parasound or emotiva

[hawkerman]

Im looking at adding an amp to my yamaha receiver to power my second zone. It would be for 100% 2 channel music in a large living room (30x15) with cathedral ceilings.​

Im considering the axiom m60's or 80's but thats a whole different question.

For the Amp, Im looking at either the Emotiva upa-2 or the Parasound 2125. I can get the Parasound used for 399. I know the xpa series or 2250 would be better but $ is a concern. I would like to spend less than 400 on an amp. With the Emotiva I would probably add a speaker selector for future outdoor deck speakers. The Parasound has the advantage of connecting 2 sets of speakers with an a/b selector on the front. I know there are a whole host of other amps to look at i.e. NAD, Rotel, etc. But I have liked the reviews of Emotiva and Parasound. I continually look at Audiogon for a good used deal, but would like to hear peoples opinions on a direct comparison between the Emotiva and Parasound.

 

[cfrizz]

I can't offer you a direct comparison. However, I used to have a Parasound 1500A 2 channel amp that is now in my brothers' care. It totally rocks & is built like a tank. It will take care of your needs just fine. Keep an eye on Audiogon for one.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1252329663&/Parasound-HCA-1500-

 

[hawkerman]

The HCA1500 does look like a beast, pretty cool. I assume I would have no problem connecting a speaker selector box to it? I would want the capability to drive 4 ohm speakers for the living room, and use the selector box to connect outdoor speakers and possibly kitchen speakers in the future. I would not need to run all speakers simultaneously. Mainly I want to drive some tower full range speakers in the living room. The internal amp on the zone 2 of my yamaha is a little weak.

 

[oppman99]

hawkerman,

I literally just put my Parasound HCA-1200 mkII on the classifieds if you are interested. It's the model before the 1500, but there's not much difference. If money is a concern, it is also $100 cheaper than the parasound that you are looking at. Coincidentally, I went to Emotiva for my current amps. As for comparisons, it's not really fair since the Emotivas I have are 2.5x the power. I would describe the Parasound to be a more "laid back" amplifier compared to Emotiva in general.

 

[hawkerman]

Thanks guys, maybe I'll just pull the trigger and get the Emotiva XPA 2! It does get rave reviews. Although its probably more than what I need. I'll have to think it over.

 

[cfrizz]

Hawkerman, there is no such thing as too much power when it comes to powering your speakers. The most important fact is to make sure that your speakers have all the power they need to operate to their full potential.

The speakers will only take as much as they need to run to their full potential. Most people DON'T have the power to accomplish this since they are just using receivers.

You will keep the XPA through all other upgrades to your system knowing that you have enough power to run all speakers you have now & in the future.

It's much better to have the power & not need it, rather than need it & not have.

Thanks guys, maybe I'll just pull the trigger and get the Emotiva XPA 2! It does get rave reviews. Although its probably more than what I need. I'll have to think it over.

 

[CraigV]

This is up on audiogon:


http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1253643326&/Like-New-Emotivaxpa-2-Audiophi

 

[Adam]

This is up on audiogon:


http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1253643326&/Like-New-Emotivaxpa-2-Audiophi

And on AH as well.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Wow!!! This is an awesome deal. The Emotiva XP-A2 for $675! Amazing!

Me me me, I want it.

* By the way, for the OP, it's a KILLER AMP.