Parasound Unpacking Your HCA-1201A, Installing Your Amplifier, Ventilation Requirements

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of this precision audio component and thank you for your selection of Parasound. Your Parasound HCA-1201A High Current Mono-Block Power Amplifier was built using only the finest precision components available for optimum musical quality and performance.

The HCA-1201A High Current Power Amplifier has a 280 VA toroidal power transformer and 20,000 uF of filter capacitance to provide the high levels of power needed for some of today’s more sophisticated speaker systems. The inherently low output impedance of the HCA-1201A easily maintains control of your loudspeakers even during demanding impedance variations.

Unique circuit topology of the direct coupled HCA-1201A includes balanced JFET input transistors, bipolar drivers and ultra high current output devices. Additionally, there are no inductors or capacitors in the signal path. These design refinements reduce high odd-order harmonic distortion, improve overall clarity and preserve low-level musical details.

Please take a few moments to read these instructions so that you may fully understand the capabilities of your new Parasound power amplifier.

Unpacking Your HCA-1201A

Carefully unpack your amplifier and remove all the enclosed accessories. These accessories include one 14 AWG AC cord, and this manual. Be sure to inspect the unit for any possible shipping damage. If you see any, contact your Parasound Dealer immediately. Save all the packing material in case you need to ship the amplifier for repair. Before you proceed, find the serial number located on the rear panel of your amplifier and record it here for reference:

Serial #____________________ Date of Purchase____________________

Installing Your Amplifier

Place your amplifier away from heat sources such as air ducts and radiators. Always mount the amplifier horizontally and make sure that your cabinet or shelf can support its weight. It is best to provide a separate shelf for your amplifiers rather than stacking it directly above or below other components.

Ventilation Requirements

To insure safe and reliable operation, it is very important that the amplifier has plenty of ventilation to prevent overheating and automatic shut down from its thermal protection circuitry. Please observe the following ventilation guidelines when installing your amplifier in a cabinet or other enclosed area:

1)If you are not using a fan, allow at least six inches on each side and above the amplifier, and do not close off the front with a cabinet door or panel.

2)If you are enclosing the amplifier within an equipment cabinet, use a fan to draw in cool air and exhaust warm air. Two vent holes are required: one for intake and one for exhaust.

3)Do not place the amplifier on carpeting that will obstruct the air flow into the bottom of the amplifier chassis and heatsinks.

4)Avoid stacking components. If you do stack components, you must use a fan to circulate the warm air that will quickly become trapped between them when they are powered on.

-5-