Parasound 2205a and 1500a: Which is better for Mains? (1 Viewer)

[James Elvick]

Hello All,

I have a Parasound 2205a and a 1500a for my seven channels of amplication. Which is truly better suited for the front mains for 2 channel listening? I have Paradigm Studio 40's for the fronts and might go to Studio 100's or maybe the new Monitor Audio 20's :b

Just wondering if anyone has an argument either way for sound quality, the 5 channel 2205a only using 2 channels for stereo listening or the 2 channel 1500a?

Thanks

James

 

[James Elvick]

In the words of Pink Floyd:
"Is there anybody out there"?

 

[RicP]

Hi James,
I use a Parasound 1500A and I also have Paradigm Studio 40's. I'd call the combination magical.
They work very well together. I believe Steve Simon also runs Parasound and Paradigms together and is very happy with the combo as well.

 

[John H]

I use the exact same Parasound amplifier combination in my system.
2 channels of the 2205 drive the Mains. The 1500 drives 2 rear wall surrounds.
I would think the 2205 would do a better job. I suggest trying both amps driving your Mains and let your ears decide.
John

 

[Edward M]

What type of music do you guys listen to? I listen to alot of rock/pop type stuff. I also have Paradigm studio 40's as fronts and am not happy with the output of my Denon 3801 for 2 channel listening. I am also looking at the Parasound 1500.....wondering if this would fit my need. Also would I be better off with a 3 channel amp?

Ed

 

[RobertW]

i'd say use the 2205 for the mains, etc, and the 1500 for the extra surrounds. according to the specs, the two amps are built very similarly, same amount of capacitance/channel, current draw, slew rate,damping, etc. the 2205 has just a slight bit more power, which probably won't mean much. i'd say the 2205 is just a 1500 with three more channels.

paradigm/parasound. great combo!

 

[James Elvick]

Thanks for the reply's. I'll let you know what I find out next week when I have some time for a switcharoo
James

 

[James Elvick]

One other thought:b What do you think of Bi-amping the the Studio 40's with the 2205a? Overkill?

James

 

[Paul Gere]

I recommend max power on your mains. I had a 1500 when I had Studio 40's. Moved to the 2205 when I bought the 100's. If you DO move to the 100's, don't even THINK of powering them with anything less than the 2205!

my two cents!

-PG

 

[Trevor Schell]

Yes!!,,Bi-amp the mains (40's) and use the 5th channel to power the center..

No such thing as Overkill.