2-channel advice - Parasound?

[MrTrash]

I've been thinking lately about upgrading my Harman Kardon HK-3475 stereo receiver to a preamp/poweramp setup. I've been looking specifically at the Parasound Model 275 power amp in combination with the Parasound Model 2100 preamp since this combination falls within my budget. I've read some nice things about Parasound gear but I can't find much information on their "New Classic" line. I've written to Parasound sales and they've assured me that 75w per side @ 8-ohms should be plenty of clean power to run my somewhat inefficient B&W DM12 bookshelf speakers in a cluttered 13' by 13' by 8' room.

Has anyone had the pleasure of using one or both of these pieces? Alternately, does anyone have any recommendations on a similarly priced (around $1000) separates solution? My primary music interests are jazz, classic rock, and classical.

Thanks, all!

PS: I posted this on another forum but I don't think that forum gets much traffic so if you see duplicated elsewhere sorry about that!

 

[mazersteven]

I have no experience with either Parasound Classic or Emotiva.

http://www.emotivaaudio.com/lmc1.html

http://www.emotivaaudio.com/bpa1.html

http://www.emotivaaudio.com/rpa1.html

 

[gus6464]

There was an old thread about 2ch amps and some people were recommending the Parasound Halo A23 amp. You can buy them from audio advisor for like $800 or so if I am not mistaken.

http://www.parasound.com/halo/a23.php

 

[mike c]

since the harman kardon has pre-outs, I would pour all the budget into the amp, and save up for a pre-amp in the future. since amps pretty much last forever, you're gonna want an amp that will power whatever future speaker you have.

I'd be looking at:

Rotel RC1070 and RB1070 130wpc - should be slightly above 1k budget
Parasound NC250 250wpc
Parasound A23 130wpc
Parasound A21 250wpc - around 1k

 

[mtrycrafts]

I've been thinking lately about upgrading my Harman Kardon HK-3475 stereo receiver to a preamp/poweramp setup. I've been looking specifically at the Parasound Model 275 power amp in combination with the Parasound Model 2100 preamp since this combination falls within my budget. I've read some nice things about Parasound gear but I can't find much information on their "New Classic" line. I've written to Parasound sales and they've assured me that 75w per side @ 8-ohms should be plenty of clean power to run my somewhat inefficient B&W DM12 bookshelf speakers in a cluttered 13' by 13' by 8' room.

Has anyone had the pleasure of using one or both of these pieces? Alternately, does anyone have any recommendations on a similarly priced (around $1000) separates solution? My primary music interests are jazz, classic rock, and classical.

Thanks, all!

PS: I posted this on another forum but I don't think that forum gets much traffic so if you see duplicated elsewhere sorry about that!

What is wrong with the HK you think the Parasound will cure?

 

[Joe Schmoe]

I have a closely enough related question that it didn't make sense to start a new thread.
Since I play my (2-channel) system at fairly low volume (typically -21 or -22 dB), would I gain anything by adding a power amp? My receiver puts out a conservatively rated 50 watts/channel. A pair of Emotiva BPA-1s would raise that to 150 watts/channel.

 

[mazersteven]

I have a closely enough related question that it didn't make sense to start a new thread.
Since I play my (2-channel) system at fairly low volume (typically -21 or -22 dB), would I gain anything by adding a power amp? My receiver puts out a conservatively rated 50 watts/channel. A pair of Emotiva BPA-1s would raise that to 150 watts/channel.

IMO You might add clarity, and detail. Less distortion when adding clean power. It's not the 150watts. It's the amps ability to produce stable, clean power to your speakers.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

IMO You might add clarity, and detail. Less distortion when adding clean power. It's not the 150watts. It's the amps ability to produce stable, clean power to your speakers.

Since I can afford the $360 from my next paycheck, I may try it. I am hoping to get an added benefit from using one per channel (better channel separation, reduced crosstalk.) One thing bothers me, though: the BPA-1s can be used without a preamp, which might render my brand new receiver obsolete!

 

[mazersteven]

Also don't forget about the Outlaw Audio 2200 Mono Blocks

http://www.outlawaudio.com/promo_pages/promo_2200.html

I'm not saying they are better. I'm just giving you options to explore.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I still like the idea of the Emotiva MPS1. You can get this with 2 channels for 700 bucks and retain the ability to upgrade to more channels in the future if needed.

Also don't forget about the Outlaw Audio 2200 Mono Blocks

http://www.outlawaudio.com/promo_pages/promo_2200.html

I'm not saying they are better. I'm just giving you options to explore.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

What about pro amps (Peavy, Behringer, et. al.)?

 

[MrTrash]

To answer mtrycrafts above, my HK has developed a few quirks such as crackling in the volume control and a slightly off-balance sound stage. Also, I have to run it with the lid removed to avoid some kind of hum that I just can't isolate - believe me, I've tried! All in all it's just time for an upgrade anyway. I'm also looking at some integrated amps that might me good for my room and budget. I'm sort of intrigued by the Music Hall Maven, for one.

 

[gus6464]

Just get 2 behringer A500's, bridge them, and call it a day. For $400 you will get 500w at 8ohm per channel. All the power you will need and then some.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

No 12 volt trigger; what if he is too lazy to get up and turn the amps on (like me)

Just get 2 behringer A500's, bridge them, and call it a day. For $400 you will get 500w at 8ohm per channel. All the power you will need and then some.

 

[cfrizz]

I don't have any experience with thier new classic line, but I did have one of thier HCA1500A 2 channel 205 wpc amps. http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1191033523

It made my speakers come alive! An Outlaw M200 monoblock did the same for my center channel.

I have since moved on to my Sunfire amp. My brother now has the Parasound running his Polk LSI 7 bookshelf speakers. He is enjoying them greatly. He was amazed at all the details he was missing from his music & movies.

 

[mtrycrafts]

I have a closely enough related question that it didn't make sense to start a new thread.
Since I play my (2-channel) system at fairly low volume (typically -21 or -22 dB), would I gain anything by adding a power amp? My receiver puts out a conservatively rated 50 watts/channel. A pair of Emotiva BPA-1s would raise that to 150 watts/channel.

I seriously doubt any benefit. Check the THD rating of your amp at 1 watt. Or, if there is a test at Stereophile, they would show it at lower power.

That amp is stable into its rated power or it would not be so rated.
If you are listening at a level that requires .5 watts, that is all that 150 watts will deliver, .5 watts, period.
Even if there is a slight difference in THD at that level, I doubt you will hear the difference, too small.
Have you measure the SPL levels you listen to?
What is your speaker's impedance, sensitivity and your listening distance?

 

[Joe Schmoe]

Have you measure the SPL levels you listen to?
What is your speaker's impedance, sensitivity and your listening distance?

My typical volume setting is -21 or -22 dB. This is roughly equivalent to the 9:00 position on a dial. Speaker sensitivity is 93 dB/watt/meter, nominal impedance is 8 Ohms, and the listening distance is about 8' (in a 10' X 20' room, open to a 20' sq. total area.) I don't have an SPL meter.

 

[Nick250]

I have a closely enough related question that it didn't make sense to start a new thread.
Since I play my (2-channel) system at fairly low volume (typically -21 or -22 dB), would I gain anything by adding a power amp? My receiver puts out a conservatively rated 50 watts/channel. A pair of Emotiva BPA-1s would raise that to 150 watts/channel.

There is no reason for you to upgrade. You are probably using three or watts at present. More watts will not improve or alter the sound coming out of your speakers.

Nick

 

[mtrycrafts]

My typical volume setting is -21 or -22 dB. This is roughly equivalent to the 9:00 position on a dial. Speaker sensitivity is 93 dB/watt/meter, nominal impedance is 8 Ohms, and the listening distance is about 8' (in a 10' X 20' room, open to a 20' sq. total area.) I don't have an SPL meter.

The speaker is sensitive, plenty and 8 ohms.
Those numbers and volume control setting is meaningless. But, I doubt anything will be gained, like Nick250 said.