Monoblocks or Parasound HCA-1000A (long) (1 Viewer)

[James_T]

I have a small space dilemma in my component rack/TV stand.
My receiver, DVD player, CD megachanger, and soon a SACD player will take up the four spaces I have on the rack. This is a wide rack from Studiotech (ZR series).
I am left with two options for placing a 2-channel amp, or monoblocks. My TV sits on top with about 7.5" on either side of free space, and then my speakers are each about 4" away from there. So I could place monoblocks in this small space.
--Q1: Can anyone give me the dimensions of the Marantz
MA-6100 and MA-700 monoblocks?
--Q2: Will I have any problems with placing them right next to my TV (a Sony Wega 27")?
--Q3: Will their proximity to the speakers be any problem?
My other option is to place a Parasound HCA-1000A atop my DVD player (a Panasonic DVD-RV30). I have 4 3/8" of space on top of it, and the Parasound is 4 1/8" tall. Will this be OK? If heat is a concern, there is an additional 1 3/4" above the amp for a total of 2" of space. The underside of the shelf above is a metal frame that extends around the perimeter of the shelf, which is why there is little space to actually put the amp atop the DVD player but more space for heat to escape.
--Q4: So providing that heat should not be a problem, my only concern is having this amp on top of my DVD player (it weighs 22 lbs, and I'm not sure if there are other problems I need to consider).
Finally, I would like opinions on which would provide greater sonic benefits for my current system, which is used mostly for music. I have a Marantz SR-7000, which would become a pre-amp and be used to drive my rear speakers. Up front I have Paradigm Studio 40s.
--Q5: Disregarding the space contraints, and given that the cost for each of these amps is very close, which is the best choice: Marantz MA-6100s, Marantz MA-700s, or the Parasound HCA-1000A?
Thanks in advance for any help here.

 

[Jeff]

For your second option, you're going to need a fan in there somewhere. The HCA-1000A can get very warm even with the "proper" amount of ventilation. 2" above won't cut it. The amp could get very hot and shut down. Also, there are vents on the sides of the amp so you will need space length wise as well.
Regarding your DVD player, there is only one DVD player I have ever come across that would be acceptable for putting an amp on it and your Panasonic isn't it. The amp could cause the top to bend downwards. Plus, DVD players need plently of ventilation. A hot amp on top of it will shorten it's life.
I do recommend this amp, however, if you can find another place to put it. I've never tried the Parasound monoblock but I hear the HCA-1000A sounds better and is not noisy like so many have complained about the monoblock.
Jeff

 

[JerryIII]

I own two Parasound HCA1000A's and my frind has the Marantz MA 700. I can tell you that both of these amps are excellent performers that I would highly reccommend. The marantz is a rather large amp. It is very deep and it does run warm so it requires good ventilation. The Parasound does not seem to run that hot at all. I currently have one driving a pair of NHT 2.5 (86db sensitivity, 6 ohm) and it only heats up after long, loud listening sessions. As long as you have a few inches on each side you should be fine. The Marantz needs alot more room. The Parasound is only 125wpc compared to the 200 watts that the marantz is rated at. What type of speakers are you running? A closer comparison would be the Parasound HCA 1500A and the Marantz MA 700 or the HCA 1000A and the Marantz MA 500. If you don't need the extra wattage I would go for the Parasound and it's ten year warranty. It can be found used for ~$350 which is a steal. If you have anymore questions ask here or e-mail me.
Good luck,
Jerry

 

[John H]

quote: I would go for the Parasound and it's ten year warranty. It can be found used for ~$350 which is a steal.[/quote]
Parasounds 10 year warranty is not transferable.
Parasound products must also be purchased from an authorized dealer for the warranty to be valid.
http://www.parasound.com/service_information/warranty_information/warranty_info.html

 

[Steve_D]

By next month I will have the Studio 40's or 20's (maybe 3 Studio, maybe 2 Studio + Studio Center) with Marantz MA-500. I'm just waiting for the guy I'm buying the MA's from to get his new amp in.
I currently have a MA-700 powering my passive sub. It has worked great and doesn't get hot, though it has plenty of free space around in a cooler basement HT.
The MA series have won just about every award or postive review you can think of, including Stereophiles Recomended list Class C which is unheard of for an amp at that price point. You can pick up new MA500's for 200 and less, and mint used examples for less. 700's tend to go for $300 or so.
There are a couple of drawbacks to the MA series. 1) The binding posts will not accept spade connectors if you use those, I use bananas. 2) Ideally, You need to have plugs available for each of them (preferably wall plugs), connecting them to one another degrades the sound according to several reviews. Not a problem for me since the prior owner of my house was a power freak who did alot of power woodworking and had industrial quality power supply installed with outlets all over the finished basement, where my HT is. Yes, it WAS a selling feature to me!
The Parasound is also a great amp in this price range. Parasounds 10 year warranty is nice also. The main reason I went with the Marantz is the piece at a time approach, more power and easy ability to bridge if/when more power is needed. Also, I like the concept of each amp having its own everything, each channel isolated, whether I can actually hear the difference or not!
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[James_T]

I decided that I am being ridiculous with the space constraints, and to just go buy an additional small rack for new components. I am still cost-conscious though, and based on reviews that I've read I'm thinking Parasound is the way to go for my front speakers (which are Paradigm Studio 40s). I'll also be buying a cheap amp for my rears, but I've decided on that part already.
This leaves me with two options... the Parasound HCA-1000A or HCA-1500A. For $550 and $800 online respectively, they are close enough in price for me to justify spending the $250 more if the 1500A is that much better. So is it? I'm guessing the 18 lbs more weight it has was put to good use.
Does anyone know of official online dealers? Audioadvisor.com has the HCA-1500A for $800... are they an official dealer?
Thanks to everyone who has contributed so far.

 

[JerryIII]

James,
I just recieved a Parasound HCA 2003A amp today. I hooked it up to the NHT 2.5 that have been driven by a 1000A for the last year and all I can say is BUY the 1500A. The 2003A is a 3 channel version of the 1500A. I have not listened long to my system with the 2003A but what I have heard was spectacular. The 1000A is a great amp that I was extremely happy with but the extra power benefits my power hungry speakers. For ~ 250 I think that the 1500A is a no brainer. I am not sure if Audio Advisor is an authorized dealer. You could always call them. BTW I have ordered from them before and I highly reccommend them.
Jerry

 

[John H]

quote: Audioadvisor.com has the HCA-1500A for $800... are they an official dealer?[/quote]
Yes they are. And that is MSRP
http://www.parasound.com/products/amplifiers/hca1500a.html

 

[Steven Simon]

James,
In my bedroom setup, I run the Studio 40s along with a Parasound HCA-1000.. The results are absolutely extraordinary!!! It really brings those 40's alive with warm sound....
I pump my Studio CC with the Parasound HCA-1201 Mono Block.... This setup matches up very well.....
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Thanks,
Steven R. Simon
HTF Administrator
Theater Pics Updated 6-11-2001
Send Email: [email protected]

 

[James_T]

Thanks for the input, guys. I think I'll go with the 1500A (in fact I just canceled a $280 order for a headphone amp so that I could more easily afford it). I know the way I am, and if I don't go with the 1500A I'll always be wondering if I should have.
I didn't realize that was the new MSRP, so I can go get it at my local dealer. About two weeks to go before I can do this... I'll let you guys know the results when I do.