. I'm really impressed with the level of composure this amp manifests when delivering heavy loads. LOTR Extended Edition sounds so impressive my neighbors all want to come to my house for 'showtime'.
Having made the step to separates at the entry level, I can attest to the fact that there is simply no substitute for quality. In my admittedly limited experience, Parasound has certainly lived up to its' reputation and delivered a thoughtfully designed and quality filled product. I think the sight of that massive toroidal transformer alone is worth the price of admission. Knowing my own loyalties, I can easily foresee staying with Parasound for future needs.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 309
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Epinions.com ID:
astrol
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Reviews written: 5
Trusted by: 1 member
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