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 "un- balanced" 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 wire, twist all its strands tightly to prevent strays that could cause a short circuit between + and - terminals!

- 3 -

Page 2 Page 4
Page 3
Image 3
Parasound owner manual Placement of your HCA-1200, Rack mounting the HCA-1200, Making Connections, Input connections
Page 2 Page 4

HCA-1200 specifications

The Parasound HCA-1200 is a high-performance power amplifier that has garnered a reputation in the audio community for its impressive sound quality and robust build. It is part of Parasound's Halo series, which is known for delivering music with clarity, control, and dynamics. The HCA-1200 is designed to drive a wide range of speakers efficiently, making it a versatile choice for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts alike.

One of the standout features of the HCA-1200 is its dual-channel design, which allows it to output 120 watts per channel into 8 ohms and up to 200 watts per channel at 4 ohms. This power output enables the amplifier to handle demanding speaker loads, ensuring that listeners experience a full-bodied sound across various types of music and film soundtracks. The amplifier also includes a robust power supply, which is crucial for maintaining stability and performance during dynamic passages.

The HCA-1200 incorporates advanced technology such as a high-quality toroidal transformer, known for its low magnetic interference and high efficiency. This transformer contributes to the amplifier's ability to produce low distortion levels, resulting in a clean and powerful audio output. Additionally, the amplifier features a balanced XLR input, allowing for reduced noise and improved signal integrity, particularly in complex audio setups.

Another significant characteristic of the HCA-1200 is its thermal management system. The amplifier is equipped with oversized heatsinks and advanced circuitry that help prevent overheating, even during extended listening sessions. This thoughtful design promotes longevity and reliability, making it a long-term investment for any audio system.

The build quality of the HCA-1200 is exceptional, featuring a hefty chassis and quality components that reflect Parasound's commitment to craftsmanship. The front panel includes user-friendly controls and LED indicators, while the rear panel provides various connectivity options, including speaker binding posts and RCA inputs.

Overall, the Parasound HCA-1200 stands out as an impressive amplification solution, marrying high performance with solid construction. It caters to those who seek an audiophile-grade experience in their home audio or theater systems. With its powerful output, sophisticated technology, and refined design, the HCA-1200 continues to be a top choice for discerning listeners who value both sound quality and reliability.
Top Page Image Contents