you can still get a 1500 for $400-500, and they show up on the 'bay every now and then. You'll have to wait patiently, though.
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!
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!