Parasound Debuts 5 x 85Watt Amplifier For Home Theatre And Custom Installation
The new Parasound HCA-885A five-channel power amplifier brings the advantages of high current design and the convenience of Automatic Turn-On to home theatre enthusiasts and designers of custom-installed audio systems. Inspired by Parasoundís very successful HCA-1205A, this new design is rated at 85 Watts RMS per channel (all five channels driven simultaneously into 8 ohms, 20Hz to 20 kHz, <0.05% THD). Ideal for ""real world"" home entertainment systems where ultimate output capability is not the most important criteria, the HCA-885A provides smooth yet articulate control for all but the most inefficient speakers placed in exceptionally large rooms. ""Designing a super-amp is a challenge,"" said Richard Schram, Parasoundís President, ""but people often overlook the art involved in creating a capable if less ambitious, design at a really low price point. Although the HCA-885A is not the most powerful amplifier we make, it is a true high current amp-hence the ëHCAí designation. It reflects the same meticulous design, careful implementation, and stringent quality standards that are applied to all Parasound products."" The output stage is composed of 20 critically matched bipolar output devices, each rated at 15 amps output capability. High bias raises the amplifierís operational mode further to Class A than competing brands. After that, the HCA-885A operates in Class AB mode to maximize efficiency and reduce heat. Oversized extruded aluminum heat sinks cool the amplifier even under continuous high output conditions. A sophisticated DC servo/relay protection circuit protects both amplifier and speakers in the event of less than ideal operating conditions. The critical input stage benefits from expensive JFET (junction field effect) transistors, widely praised for their overload resistance and musicality. All circuit boards are made of FR4, a military-grade glass epoxy compound. The circuits themselves are carefully laid out to achieve symmetrical crosstalk, minimal noise, and maximum signal integrity. The power supply has a 1 kVa toroidal transformer, whose five independent windings make it effectively five separate transformers in one, plus 68,000 µF of filter capacitance guarantee sufficient operating voltages for full power even when all channels are being driven to maximum output. The HCA-885A features Automatic Turn-On making it ideal as a power source for a multi-zone audio system or other installation where it may not be easily accessible. To this end, the amplifier has a rear-panel 12 volt DC ëtriggerí terminal and associated circuitry to toggle it between ëfully operationalí and ëstandbyí modes when it senses a control voltage from a surround processor or other unit. Front panel indicators show when the amplifier is plugged into a live AC line source, standby or normal operational modes, or current overload conditions. Inputs are gold-plated metal structure RCA jacks. Heavy-duty five-way gold-plated binding posts provide the speaker output and accept banana plugs, pins, or 8 gauge bare wire. An audiophile-grade IEC detachable power cord adds convenience. A rack mount adaptor, which makes the HCA-885A ideal for professional installations, is also available. The HCA-885A will be available in late November and will carry a suggested retail value of $995. Founded in 1981, Parasound is a privately owned U.S. company that specializes in providing affordable audio and home theater components to the critical listener. For more information, contact the company at 415 397 7100 or visit the Web site at http://www.parasound.com.