[brogoff]

Which of these is the better option for my secondary system?

1. One Parasound HCA-1000A stereo amp (125 watts RMS x 2)

2. Two Parasound 275 stereo amps (200 watts RMS x 1) in bridged mode

I tested the bridged 275 amps with a Parasound P/HP 850 preamp and Vandersteen 2C speakers. I had to turn the power amp levels to minimum in order to get the volume knob around 12:00 as strongly recommended by owners of the preamp.

I haven't tested the HCA-1000A because it won't power up. If it's the better option, I'll get it fixed now. Otherwise later.

I never expected to have this choice but circumstances can be unpredictable.

Thanks for reading this!

[Devil Doc]

I think if you read the power handling notice that came with your 2C, the choice will be obvious.

Doc.

[timind]

No experience with either of those amps but in general I have not had success when using stereo amps in bridged mode. Most notable was a pair of Rotel RB981s I bought for the specific purpose of running bridged. I ran them for a a month or so that way and on a whim switched to running just one amp in stereo mode. The difference was easy to hear and much better. Sure I lost all the extra power but I wasn't using it anyway. Of course, YMMV.
As for getting the 1000A repaired, that's a tough call.

[soundbitten1]

I have the Parasound HCA-1000 (no A) powering a pair of DCM Time Windows Three in a secondary system. After trying a number of receivers & amps with the Time Windows I like this combination the best. The sound is articulate and punchy, a good fit.