Parasound HCA 1200 mods

[muncybob]

I've been looking for a used amp to mate with my SDA 2B's....I only understand some of what has been done to this amp...are the below mods considered an upgrade to the stck amp?:

List of Modifications:
* WBT NextGen copper binding posts, RCA inputs
* MJL21193 & MJL21194 output devices--they are MATCHED!
* Gen 1 Sonicaps used throughout
* Voltage amplification stage FULLY REGULATED
* MUR series Ultra fast diodes replaced original bridge rectifiers
* Sand-filled resistors replaced with metal film resistors
* DC servo circuit upgraded
* cryogenically treated 6-9's copper wire used within

List of Disabled Features:
* level controls removed (sounds better without them)
* bridge mode disabled
* loop output jacks removed

I have no intention of bridging or using the loop outputs on the stock amp so these are of no concern to me. The concern I have with older amps is possibly needing to do some work due to old caps, etc. and I'm not able to perform that work...seems this one would possibly be the way to go?

[dorokusai]

Yes.

[steveinaz]

I'd like to have the level controls and bridged mode switch by-passed as well on my HCA-1500A. I do want to keep the looped outputs in case I ever do attempt to integrate a sub again.

[audiocr381ve]

I've been looking for a used amp to mate with my SDA 2B's....I only understand some of what has been done to this amp...are the below mods considered an upgrade to the stck amp?:

List of Modifications:
* WBT NextGen copper binding posts, RCA inputs
* MJL21193 & MJL21194 output devices--they are MATCHED!
* Gen 1 Sonicaps used throughout
* Voltage amplification stage FULLY REGULATED
* MUR series Ultra fast diodes replaced original bridge rectifiers
* Sand-filled resistors replaced with metal film resistors
* DC servo circuit upgraded
* cryogenically treated 6-9's copper wire used within

List of Disabled Features:
* level controls removed (sounds better without them)
* bridge mode disabled
* loop output jacks removed

I have no intention of bridging or using the loop outputs on the stock amp so these are of no concern to me. The concern I have with older amps is possibly needing to do some work due to old caps, etc. and I'm not able to perform that work...seems this one would possibly be the way to go?

I saw this ad on Audiogon. Looks like a solid amp. Those are huge upgrades.

[muncybob]

I made a mistake though, it's a HCA 1000 and not 1200. Did find a another 1000 model with apprx 60 hours on it...I'm thinking these upgrades are worth the extra 100 bucks?

and now I see a NAD in our FS section priced in same ballpark....decisions...decisions.

[soundfreak1]

Don't know what the price is,but these upgrades change unit quite a bit. Definitly won't sound the same--good or bad. Is up to the listener!

[Lietuvis91]

I made a mistake though, it's a HCA 1000 and not 1200. Did find a another 1000 model with apprx 60 hours on it...I'm thinking these upgrades are worth the extra 100 bucks?

and now I see a NAD in our FS section priced in same ballpark....decisions...decisions.

i'm looking at both of those too, you better make a decision quick! :tongue: