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Vintage Parasound HCA-800ii High-Current Power Amplifier - Tested and working!The Parasound HCA-800II is a vintage 1990s high-current stereo power amplifier designed by Parasound to deliver robust power and stability into demanding speaker loads. [1, 2]Key SpecificationsPower Output: 100 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo), up to 260 watts into 8Ω (mono/bridged). [1, 2]Current Capacity: Built with a 700VA toroidal transformer and 30,000µF power supply reservoir capacitance. [1]Frequency Response: 8Hz to 90kHz. [1, 2]Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): 0.08%. [1, 2]Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 104dB. [1]Dimensions & Weight: 17-1/4" x 3-3/4" x 11-3/4"; weighs 25 lbs. [1]Design & FeaturesDiscrete A/AB Output: Utilizes an ultra-fast discrete amplifier topology. [1]Gain Control Pots: Features rear/front level adjustment knobs which as input gain/calibration controls rather than primary volume knobs (best paired with a dedicated preamplifier).Being sold as-is with no returns!
The HCA-800 II is a respected little high-current Parasound amp, and this one lands right at the upper end of the normal used market rather than above it. At US$399, it sits essentially on the 75th percentile of recent comparable listings, so I’d call it fair-to-firm, not a bargain, but still reasonable if it’s genuinely clean and fully working.
What makes it worth a look is the usual Parasound appeal: honest power, good drive into real speakers, and a sound that has aged well for a straightforward stereo amp. At this price, the upside is strongest if the unit is well kept, with no noise, no channel imbalance, and ideally proof it’s been tested recently; if the seller can show that, this is a solid buy for someone wanting dependable vintage-leaning performance without chasing a restore project.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Parasound, an enduring American hi-fi brand, traces its roots to 1981 when Richard Schram founded it in San Francisco, California. Drawing from his experience in consumer electronics retail and engineering trips to Asia, Schram aimed to bridge the gap between exorbitantly priced high-end gear and lackluster budget options. His vision crystallized through savvy U.S. design paired with cost-effective manufacturing in Taiwan, establishing Parasound as a beacon of accessible excellence from the outset.
The brand excels in amplifiers and preamplifiers, its core stronghold, with the acclaimed Halo series embodying decades of refinement. Iconic collaborations with legendary designer John Curl—starting in 1989—elevate power amps, phono stages like the JC3+, and processors to reference-level performance. While not venturing into speakers, turntables, DACs, headphones, or cables, Parasound's focused lineup delivers uncolored, dynamic sound through innovative circuits and robust builds.
Parasound occupies a prime mid-to-high-end niche, revered for punching far above its price weight with reliability that rivals pricier boutique rivals. Audiophiles and critics praise its value-driven sonic fidelity, build quality, and longevity, fostering fierce loyalty worldwide. Even under new ownership since 2022, it remains the discerning buyer's choice for high-performance audio without prestige-driven excess.
See all Parasound listings on RADAR.
