Parasound HCA-1200 User Manual
O W N E R ‘ S M A N U A L
Parasound HCA-1200 High Current Power Amplifier
Congratulations on your purchase of this precision audio component and thank you for your selection of
Parasound. Your HCA- 1200 has been designed with the latest technology to become the heart of the finest
music systems. Its high power output is matched by enormous current capacity to drive virtually any speakers known. A lkVA toroid transformer and 60,000µfd power supply assure power in reserve. A Class A
cascode input stage, mosfet driver stage and ultra-fast discrete AB output stage assure flawless reproduction. You have made an excellent choice.
Please take a few moments now to read these instructions thoroughly so you may fully understand the
sophisticated capabilities of your new power amplifier.
Unpacking
Save your carton and the styrafoam inserts for future safe transportation in case you move or the unit ever
requires shipping for repair. Note, the actual printed carton is not itself strong enough for safe shipping, so
you must place it into an additional outer 'overcarton' before shipment.
Before you proceed, find the serial number which is located on the rear panel of the unit and note it here for
future reference or in case the unit is ever stolen ____________________.
Caution: To reduce the risk of electric
shock, do not remove the top cover.
There are no user-serviceable parts
inside. Refer servicing to qualified
service personnel.
WARNING: To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this unit to rain or moisture.
Rear Panel
I. RCA input jacks
2. 1/4" input phone jacks
3. Stereo/mono bridging switch
4. Speaker terminals
5. AC power cord
Front Panel
1. Power on/off switch
2. Standby - Operation LEDs
3. High Temp LEDs
4. Overload LEDs
5. Input level controls
6. Carry handles
- 2 -
Placement of your HCA-1200
Keep your Parasound HCA- 1200 out of direct sunlight and away from windows which could ever be left
open to let in rain. It should be placed away from heat sources such as hot air ducts or radiators; do not place
the unit directly on a pile carpet that could interfere with air flow into its bottom vent openings. If you place
the HCA-1200 on the floor near your speakers, elevate it up from the pile of the carpet. If you stack your
components, it is better to place the HCA-1200 above or alongside your other components; when driven
hard, the unit itself may create a little heat and disturb components stacked on top of it. If it is inside a
cabinet, allow ample ventilation. Very sensitive low level sources might pick up some hum radiated from its
enormous power supply.
Rack mounting the HCA-1200
The HCA-1200 can be mounted to a 19" rack by attaching the optional RMK-1000 Rack Mount Kit as
shown below . Please note, the panel size of the HCA-1200 is 5 1/2" high, which is 1/4" taller than a standard
EIA 3-space rack. You may find you need to drill new mounting holes in your rack to accommodate it
properly.
To attach the RMK-1000, first remove the
three bolts at each side of the cover - closest
to the front panel. Use the 6 longer bolts
supplied in the rack mount kit to attach both
panel extension/chassis supports.
Tighten these firmly, as they bear the full
weight of the amplifier.
(Sorry RMK-1000s are no longer available)
Making Connections
Before making any connections, make sure your power amplifier is turned off. When making connections,
make sure there is no strain or tension on input leads or speaker wires that could cause them to pull loose
later on.
Input connections
In most stereo systems, you will use the gold-plated RCA jacks for the R and L channels. Make sure these
are consistent with the R and L outputs from your preamplifier.
For professional applications you can use the alternate 1/4"(6.3mm) phone jack inputs. These are also "unbalanced" inputs, the same as the RCA jacks.
Speaker connections
You may use either bare wire or banana plugs with the HCA-1200 "5-way" terminals. If you use bare wire
without spade lugs or plugs, make sure you strip only enough wire to fit into the hole that runs across the
metal shaft of the terminal. Before inserting the wir e, twist all its strands tightly to prevent strays that could
cause a short circuit between + and - terminals!
- 3 -
Loading...