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Parasound Owners Thread - Page 49

post #1441 of 1905
2/11/13 at 4:41pm
not that. do you think my tv could be in the way?
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post #1442 of 1905
2/11/13 at 4:56pm
nvm jima helped me out and suggest the xq's get to forward when toed in and that's what it was. before they were def to forward and i also felt like the center image was just unstable . maybe it was because having the speaker pointed directly at me was to much to handle hearing one sound very prominent in one ear and then a different sound on the other side was causing me to go back in forth in my head lol. this def helped. thanks a lot jima.
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post #1443 of 1905
2/11/13 at 5:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bthrb4u View Post

not that. do you think my tv could be in the way?
No but you do have your speakers pushed pretty close to the back wall. Try experimenting with pulling them out 18" or so and moving them around a bit. When you push them up against the wall, low frequency stuff suffers and the sound can come across as forward due to the speaker interacting with the wall. Having them toed in where they are pointing right at you enhances this effect. Proper speaker placement can be one of the more important factors contributing to sound quality.

The ports on those Kefs are front firing, correct?
Edited by Torqdog - 2/11/13 at 5:16pm
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post #1444 of 1905
2/11/13 at 5:12pm
As I mentioned previously, you can get free audio test tones that will greatly enhance your ability to properly locate your speakers in the room. I googled "audio frequency test tones" and found this free site;

http://mdf1.tripod.com/test-tones.html

Simply download the test tones then burn them to a CD and voila, you're in business.
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post #1445 of 1905
2/11/13 at 6:03pm
Hi guys and gals,

I recently purchased a HCA-2205A; it was not in full working condition, but a week later, Parasound got it repaired, and it will be on its way to me. I am looking forward to it. Quick question; I have looked through various online forum on how to hook up the bare wire via the 12 volt trigger input, but I am still confused. I will be running Pioneer SC-05 as my pre-amp for now, and wanted to see how I would hook this up. I have included the stereo jack mini cable; as you will see there are 2 bare wires, one has a white line on the jacket, the other is just plain black. Which wire do I plugged into the screw mount that said 12 volt trigger on the 2205? and what about ground? do I just plug the other wire into the ground screw mount? Sorry for such n00b question. If someone would let me know, I'd greatly appreciate it,

Also, has someone else run a similar set up, meaning Pioneer class D amp, versus using pioneer as the front end, while using 2205 as external amplifier? Thanks.

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post #1446 of 1905
2/11/13 at 6:43pm
How do you like that Marantz MM8807 7Ch Amp? I am thinking of getting one to go with the A51
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post #1447 of 1905
2/11/13 at 7:07pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by woody888 View Post

Hi guys and gals,

I recently purchased a HCA-2205A; it was not in full working condition, but a week later, Parasound got it repaired, and it will be on its way to me. I am looking forward to it. Quick question; I have looked through various online forum on how to hook up the bare wire via the 12 volt trigger input, but I am still confused. I will be running Pioneer SC-05 as my pre-amp for now, and wanted to see how I would hook this up. I have included the stereo jack mini cable; as you will see there are 2 bare wires, one has a white line on the jacket, the other is just plain black. Which wire do I plugged into the screw mount that said 12 volt trigger on the 2205? and what about ground? do I just plug the other wire into the ground screw mount? Sorry for such n00b question. If someone would let me know, I'd greatly appreciate it,

Also, has someone else run a similar set up, meaning Pioneer class D amp, versus using pioneer as the front end, while using 2205 as external amplifier? Thanks.


It has been a few years since I wired one of those but I seem to remember that the center core is the hot lead but I don't remember which wire this corresponded to......Do you have a volt meter? The surest and simplest way would be to simply plug the trigger connector into the Pioneer and test the wires to see which one is which and wire it accordingly on the HCA.

Edit: Oh, and what I also did was to crimp the bare ends of the wires into spade connectors which make it neater and less likely to short or fray over time. You can get spade connectors at Radio Shack or maybe even your local hardware or auto parts store - just get the right size for the small wires.
Edited by WillyJ - 2/11/13 at 7:12pm
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post #1448 of 1905
2/11/13 at 7:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by WillyJ View Post

It has been a few years since I wired one of those but I seem to remember that the center core is the hot lead but I don't remember which wire this corresponded to......Do you have a volt meter? The surest and simplest way would be to simply plug the trigger connector into the Pioneer and test the wires to see which one is which and wire it accordingly on the HCA.

Edit: Oh, and what I also did was to crimp the bare ends of the wires into spade connectors which make it neater and less likely to short or fray over time. You can get spade connectors at Radio Shack or maybe even your local hardware or auto parts store - just get the right size for the small wires.

unfortunately, I do not have a volt meter; are you saying that I should just plug one bare wire end to the 12 volt screw end, and the other to the gnd, and then vice versa to see if the amp gets powered up? I had read somewhere that since voltage is very low that it cannot damager the amp either way, but I thought if there is a right way that I know in advance, it will save me some guesswork.
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post #1449 of 1905
2/11/13 at 7:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by woody888 View Post

Hi guys and gals,

I recently purchased a HCA-2205A; it was not in full working condition, but a week later, Parasound got it repaired, and it will be on its way to me. I am looking forward to it. Quick question; I have looked through various online forum on how to hook up the bare wire via the 12 volt trigger input, but I am still confused. I will be running Pioneer SC-05 as my pre-amp for now, and wanted to see how I would hook this up. I have included the stereo jack mini cable; as you will see there are 2 bare wires, one has a white line on the jacket, the other is just plain black. Which wire do I plugged into the screw mount that said 12 volt trigger on the 2205? and what about ground? do I just plug the other wire into the ground screw mount? Sorry for such n00b question. If someone would let me know, I'd greatly appreciate it,

Also, has someone else run a similar set up, meaning Pioneer class D amp, versus using pioneer as the front end, while using 2205 as external amplifier? Thanks.

WillyJ is correct....... the center core or tip is the positive (+) lead and that should correspond to the wire with the white stripe. So hook the white striped wire to the positive terminal on the 2205 and the plain black to the negative terminal and you should be good to go.

I just replaced my 1205 which is the little brother to your 2205 so the trigger wire connections are fresh in my mind.
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post #1450 of 1905
2/12/13 at 4:19am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bthrb4u View Post

not that. do you think my tv could be in the way?

As Torqdog has mentioned, your speakers are way too close to the wall. Which also results in their baffles being behind the front of your equipment console. That is causing early reflections off that console. That is never a good thing. You need to bring those towers out so the baffles are at least 6" forward of that console.

I don't have a pic of my current setup, but here is one I had for 12 years before I moved to SA. It produced a perfect soundstage. The LCRs are completely out in front, totally unobstructed. About 45" out and 58" from the side walls.
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post #1451 of 1905
2/12/13 at 7:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dr_Mark View Post

How do you like that Marantz MM8807 7Ch Amp? I am thinking of getting one to go with the A51

That's my setup also. They are fine, but keep in mind I am using them for rear surrounds and front heights so no 'heavy duty'. What I like about the MM8807 (in comparison with 2xParasound A23 I had before):
1. 1xMM8807 uses as much energy as 1xA23.
2. The MM8807 looks really nice with the AV8801
3. The trigger mechanism works great between the two Marantz units.
4. Sounds quality is great for its purpose. I haven't connected my mains to the Marantz but I'm expecting the Marantz amps to hold their own.
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post #1452 of 1905
2/12/13 at 8:45am
gotcha. i had them close to the wall because my room is wide on one side and shallow on the other . i chose to have the speakers against the wider wall so i wouldn't have to worry about reflections on the side walls as much but it seems that the overall image is a bit closer to me than i want so i moved them closer to the wall. I think if i move them closer to when another the phantom center will not be as forward
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post #1453 of 1905
2/12/13 at 9:02am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bthrb4u View Post

gotcha. i had them close to the wall because my room is wide on one side and shallow on the other . i chose to have the speakers against the wider wall so i wouldn't have to worry about reflections on the side walls as much but it seems that the overall image is a bit closer to me than i want so i moved them closer to the wall. I think if i move them closer to when another the phantom center will not be as forward

Well, if you are setup in a shallow room and can't rotate the system, then you are stuck with what you have.
For comparison, my mains are 9' apart and I sit 10' from all three LCRs. And I have about 9' to each side wall. So I'm setup in the middle third of the room width. And the wall behind the seat is at the other end of the dining room, which is at least 20'.
I found with my speakers, that toe-in does two things. Reduces early reflections and puts the phantom center to about where my center speaker is, 10' away. In the past when I had a '70s pre-amp with a 5 band EQ, I could bring forward or step back the phantom image, just by changing the EQ settings. Mostly with women's voices, most noticeable, Linda Ronstadt's voice.
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post #1454 of 1905
2/12/13 at 10:52am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Torqdog View Post

WillyJ is correct....... the center core or tip is the positive (+) lead and that should correspond to the wire with the white stripe. So hook the white striped wire to the positive terminal on the 2205 and the plain black to the negative terminal and you should be good to go.

I just replaced my 1205 which is the little brother to your 2205 so the trigger wire connections are fresh in my mind.

Thanks again Torq and Willy!
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post #1455 of 1905
2/12/13 at 9:18pm
The Parasound Zdac arrived today. I'm really enjoying it so far (flac using MediaMonkey via USB).
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post #1456 of 1905
2/13/13 at 5:03pm
It arrived today! My missing member of the Halo amplifier family has finally come home. The only obstacle to instantly enjoying this new family member is the fact that I need to make some adjustments on my cabinet to accomodate the beast. The A-51 is surely the heaviest piece of gear in my collection and simply dwarfs the HCA1205a it's replacing. smile.gif
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post #1457 of 1905
2/13/13 at 7:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Torqdog View Post

It arrived today! My missing member of the Halo amplifier family has finally come home. The only obstacle to instantly enjoying this new family member is the fact that I need to make some adjustments on my cabinet to accomodate the beast. The A-51 is surely the heaviest piece of gear in my collection and simply dwarfs the HCA1205a it's replacing. smile.gif

When I looked at the A51 specs, I was surprised to see it weights 8 lb less than the HCA2205A. Considering the A51 puts out 150w more power.
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post #1458 of 1905
2/13/13 at 9:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by postrokfan View Post

The Parasound Zdac arrived today. I'm really enjoying it so far (flac using MediaMonkey via USB).

How it sounds? Did you have a DAC before? Anything to compare off?

Iam looking for a DAC for my Mac Mini.

My options:

Audiolab M-Dac
Parasound Zdac
Audioquest Dragon Fly


Thanks!
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post #1459 of 1905
2/13/13 at 10:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by majas View Post

How it sounds? Did you have a DAC before? Anything to compare off?

Iam looking for a DAC for my Mac Mini.

My options:

Audiolab M-Dac
Parasound Zdac
Audioquest Dragon Fly


Thanks!

Actually, I've never had a stand-alone DAC. I've only used built-in DACs such as those found in AVRs and the HK 3490. I got this for my 2-channel system. The SQ is superb. It's versatile as well with 1 optical, 1 coaxial, and 1 USB connection. So far, I've used the USB from my laptop and the optical from an airport express. I'm hearing details I didn't hear before. It is a bit pricey though (for me, a budget-conscious user). The Dragonfly might work for you if you only need USB. Although, the Zdac has the advantage of having a separate quality power supply.
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post #1460 of 1905
2/13/13 at 11:32pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by postrokfan View Post

Actually, I've never had a stand-alone DAC. I've only used built-in DACs such as those found in AVRs and the HK 3490. I got this for my 2-channel system. The SQ is superb. It's versatile as well with 1 optical, 1 coaxial, and 1 USB connection. So far, I've used the USB from my laptop and the optical from an airport express. I'm hearing details I didn't hear before. It is a bit pricey though (for me, a budget-conscious user). The Dragonfly might work for you if you only need USB. Although, the Zdac has the advantage of having a separate quality power supply.

So this is a budget-conscious user advise and point of view.

Wich speakers you have?
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post #1461 of 1905
2/14/13 at 8:03am
i bought a wd live tv because it had optical out and a spotify application and a mobile app for my android or apple. I was surprised as the sound quality i got out of my receivers dac just through hdmi. Not quite as dynamic or detailed but the over-all sound was almost the same. When i say detailed i mean those little minute details. My dac probably sounds a lot better with high quality downloads though.

Quick question. and this should be easy.

I have my 2 channel setup and i'm running an avr right now. It actually sounds really good and never seems at a loss of current for those large dynamic peaks and my speakers give out way before the amp does.
What change will i hear when adding a power amp?
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post #1462 of 1905
2/14/13 at 12:20pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bthrb4u View Post

i bought a wd live tv because it had optical out and a spotify application and a mobile app for my android or apple. I was surprised as the sound quality i got out of my receivers dac just through hdmi. Not quite as dynamic or detailed but the over-all sound was almost the same. When i say detailed i mean those little minute details. My dac probably sounds a lot better with high quality downloads though.

Quick question. and this should be easy.

I have my 2 channel setup and i'm running an avr right now. It actually sounds really good and never seems at a loss of current for those large dynamic peaks and my speakers give out way before the amp does.
What change will i hear when adding a power amp?

That would depend on the amp you might choose. An ordinary amp...maybe no different. Depends on the amp's current and how efficient or not efficient your speakers are. Adding a Halo amp, probably quite a difference.
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post #1463 of 1905
2/14/13 at 7:14pm
i don't know if it's the looks, the buzz or the specs but i would like to get an a23 or possibly an a21 if i get bigger speakers (which i would like to) but i think i might try a new series first and see if it does anything. if not i will skip the halo line.
unless i get a more detailed $1000 answer lol
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post #1464 of 1905
2/14/13 at 7:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by majas View Post

So this is a budget-conscious user advise and point of view.

Wich speakers you have?

Yes, and I currently have the Zdac set up with a pair of B&W CM5s. I have a pair of Ascend Sierra-1s in the living room.
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post #1465 of 1905
2/14/13 at 8:07pm
what do you think of those cm5's compared to the ascends? i'm particularly fond of b&w nsr midrange for some genre's like female vocals
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post #1466 of 1905
2/15/13 at 5:32am
Hi guys, I figured I'd go right the source with my questions. I have a HCA-1500, and it's been in moth balls for about 6 years. I recently upgraded my front speakers and I'm driving them with a Sunfire multi channel amp with approximately the same power rating. In your opinion how does the quality of sound on the 1500 compare to the newer Halo's? I have no problem driving my Revels with the Sunfire and want to keep it for my surrounds and center, but will it match up decent with the Parasound? Before I drag it out and try it, I'd like to hear your thoughts. Thanks.
To add to this if it matters, my Revel's are rated at 6 ohms nominally but I've seen test data that suggests it's a lower number, and in some ranges drops considerably.
Edited by comfynumb - 2/15/13 at 5:39am
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post #1467 of 1905
2/15/13 at 5:54am
Of course my first inclination is to say to try it and find out for yourself which performs better - you already have the amp.

If you want opinion however and have the room to use the Parasound 1500A for your L/R mains, I would definitely go this route vs. using a multi-channel amp. The 1500 is a beast, producing over 60 amps of peak current per channel, the same as the HALO A21. I am not knocking Sunfire amps but I doubt if the current figure is anywhere near this. Its not all about watts. Also, not sure what Sunfire you have, but most of their Theater Grand series were Class D vs. the smooth sounding Class A/AB that Parasound provides.
Edited by Paraneer - 2/15/13 at 8:57am
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post #1468 of 1905
2/15/13 at 5:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by comfynumb View Post

Hi guys, I figured I'd go right the source with my questions. I have a HCA-1500, and it's been in moth balls for about 6 years. I recently upgraded my front speakers and I'm driving them with a Sunfire multi channel amp with approximately the same power rating. In your opinion how does the quality of sound on the 1500 compare to the newer Halo's? I have no problem driving my Revels with the Sunfire and want to keep it for my surrounds and center, but will it match up decent with the Parasound? Before I drag it out and try it, I'd like to hear your thoughts. Thanks.
To add to this if it matters, my Revel's are rated at 6 ohms nominally but I've seen test data that suggests it's a lower number, and in some ranges drops considerably.

I can't speak to the sound quality, but since you have it, I would suggest you audition both and see for yourself. wink.gif

As to the 6 ohm load, I wouldn't worry about that at all. I am driving 4 ohm loads with my HCA amps and they have never faltered nor do they heat up. I even have them stacked in my rack without any fans. I can put my hand on top of them after a rigorous workout and they are hardly warm to the touch. I think this is one of the reasons why they are so darn reliable and last forever.
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post #1469 of 1905
2/15/13 at 8:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by WillyJ View Post

I can't speak to the sound quality, but since you have it, I would suggest you audition both and see for yourself. wink.gif

As to the 6 ohm load, I wouldn't worry about that at all. I am driving 4 ohm loads with my HCA amps and they have never faltered nor do they heat up. I even have them stacked in my rack without any fans. I can put my hand on top of them after a rigorous workout and they are hardly warm to the touch. I think this is one of the reasons why they are so darn reliable and last forever.



Great thanks, yes what the heck I'm going to do some cabinet renovating today. I was a little concerned because at one time I had them driving the PSB golds (4 ohm) and it got really hot. What are the HCA amps you have, multi channel?
Edited by comfynumb - 2/15/13 at 8:50am
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post #1470 of 1905
2/15/13 at 9:03am
^^

Actually I have the 1500a and I have the 1000a too. The 1500a is driving my main large floorstanding front left/right speakers. Curious that your amp got hot - I have never had any of my Parasound amps get even remotely hot and I have 5 of them (2 HCA's and 3 New Classic). You weren't bridging it were you? Parasound does not recommend anything less than 8 ohm load for bridging.

All of my other gear gets MUCH hotter than the amps.
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