• 01-08-2004, 02:09 PM
    psyopwak
    Tremendous sleeper (5ch HT amp)
    This is a review of a great BARGAIN (sleeper) 5 channel amp.

    I have had a Parasound HCA 855 now for about 6 months. What
    a sweet sounding amp this is!! I purchased it very cheaply, around
    $350, to power my "hard to drive" 4 ohm Snell speakers. When it
    came, I was surprised at the build quality and heft of the amp.
    (I think it is a John Curl design, but don't quote me)

    It is detailed, powerful and truly outperforms the amp section in
    my Denon Avr-4800. The 4800 is no slouch amp, but the Parasound
    gives better soundstage, drives speakers more easily and is crisper.
    Nice midrange and highs. Neutral and smooth. And here is the
    kicker, it is only 85 watts per channel x5 =8 ohms (125 watts per
    channel x5 =4ohms!!)

    If you are in the market for a 5 channel HT amp, or even stereo
    amp and are on a budget, check this one out!!! You will be amazed
    how good a decent 5 channel 85 watt amp can sound.

    And you can find them on AUDIOGON.com and EBAY cheap.

    WAK