Parasound HCA-1500 or alternative


Howdy!  I got into audio stuff several years ago, bought the things I wanted, and then left the scene for a bit.  Now I want to set up a new system, but I'm not sure what's what anymore, and I'd like some input from folks.  Specifically, I'd like to get an amplifier that sounds like the Parasound HCA-1500.  I had one for a while, and I really liked it.  Not a miracle worker, but a great, smooth sound (I'm pretty sure MOSFETs are the key here).  Not as grainy as the various Adcoms I'd used previously.  Also, it had a good bit of grunt, and powered my 200w speakers very well.  It cost me a little less than $400, used.

I'd like to get another amp, around $400, that sounds like that Parasound.  If I can find another HCA-1500, great; although they seem pretty scarce, and I wonder if they're getting a little long in the tooth.  Would anyone have a recommendation for a great-sounding, high-powered amp (probably with MOSFET transistors) that costs about $400 used?  I've heard some Rotels that sounded similar; I've also been impressed by NAD, although I wouldn't know where to start in terms of model names/numbers.  Also, should I be looking at new amps, too? Are we at the point where a new $400 amp sounds as good as a 20-year-old amp that cost $1000 new?  Thanks very much for any feedback!
bthogan

Showing 1 response by georgehifi

I’d like to get an amplifier that sounds like the Parasound HCA-1500

I’d like to get another amp, around $400
I believe they were BJT (bi-polar) output stage, not Mosfet, for higher current delivery. May have been Mosfet for input and driver stage only.

Great amp, designed by one of the audio gods, John Curl, up there with Nelson Pass Dan Ago and others.

With $400, your not going to get much of a choice, if you want used and still JC design HCA-1000, HCA1205A, HCA2200MkII, and HCA3500.

Or the much later Parasound Halo integrated or the JC1 monoblocks, but these are far dearer.

Cheers George