Parasound HCA 3500 for bass amp

spectralman · « **on:** 21 Jun 2004, 12:57 am »

I'm thinking about using this amp as a bass amp in a biamp setup. I have read good things about Parasound amps having good bass control, but have never actually heard any of their products. Any info or experiences you may have had are appreciated.

Bill

lkosova · « **Reply #1 on:** 1 Jul 2004, 02:27 am »

Bill,

This would make a great bass amp or any amp at that range. I have heard many of the Parasound products and have 3-1000a's with an older seperate system of theirs. Their products are very nice.

I will becoming a dealer for CaryAudio and will have their Cinema line soon but might use the Parasound 1000A's for biamping the VMPS RM-30's or use them for the larger subs....

Larry

zybar · « **Reply #2 on:** 1 Jul 2004, 02:51 am »

For the money (used price is around $1200), I personally think a Crown K2 or QSC PLX3402 are better (I currently own both and have used the Parasound in the past).

A single Crown K2 has no problem driving TWO VMPS Larger subs to 110+ db's in my system.

The Crown is a little more user friendly (5 way binding posts vs. speakon or bare wire on the QSC) and doesn't have a fan.

Bass is tight, fast, articulate and DYNAMIC as all hell.

YMMV.

George

warnerwh · « **Reply #3 on:** 1 Jul 2004, 02:55 am »

You aren't going to do any better for a bass amp. If you already have it I'd use it knowing it'll do anything you want. I'm powering a pair of VMPS Supertower/R SE's which have essentially two larger VMPS subs and it lacks nothing.

Occam · « **Reply #4 on:** 1 Jul 2004, 03:13 am »

As you don't mention the crossover freqency for this intended 'bass' amp, the following reference might not be relevant.-
http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/general/messages/131867.html

The poster, Bob Crump, did the component voicing of the prototype. John Curl did the design. But Parasound's Taiwanese factory took it upon itself to use and even more 'bespoke' feedback resistor, a Vishay, and screwed it up...
If you do a search on the Asylum, you'll find John Curl saying the same thing. FWIW.

And much has been said about the 3500 as a bass amp on the Asylum. Again, FWIW.

lkosova · « **Reply #5 on:** 1 Jul 2004, 03:26 am »

George,

Can't disagree with you at all. But I was assuming that he had this amp already.

Larry

zybar · « **Reply #6 on:** 1 Jul 2004, 03:31 am »

Woops!

Missed that fact.

I agree that it might not be worth the effort to sell the Parasound and buy a Crown/QSC amp.

George

warnerwh · « **Reply #7 on:** 1 Jul 2004, 01:51 pm »

FWIW in the Stereophile review of the 3500 a few years ago the reviewer claimed the Parasound was the equal to a Krell in the bass.

warnerwh · « **Reply #8 on:** 1 Jul 2004, 01:54 pm »

FWIW in the Stereophile review of the 3500 a few years ago the reviewer claimed the Parasound was the equal to a Krell in the bass. The above mentioned post regarding the Vishay resistor is easily and cheaply swapped out. It supposedly only affected the treble but I can not hear a difference at all but am using a tube pre(ARC LS 16).

Mike B. · « **Reply #9 on:** 1 Jul 2004, 05:51 pm »

A few years ago, Curl and Crump modified the amp and issued limited edition units called the CTC BBQ. Bob Crump is a wealth of info on many things and easily approachable if you have questions. Perhaps different filter caps would benefit this application? All in all, a good candidate for this application.