Stupid question about preamp, and amps?

[Hetfield]

I know you guys will laugh but it's been a very long time since I had separates, been using receivers for 10 years now. Tomorrow I'm gonna hook up my monster of a Parasound amp 1205A to my Yamaha that will obviously be there processor. Here comes the dumb question that I'm sure will get laughs but I like to be thorough and informed on everything. Is there a right way to turn the system on or right sequence? Meaning turn on the processor first or amp first when powering up? I thought I read sometimes there is a surge that can hurt the speakers from the amp. I know, you can laugh at possibly a dumb question.
By the way this Parasound 1205A amp is a total beast. I took it out of storage today for the first time in a very long time and I cannot believe the weight of this thing. I guess I just didn't remember how bulky, heavy and well built it is. It's really a tank. I plugged it in and it powered up with no no problem like it was brand new. THX ultra certified, 140 watts of pure power. I can't wait to hear it all hooked up tomorrow or I Monday. Hopefully tomorrow though.

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[Pogre]

Hey JH. I don't think it's stupid to ask questions when you're making sure you don't blow anything up! TBH I never would have even considered power up sequence.

I haven't read every reply in this thread, but there's a discussion going on that might give you some answers. I'm curious what some of the guys here have to say about it.

 

[Irvrobinson]

The power amp(s) should always be switched on last and switched off first.

 

[Hetfield]

Thanks guys, I guess I should have googled first because since I posted this I saw some posts on this subject. Amp last on but amp off first it seems. This is a powerful amp so I want to be sure. Thanks for not laughing.

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[Pogre]

Thanks guys, I guess I should have googled first because since I posted this I saw some posts on this subject. Amp last on but amp off first it seems. This is a powerful amp so I want to be sure. Thanks for not laughing.

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I'm not laughing. I'd want to know too. I googled up that amp. Looks pretty sweet and I'll bet the specs are on the conservative side. Everything I've read about Parasound tells me they make quality stuff.

 

[Irvrobinson]

Asked honestly, there are no dumb questions. But there are many dumb answers.

 

[Hetfield]

Asked honestly, there are no dumb questions. But there are many dumb answers.

That is never more true than in forums like this. Thanks.

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[Hetfield]

I'm not laughing. I'd want to know too. I googled up that amp. Looks pretty sweet and I'll bet the specs are on the conservative side. Everything I've read about Parasound tells me they make quality stuff.

Parasound is a company I kinda got intrigued by a while ago. I used to shop at an authorized dealer and saw the amps and processors. They have since given up the processor side and stick to just amps. They are one of the best at it so they are smart to do so. I can't wait to hear this amp powering the Def Techs.

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[Pogre]

Parasound is a company I kinda got intrigued by a while ago. I used to shop at an authorized dealer and saw the amps and processors. They have since given up the processor side and stick to just amps. They are one of the best at it so they are smart to do so. I can't wait to hear this amp powering the Def Techs.

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Yup. Those SM65's will soak it up. I forgot which receiver you have? Is this gonna be a nice bump in power?

 

[PENG]

Parasound is a company I kinda got intrigued by a while ago. I used to shop at an authorized dealer and saw the amps and processors. They have since given up the processor side and stick to just amps. They are one of the best at it so they are smart to do so. I can't wait to hear this amp powering the Def Techs.

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When you turned it on, did the lights in the room dim (momentarily) just slightly, or a lot?

 

[Hetfield]

Yup. Those SM65's will soak it up. I forgot which receiver you have? Is this gonna be a nice bump in power?

Yeah the Yamaha RX-V 663 for now as processor. In 6 months or so I'm gonna but the Outlaw model 976 or Emotiva MC700. I don't know if the Yamaha will be a good fit but it'll have to do for now.

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[Hetfield]

When you turned it on, did the lights in the room dim (momentarily) just slightly, or a lot?

No dimming but it sure is powerful so I get what your saying.

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[PENG]

No dimming but it sure is powerful so I get what your saying.

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Well then you must have very good wiring done in your house, and it probably is a short run from the panel. It also depends on the timing, the inrush current will be at maximum if the transformer is energized at 0 V so if it does not dim lights this time, it may do it next time.

I asked, because that amp is indeed a powerful one and has quite a large power supply transformer. Parasound does use some sort of "soft start" circuit but I am not sure if that deals with the capacitor initial charge current only or the transformer magnetizing current as well. All I know is that my Parasound A21 does dim the lights slightly.

 

[Hetfield]

Well then you must have very good wiring done in your house, and it probably is a short run from the panel. It also depends on the timing, the inrush current will be at maximum if the transformer is energized at 0 V so if it does not dim lights this time, it may do it next time.

I asked, because that amp is indeed a powerful one and has quite a large power supply transformer. Parasound does use some sort of "soft start" circuit but I am not sure if that deals with the capacitor initial charge current only or the transformer magnetizing current as well. All I know is that my Parasound A21 does dim the lights slightly.

I'm slightly scared to start this up now. I never had a problem years ago but that was a different house. Would I be worried?

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[PENG]

I'm slightly scared to start this up now. I never had a problem years ago but that was a different house. Would I be worried?

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If the lights don't dim, it may be an indication that you have good wiring (wire size/length) that are done correctly, and more than likely the 1205A has the same kind of "soft start" design that are build into their higher end Halo amps. Just make sure you use one dedicated outlet for the amp only. Also, as mentioned already, turn the power amp on last, and off first, to avoid potential damage to the speakers.

Other than that, relax and enjoy the beast.

 

[Hetfield]

If the lights don't dim, it may be an indication that you have good wiring (wire size/length) that are done correctly, and more than likely the 1205A has the same kind of "soft start" design that are build into their higher end Halo amps. Just make sure you use one dedicated outlet for the amp only. Also, as mentioned already, turn the power amp on last, and off first, to avoid potential damage to the speakers.

Other than that, relax and enjoy the beast.

Thank you, great advice about using a single outlet. I will use a separate surge protector in its own socket. I had thought of that, but wasn't 100% sure, but I will do just that.

 

[PENG]

Yeah the Yamaha RX-V 663 for now as processor. In 6 months or so I'm gonna but the Outlaw model 976 or Emotiva MC700. I don't know if the Yamaha will be a good fit but it'll have to do for now.

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Some Yamaha AVRs have relatively low pre-out voltage that may not be able to drive power amps to their rated output. Fortunately, the Parasound 1205A's input sensitivity is quite good, it only needs 1.2V for full output. I am sure the RX-V663 can provide clean output at 1.2V or higher.

 

[Hetfield]

Some Yamaha AVRs have relatively low pre-out voltage that may not be able to drive power amps to their rated output. Fortunately, the Parasound 1205A's input sensitivity is quite good, it only needs 1.2V for full output. I am sure the RX-V663 can provide clean output at 1.2V or higher.

Hey good question, can I find that info in the owners manual somewhere?

 

[mtrycrafts]

...
I asked, because that amp is indeed a powerful one and has quite a large power supply transformer. Parasound does use some sort of "soft start" circuit but I am not sure if that deals with the capacitor initial charge current only or the transformer magnetizing current as well. All I know is that my Parasound A21 does dim the lights slightly.

I would think it is for slow initial charging.

 

[Hetfield]

Ok after doing some research it doesn't sound good. The Yamaha it seems only puts out 1.0 voltage and as you stated the 1205A needs 1.2, do you think this is gonna be an issue at all? I'm not gonna hurt the amp, speakers or receiver will I? I am MORE and MORE disappointed with today's receivers. They seem to skimp on every god dam thing just to add more processing BS no one uses! I'm going to separates and NEVER, EVER going back to receivers, EVER! Just annoyed at everything going on with today's receivers.