Emotiva XPA-5 vs Parasound HCA-1205

[satow]

Parasound HCA-1205 5ch THX power amplifier vs. Emotiva XPA-5 power amp.

Any comparisions in audio quality?

[oppman99]

I used to have the two channel version of the Parasound and now have an XPA-5. There is nothing wrong with the Parasound and it does a good job, but I prefer the Emotiva XPA series. To my ear the Emotiva amps sound more dynamic and lively as well as producing better defined bass notes. The Parasound is a little more "laid back". For blues music, I really didn't hear much of a difference. Rock music is where the things I mentioned above became apparent.

[slbenz]

May 26, 2010 14:53:43 GMT -5 satow said:

Parasound HCA-1205 5ch THX power amplifier vs. Emotiva XPA-5 power amp.

Any comparisions in audio quality?

As a former Parasound HCA-1205A original owner for almost ten years, here is my review on Epinions on comparing the Parasound to the XPA-5. In short, the XPA-5 made me switch. Even after comparing some other multi-channel amps and two channel amps from Rotel, Sunfire, Karan Acoustics, Music Hall and Krell over the years, I stayed with the Parasound. Wondering all the buzz with the XPA-5, and listening to it at length with my Magnepan IIIa 5.1 home theater system, I sold the Parasound. Here is a link to my Epinions review discussing the details: www99.epinions.com/review/Emotiva_Audio_XPA_5_Five_Channel_Audio_Power_Amplifier_epi/content_488382893700

[satow]

Thanks guys for the replies!