Video Asylum

Posted by Jose Garcia on February 24, 2000 at 16:17:49:

In Reply to: Jose: thanks for the input - Re: Parasound HCA 1000a VS. Marantz MA500 ? posted by Art on February 24, 2000 at 10:37:29:

I suppose it is a dual mono because it can be bridge to play in mono . You know , searching in my magazine pages from old reviews , I found a review of Video Magazine June-95 , Daniel Kumin ( I considered this man one of the most reliable out there ) who compared various stereo amp and he rate the Parasound first among its competitors at that time . He was right . A few years later Stereophile give it a great review ( for its price ).

The way I used it is a little complicated . I feed a signal from a Denon AVR-3200 DD Receiver to amplify the high and mids of my speakers ( bi-wire ) and the Denon amplify the bass section ( bi-wire too ). Thats why am going to buy the HCA-1000A . This one will take the bass and the old one stay the same . The 1000A can transfer the incoming signal to the 1000 from a loop it has ( the old model don't have it , among other things , but has the same price - magic!!! ).The Denon , for now , is my main digital processor and pre-amp .

The sound of the system , although modest , is detailed , has a good soundstage , voices sound natural with good precense ( I love Stevie Nicks , Sade , Seal , Eagles and others ), accoustic and electric guitars are well reproduced ( Eagles , Clapton , Chaquico , Benson ) sax notes sound deep and brassy ( Barbieri , Freeman , Redman , Fourplay , Washington ). I'm puertorrican so I love latin music , from salsa to jazz to merengue to tipical music . This music is strong ,has a rapid pace , has rhythm and use brass and leather instruments ( percussion ). It sounds great too and very natural ( Marc Anthony , Juan Luis Guerra 440 , Fania , Tito Puente and much more ). What can I tell ....

As long as video concerns , My childrens ( 4,6,10 ) love to see their movies on DVD with the equipment on . Is not the same with the 36" TV set alone . My guest stay home until action movies finish . Is not the best cinema in town but am proud of it . This is the best satisfaction you can have after investing ( you expend in something you finish without noticing and invest in something that give you invaluable moments of joy ) a sume of money in a system . From $1,000 to Fabios System ( $1/2 000,000.00 ).

If you can , and your dealer permits , try it at home or let him set you an audition with a similar set-up as yours in-store . This way you can compared and make a decition . Is the best I can tell you .

Hope this help and good luck . Best regards Jose Garcia.