2. amps-preamps
  3. 1344270036

Parasound HCA-1200 II - What Is It?

I'm looking for a used amp in the $300-$500 range, that will power a pair of Polk LSi9s (4 ohms, 200wpc+ recommended). More or less down to Adcom GFA-555 vs. something from Parasound; leaning towards Parasound because of what I hear re: superior SQ. Particularly interested in HCA-1500A or Halo 23.

Anyway...I keep seeing a Parasound amp that's not listed on their site, not even under the Discontinued tab: HCA-1200 II. It looks like it's a John Curl design, and its wattage appears to be identical to the HCA-1500A (205wpc @ 8 ohms, 325wpc @ 4 ohms). So it looks like it's more or less the Parasound amp that I want - HCA-1500A - just with a different model name. It also sells for a little less than I would expect a 1500A to sell for.

Does anyone know what's up with the 1200 II? What is its design/release history? Is there some reason why it wouldn't be on the Parasound site? And if it's basically a HCA-1500, why didn't they just call it that? Is it a revision that maybe wasn't exactly an improvement? Why does it sell for $100-$200 less than one would expect an HCA-1500A (or even an HCA-1000A) to sell for?

A lot of questions, I know. Thanks for any replies.
bthogan
timlub
2,039 posts
 
Hi Bthogan,
The info that you posted above is for a Sumo Andromeda, It was a JB design. When Jim sold Sumo to Randy Patton, Randy Hired Jason Stoddard (Schiit Audio) Jason was responsible for the Andromeda II, a very different amp than the Andromeda. Andromeda was bipolar out, Andromeda II is mosfet. JB would not use mosfets at that time... I prefer Jims model Nine the best of all Sumo's but next to that I much prefer the Andromeda II or III over the original Andromeda that you referenced above.
tycobb
26 posts
 
emotiva xpa-2
johnss
569 posts
 
the 1200 mk2 is similar to the 1500. same power rating. The 1200 series was pre remote turn on, and pre new face plate change.

would think you can get the 1200 to sound pretty good. Its old enough now though, that a complete re-cap may be of benefit.
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