Parasound Stereo Amplifier HCA 2200II User Manual

O W  
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E R ‘ S  
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A N U A L  
H C A - 2200 II U l t r a H i g h C u r r e n t P o w e r A m p l i f i e r  
Congratulations on your purchase of this precision audio component and thank you for your selection of  
Parasound. Your HCA-2200II was designed by one of the world's most renowned circuit designers, John  
Curl. It is among the elite of the finest power amplifiers ever made. You have made an outstanding invest-  
ment in your musical pleasure for years to come.  
Every part, every direct-coupled circuit, has been painstakingly selected for optimum musical quality on the  
finest and most challenging music and loudspeaker loads. Take a look at the special features later in this  
manual to fully appreciate its considerable prowess.  
Please take a few moments now to read these instructions thoroughly so you may fully understand the  
sophisticated capabilities of your new Parasound HCA-2200II power amplifier.  
Unpacking  
The HCA-2200II is packed in two strong cardboard cartons. Save your cartons and the styrofoam inserts for  
future safe transport in case you move or the unit ever requires shipping for repair. Note, the inner printed  
carton is not itself strong enough for safe shipping, so you absolutely must place it into the additional outer  
"overcarton" before shipment.  
To remove the unit, you may use the handles at front and rear to balance its weight. You may findit easier if  
you first rest the unit on its rear handles so you can change your grip before moving it to its correct horizon-  
tal position. Take care not to cut or scratch yourself on the exposed extruded metal heatsinks on either side  
of the unit.  
The AC cord is packed separately in the carton. This is a specially selected audiophile grade cord and is the  
only cord we recommend for use with the HCA-2200II. Please don't lose it.  
Before you proceed, find the serial number which is located on the rear panel ofthe unit and record it here for  
future reference or in case of casualty loss or theft:________________  
Warning:To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this unit to rain or moisture.  
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Rear Panel  
1. Input Jacks - RCA type for unbalanced lines  
2. Input connectors - XLR type for balanced lines  
3. Input selector switches - balanced or unbalanced inputs  
4. Mono Bridging Selector  
6. Main Fuse  
7. AC Power cord receptacle  
8. Right channel B+, B- rail fuses  
9. Left channel B+, B- rail fuses  
10. Carry handles  
5. Speaker Terminals  
Front Panel  
1. Power Switch  
4. Left, Right channel Overheat LEDs  
5. Carry handles  
2. Standby-Operation LEDs  
3. Left, Right channel Current Overload LEDs  
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Speaker connections  
You may use bare solid or standard wire up to AWG 12, spade lugs, banana or dual banana plugs with the  
HCA-2200II "5-way" terminals. The 2nd pair of terminals is for bi-wiring (see below). 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!  
Polarity  
It is important to observe correct polarity when using the stereo mode. One side of the speaker wire will  
have some sort of mark, either printing, a raised ridge on the insulation or a different color of conductor. This  
permits you to know which wire you had connected to the + and which to the - speaker terminals so you can  
do exactly the same at the power amplifier terminals.  
Mono lnput and Output  
For mono, you will connect your single speaker to only the Left channel red + speaker terminal and the  
Right channel red + speaker terminal. The Left and Right black - terminals are not connected. You must also  
move the Mono/Stereo toggle switch up to mono before turning on the amplifier to avoid damage to your  
amplifier or speaker. You only need to connect the mono input lead from the signal source to the HCA-  
2200II's Right channel XLR or RCA input jack.  
Mono/Stereo Switch  
Never move this switch while the amplifiers turned on!  
If you accidentally leave this switch in the mono position, you will find stereo output very weak and dis-  
torted. Turn the unit off before switching back to stereo.  
Minimum Mono lmpedance  
The minimum recommended load for mono is 8. If you know that your speaker has a uniform impedance  
curve and you do not plan to drive the unit to maximum sustained high levels, you may use a 4mono load.  
These restrictions result from the mathematics of the bridging circuitry. In the bridge mode each channel of  
the amplifier functions for only the + or - half of the musical waveform. Thus, each channel "sees" only half  
of the speaker's impedance. Use of an 8speaker means that the load for each channel is 4. And for a 4Ω  
speaker, it results in only 2.  
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Use good wire  
For best results you should never use speaker wire thinner than 16 gauge - it will constrict the sound and  
deteriorate bass response. You may also wish to experiment with audiophile-grade speaker wire and inter-  
connects. Each will have a different characteristic sound and some may be more compatible with the sonic  
signature of your various components. Your HCA-2200II is unconditionally stable with any reputable brand  
of wire.  
Bi-Wiring  
If your speakers are equipped for bi-wiring, you can easily make the multiple connections to the two pairs of  
speaker terminals on the HCA-2200II. Each set of terminals carries the same signal. You may also bi-wire a  
mono speaker by using upper and lower + jacks for Left and Right channels.  
AC Line cord  
Before you attach the AC cord, make sure the HCA-2200II power switch is in its off position.  
The HCA-2200II includes an audiophile grade detachable AC cord. We recommend that you use only this  
cord and try to make direct connection to the AC wall outlet. Connection to a flimsy extension cord will  
seriously impair the sound reproduction of the HCA-2200II. We do not recommend you connect the ampli-  
fier to the accessoryAC outlet on your preamplifier. The current draw exceeds the ratings of most preamplifier's  
power switches and power cords and could cause premature failure of the switch, not to mention degrada-  
tion of the sound.  
If you use an external AC line conditioner/surge suppressor, make sure it can handle the full power required  
by the amplifier. If you want the very best sound possible, you might consider having a licensed electrician  
run a dedicatedAC power line for your HCA-2200II.This will isolate it from most of the power line interfer-  
ence caused by older wiring and household appliances.  
While 3 pin grounded AC cords are standard on most high end components, sometimes it becomes neces-  
sary to reverse the polarity of theAC plug to reduce hum. In this case, you may use a 3 pin -to- 2 pinAC plug  
adaptor, or "cheater plug," which is readily available at low cost from any hardware store.  
If you believe your system has a hum problem, the first step is to reverse the AC plugs of your other compo-  
nents, one by one, starting with the preamplifier. In many cases, this will eliminate the problem.  
If this fails, it may be necessary to reverse the direction of the HCA-2200II's AC plug. Please do not cut off  
its 3rd ground pin; you may need it again if you change components. The preferable way is to purchase the  
"cheater" with only two pins which can insert in either way in the wall outlet. This will not compromise the  
sound quality of your system.  
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Operating the HCA-2200II  
Power Switch  
Press the upper side to turn the unit on; press the lower side to turn the unit off.  
Standby/Operation LEDs  
The red Standby LED will come on red whenever you first turn the unit on. It will light for about four to five  
seconds while the amplifier circuits are stabilizing before the protection relays disengage. At this time the  
red LED will turn off and the green Operate LED will come on to signal normal operation is available. It  
will also light up red whenever there is a short circuit or fault which triggers the protection circuits. When-  
ever the red LED illuminates , no sound can be heard. If the red Standby LED lights up during operation, it  
could indicate that more DC than its servos can handle is present at the input, an overload, short circuited  
speaker line or possible internal fault. The protection circuits automatically reset. Turn the unit off for at  
least 10 minutes while you check your connections, then try again. If the red LED continues to glow, you  
should contact your dealer or Parasound for further advice.  
Current Overload LEDs  
The Current Overload LEDs for Right and Left channels will only illuminate if the unit is driven at its  
maximum current capacity. These LEDs will indicate overload of the power supply just before the onset of  
audible distortion. In virtually all imaginable listening situations, these LEDs will rarely illuminate. If they  
are glowing often, please reduce the volume a little.  
Overheat LEDs  
The Overheat LEDs for Right and Left channels will only illuminate if the HCA-2200II starts to approach  
its maximum safe operating temperature. Multiple temperature sensors continuously monitor the tempera-  
ture of critical circuits which are subject to heat buildup under hard operating conditions. When these LEDs  
come on, you must reduce the volume to permit the amplifier to  
cool down, otherwise it may activate its thermal overload protection circuits, forcing you to wait for cool  
down until the circuits reset.  
“Breaking-in" the HCA-2200II  
Like other great power amplifiers, the HCA-2200II requires at least 72 hours of continuous operation after  
it is first turned on to sound its best. This gives the materials in various parts a chance to "form" so audio  
signals achieve greater definition, smoothness and transparency.  
Although the unit will sound spectacular when you first operate it, you will find it worthwhile to listen again  
after a few days and you'll discover details in your music you may not have guessed were there.  
Maintaining your HCA-2200II  
The HCA-2200II requires no periodic maintenance and has no user serviceable parts inside. Do not remove  
the top cover to avoid risk of electric shock. To keep it clean use only a soft cloth and never use any solvents  
or abrasives. Fingerprints may be removed with a soft cloth moistened only with a few drops of water.  
The amplifier has corrosion-free gold input jacks, but each year it is a good idea to twist the input plugs to  
preserve perfect signal transfer by removing corrosion which might have accumulated on the connecting  
plugs themselves. Make sure the unit is turned off while you do this.  
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In Case of Trouble  
Fuses  
The HCA-2200II has five external fuses which may blow as a result of an internal fault condition. This  
protects the unit from possible damage to internal parts. Never replace any fuse with a larger value. Substi-  
tution of a larger fuse may create serious stress or damage to internal parts and will void your warranty.  
It is particularly important to replace the 10 ampere B+ and B- fuses with the same value and brand as the  
originals to preserve the impedance symmetry of the power supply. Use only Littlefuse brand fuses. The  
brand of the 15 ampere main fuse is not as critical to sound quality.  
If you suspect a problem with this unit, first recheck all your connections. If one channel is  
inoperative, the trouble may be caused by another component or even a defective hookup cable. If only one  
channel is out for all sources, try reversing the L and R cables to the power amplifier (turn it off before  
moving wires). If the same channel stays out, it indicates trouble with the power amplifier itself. We suggest  
you contact your authorized Parasound dealer or call Parasound Technical Service if you suspect a problem.  
We will suggest other diagnostic tests you can easily perform yourself and which will save you a lot of  
trouble.  
If it is determined that the HCA-2200II should be returned for inspection and possible servicing, you must  
first obtain a Return Authorization number. You will be asked to re-pack the unit in its original styrofoam  
packing and both of its cardboard cartons for proper protection in transit. You should send the unit by UPS  
with adequate insurance specified.  
Units that arrive without the correct Return Authorization number, without a suitable shipping carton or  
evidence of improper internal packing or collect will be refused. We cannot accept collect shipments. After  
repair under warranty, the unit will be returned to you via prepaid UPS. If we found no problem with the  
unit, we will ship the unit by UPS collect for return shipping charges.  
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Parasound HCA-2200II Specifications  
Continuous Power Output - Stereo  
220 watts RMS x 2, 20Hz-20kHz, 8Ω  
385 watts RMS x 2, 20Hz-20kHz, 4Ω  
385 watts RMS x 2, 20Hz-20kHz, 2Ω  
Continuous Power Output - Mono  
750 watts RMS, 20Hz-201kHz, 8Ω  
1000 watts RMS, 20Hz-20kHz, 4Ω  
Current Capacity  
50 amperes continuous  
90 amperes peak  
Slew Rate  
>135V/µsecond  
Frequency Response  
2Hz-95kHz, +0/-1.5dB  
Total Harmonic Distortion  
< 0.05% at full power  
< 0.009% typical levels  
TIM  
Unmeasurable  
IM Distortion  
< 0.03%  
Dynamic Headroom  
> 1.5dB  
lnterchannel Crosstalk  
> 84dB at IkHz  
> 74dB at 20kHz  
lnput lmpedance  
100K/RCA-unbalanced, 200K/XLR-balanced  
S/N Ratio  
>114dB, input shorted, IHF A weighted  
Damping Factor  
> 1000 at 20Hz  
Dimensions  
19" wide x 7" high x 15" deep  
Weight  
60 Ibs. net  
AC Power Requirements  
1000 watts  
Specifications and features subject to change without notice.  
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Special Features  
• Two independent 1200vA toroid power transformers  
• Independent transformer windings for driver stage regulators  
• Higher driver rail voltages and independent regulation to prevent sag  
• 100,000uF computer-grade capacitors in power supply  
• Multiple polystyrene bypass capacitors in power supply  
• Cascode Class A input stages with matched J-FET pairs  
• Hand picked Mosfets in high voltage driver stages  
• 24 5OMhz, 15 ampere output transistors, B-matched complements  
• Output transistors direct-coupled without inductors  
• DC servo direct-coupled audio circuits with 0.3Hz rolloff  
• Linear tracking, instantaneous acting DC servos  
• Pure Class A operation up to >6 watts output; Class AB-1 thereafter  
• Balanced input circuits, XLR connectors, separately switched  
• Gold-plated metal structure RCA input jacks  
• Multiple temperature sensors and silver-cadmium relay protection  
• FR-4 glass epoxy circuit boards, outputs double clad for high current  
• Dual mono circuit topology for superior separation past 20kHz  
• Proprietary quick-settling bias circuits obviates warmup period  
• Silver plated audiophile-grade wiring drivers to outputs  
• Precision 1% tolerance Holco and Resista metal film resistors  
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About the Designer of the HCA-2200II  
We created the Parasound HCA-2200II to be among the finest amplifiers ever made for the reproduction of  
music. To build a world class amplifier, we turned to world class designer, John Curl. He is considered one  
of the most respected designers of our time. His advances in the art of audio have been renowned for over 20  
years.  
John was the designer of the Mark Levinson JC-2 preamplifier in 1974. A landmark product  
whose performance justified its stunningly high price, it inspired the emergence of the high end audio indus-  
try. He designed the mastering recorders used by Wilson Audio and Mobile Fidelity, the mixing consoles  
used by the Grateful Dead for concerts and recordings, and electronics at the site of the famed annual  
Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. Most recently he redesigned the recording electronics for Stereophile  
Magazine.  
John has published definitive articles on advanced circuit design and the influence of different capacitor  
types on the reproduction of music. He designed the Symmetry electronic crossover, SOTA head amplifier  
and collaborated with noted Finnish designer Matti Otala in explorations of the phenomenon of Transient  
Intermodulation Distortion.  
John also builds the wonderfully musical, quiet (and very expensive) Vendetta Research phono preamplifi-  
ers which have earned rave reviews in Audio, The Absolute Sound and repeated Class A distinction in  
Stereophile. He designs and builds the products the top reviewers purchase for their own listening pleasure.  
Those who can afford his designs have been a privileged few. The HCA-2200II is the latest version of John  
Curl's first amplifier designed for Parasound. Take another look at some of the special features in the Parasound  
HCA-2200II - these are the hallmark of the finest, most musical high-end audio models which have earned  
critical acclaim. And now they're yours.  
May we also recommend our John Curl-designed P/FR-2000 and P/LD-1500 preamplifiers as ideal com-  
panions for your HCA-2200II?  
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Parasound HCA-2200II  
Product Advisory  
Your Parasound HCA-2200II uses a grounded AC cord. For most systems, this will give optimum perfor-  
mance.  
However, with some systems a 60Hz hum may be audible. (50Hz overseas)  
This does not indicate a fault with the HCA-2200II  
It often happens with the most expensive high-end components that are equipped with grounded AC cords.  
If you think your system has this problem, the first step is to reverse theAC plugs of your other components,  
one by one, starting with the preamplifier. In many cases, this will eliminate the problem.  
If this fails to cure the hum, it will be necessary to reverse the way theAC plug of the HCA2200II inserts into  
the wall socket.  
Please do not cut off the HCA-2200Il's 3rd ground prong on the AC plug; if you move or change other  
components, the ground prong may be needed to reduce hum.  
The preferred way is to purchase a low cost plug adaptor (available at any hardware store)  
which has a three pin socket to accept the 3 pin plug of the HCA-2200II But it has only two pins of equal  
size, so it may be inserted either way into your wall socket.  
Using the AC plug adaptor (sometimes called a "cheater") in no way compromises the safety or sound  
quality of your system.  
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Parasound Limited Warranty (USA only)  
Your Parasound HCA-2200II is covered by a limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship  
for a period of two years from date of purchase. This warranty is provided by the Parasound dealer where the  
unit was purchased. Warranty repair will be performed only when your purchase receipt is presented to  
validate your ownership, date of purchase and authorized status of the selling dealer. Defective parts will be  
repaired or replaced without charge by your authorized dealer's store or the location designated by your  
dealer that is authorized to service Parasound equipment. Additional information is available by calling or  
writing to the Service Manager, Parasound Products, Inc. at the address below. Charges for unauthorized  
service and transportation costs are not reimbursable under this warranty,  
This warranty becomes void if the product has been damaged by alteration, misuse, accident or neglect.  
Alteration includes removal, obscuration or defacement of its serial number. This warranty becomes void if  
unit has been burned out by abusive extended testing or operation with load impedances contrary to printed  
instructions. This warranty applies only to units used in residential, non-commercial situations. The warran-  
tor assumes no liability for property damage or any other incidental or consequential damage whatsoever  
which may result from the failure of this product. Any and all warranties of merchantability and fitness  
implied by law are limited to the duration of this expressed warranty.  
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not  
apply to you. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so  
the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.  
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary state by state.  
Please Stay in Touch  
We'd like to hear from you about your experience with your Parasound HCA-2200II Of course we want to  
assist you with any questions you may have, but we'd also be thrilled to know how much you are enjoying  
the unit. You don't need to have a problem as an excuse to call.  
Reviews on Parasound are coming in from all over the world and we continually have exciting new products  
in development. If you'd like us to keep you advised, just drop a line and ask to receive updates. We welcome  
your suggestions and look forward to hearing from you.  
Parasound Products, Inc. 950 Battery Street, San Francisco, CA 94111  
800-822-8802 / 415-397-7100 / FAX 415-397-0144  
© 1993 Parasound Products, Inc.  
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