Wattage Across Front 3

[bongobob]

Hey folks, Need a little input here.
I recently got offered a Parasound HCA-1206 for a decent price. I think it's about 10 yrs old. 6 channels X 135W with two pairs bridgeable @ 350W each. The question is If I bridge the fronts would there be a mismatch using one of the leftover channels to power my center at 135W if I equalize the volumes across all 3 fronts of course? I'd then use my Adcom for the surrounds. Would I see an improvement over what I have or do I just crave a new toy? In addition, any input on this particular amp would be appreciated.

Bob

PS: Please don't tell me to upgrade my 'Digm 370 to a 570. I don't have the room as I live in an apartment. Quality, not volume is the issue here. That's not saying I wouldn't LOVE a 570 of course........

 

[mtrycrafts]

Hey folks, Need a little input here.
I recently got offered a Parasound HCA-1206 for a decent price. I think it's about 10 yrs old. 6 channels X 135W with two pairs bridgeable @ 350W each. The question is If I bridge the fronts would there be a mismatch using one of the leftover channels to power my center at 135W if I equalize the volumes across all 3 fronts of course? I'd then use my Adcom for the surrounds. Would I see an improvement over what I have or do I just crave a new toy? In addition, any input on this particular amp would be appreciated.
Bob
PS: Please don't tell me to upgrade my 'Digm 370 to a 570. I don't have the room as I live in an apartment. Quality, not volume is the issue here. That's not saying I wouldn't LOVE a 570 of course........

If quality and not volume you are after, most likely it won't matter then. But, let's ask about your speaker, its impedance and sensitivity rating as these matter a lot.

If you are not constantly clipping your present setup, your planned setup will not help. And, just in case the itch is greater than ... then you would have to experiment to see if your volume trim pots will let you level match the 3 fronts. It it will, no problem.

 

[Nick250]

You are listening to Studio 60s playing moderately loud using two or three watts so what's the external amp going to get you? It seem illogical, but a lot of people swear by their added amplification even when it seems superfluous. Can you try it before you buy it?

Nick

 

[bongobob]

You are listening to Studio 60s playing moderately loud using two or three watts so what's the external amp going to get you? It seem illogical, but a lot of people swear by their added amplification even when it seems superfluous. Can you try it before you buy it?

Nick

Unfortunatly an audition isn't going to be posible as the unit is at a friends out of state and I don't want to trouble him.
I love my 60's with the Adcom and did notice a quality increase when using the Adocm instead of the 2500 amps. Perhaps I'm splitting hairs? I don't know and that's why I'm askin all the tweakers out there. The studios are 8Ohm with a 91 db sensitivity so they aren't difficult to drive. I know sound quality is subjective and folks hear what they want in some cases depending on the amount of $$ spent. I just don't know whether the returns are worth it from what I have. Thanks for the input.....B

 

[mtrycrafts]

I know sound quality is subjective and folks hear what they want in some cases depending on the amount of $$ spent. I just don't know whether the returns are worth it from what I have. Thanks for the input.....B

That is the crux of the issue, hearing what wants to hear.
No reason why there would be any difference between any of the three amps, your Adcom, the 2500 or the Parasound, unless one of them is operation outside of its design limits.