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PS: Typical McGowan Sound? -- HCA-2 & Classic 250

The commentary I have read on the HCA-2 has been mixed, but the criticisms I read remind me of the typical criticisms that have been expressed on all of Paul McGowan's designs in the past: An upfront, technicolor upper midrange & lower treble, some harmonic thinness, & a tight, but lean bass.

I'd sooner believe the review on Audiogon than I would KR's review in Stereophile, whose questionable hearing I don't trust.

In looking at the responses to the Audiogon review, it is interesting to see that half the responders love it; the other half hate it. By seeing all of them for sale on 'Gon now, you wonder what the real scoop is.

I'm kind of interested in the CLASSIC 250, which is a non-digital design that has alot of hoopla about it on the PS website. Has anyone heard or bought this amp, or compared it to the HCA-2?
kevziek
brulee
564 posts
 
I hope i have not given the opinion that this is an amp that has little competition. I was very surprised how good my Mothers system sounded compared to the Pass x 350. My opinions, for what they are worth, came from listening, not from technical reasons that mean nothing to me. What can one offer about what an amp has to offer if it has not been heard? Is this such a ridiculus question to ask?
If someone has not listened to a speaker, amp, or whatever, why would I care what opinion they have.
I come here to get feedback from those who have experience listening to whatever is being discussed. Information based on anything other than listening has nothing to offer me.
twl
3,251 posts
 
What's the big deal? If you want one, buy it. If you don't then don't. This is a big argument over nothing.
brulee
564 posts
 
Twl,I agree. My point is what value is there from those who give an opinion on something they haven't heard?
david99
1,467 posts
 
Im interested in this amp.
I currenty have an elecrocompaniet aw-75 driving thiel 3.5's in a 14x20x7.5 foot room.
anybody care to speculate which amp would give me more power and ease to drive these current eating speakers?
The ec 75 does a good job but of course I always want more!
dannylw's avatar
dannylw
172 posts
 
I had this amp in my system for a few months. Class A, I don't know. I haven't heard most of the contenders. Does it sound good, yes. Is it accurate, I don't know. I do know it doesn't like 2 ohm loads. Read the review. It shut down during testing. It also shut down on me using a full range electrostatic. When bi-amping it did not shut down. It also ran some older very good speakers in my house with stellar results. Would I buy it? Yes with the reservations mentioned above.
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