Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of this precision audio component and thank you for your selection of Parasound. Your Parasound power amplifier was designed by renowned circuit designer John Curl to meet or surpass the stringent standards required by Lucasfilm for use in THX Home Cinema systems. Please take a few moments to read these instructions so that you may fully understand the capabilities of your new Parasound power amplifier.

Unpacking

Carefully unpack your amplifier and remove all the enclosed accessories. 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____________________

Installation and Rack Mounting

Locate 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 amplifier rather that stacking it directly above or below your other components.

The HCA-2205A occupies four rack spaces (7") in a standard 19 inch equipment rack. Be sure to use heavy duty mounting bolts to and nylon shoulder washers on both sides of the faceplate to avoid scratching the amplifier’s front panel and also to help prevent ground loops. Contact Middle Atlantic Products at (201) 839-1011 to obtain any rack mounting hardware you may need. When rack mounting the HCA-2205A, have someone help support the unit while you bolt the component to the rack rails.

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.

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Parasound HCA-2205A owner manual Unpacking, Installation and Rack Mounting, Ventilation Requirements

HCA-2205A specifications

The Parasound HCA-2205A is a powerful, multichannel power amplifier that has cemented its place among audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts since its release. Known for its robust performance, the HCA-2205A delivers an impressive 220 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 350 watts per channel into 4 ohms. This high power output, combined with its advanced circuitry, ensures dynamic and clear sound reproduction, making it an excellent choice for high-fidelity audio systems.

One of the defining features of the HCA-2205A is its five-channel configuration. This allows users to build a comprehensive surround sound system, supporting both home theater and music listening environments. The ability to power multiple channels from a single unit simplifies wiring and reduces equipment clutter, providing an efficient solution for audio setups.

The HCA-2205A utilizes a direct coupling design, bypassing capacitive coupling, which enhances its overall sound quality by minimizing distortion and preserving transient response. Additionally, it is equipped with a toroidal power transformer that contributes to its clean power delivery and improved efficiency. This design choice helps to keep the amplifier's performance consistent, even during demanding audio passages.

Moreover, the amplifier features an impressive signal-to-noise ratio, ensuring that the sound remains clean and free from unwanted noise artifacts. This is particularly important for home theaters where dialogue clarity and immersive sound effects are essential. Parasound's commitment to high-quality components is evident in the use of premium capacitors and resistors throughout the HCA-2205A, further enhancing its sonic performance.

Thermal management is another highlight of the HCA-2205A. The unit is designed with substantial heat sinks and ventilation to handle extended listening sessions without overheating. It also incorporates a fan-less design, providing a quiet operation that aligns perfectly with high-end audio environments.

In summary, the Parasound HCA-2205A stands out for its high power, cutting-edge design, and superior sound quality. With its five-channel capability, exceptional build quality, and advanced engineering, it offers a remarkable audio experience for both music lovers and home theater aficionados alike. Whether used in a dedicated listening room or as part of a comprehensive AV setup, the HCA-2205A continues to impress with its reliable performance and fidelity.