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Parasound PHP 850 preamplifier and HCA 1000A amplifier. Both in great working condition (preamp has some scratching on top, see photo). Original owners, gently used. HEADS-UP: Also selling a pair of Paradigm Reference Studio 80 floor speakers that work beautifully with these components. If interested, we can make a deal on all three. Look in my other listings for details on those. ------- - Smoke-free, pet-free, mold-free home - Local pickup in Philadelphia, PA. No shipping or deliveries.
The PHP-850 has a strong reputation as a musically capable, unusually well-equipped vintage preamp, but USD529 is genuinely ambitious here. Your comparable listings place the median at USD215, with the 75th percentile at USD250, so this ask is more than double the median and far beyond the normal upper end. It would need exceptional, documented condition and provenance to justify serious consideration.
Its appeal is real: pure Class A circuitry, a substantial power supply, buffered outputs, useful tone controls, and a respectable built-in RIAA phono stage make it versatile and engaging rather than merely nostalgic. Still, those strengths are readily available at much lower prices; comparable examples around USD189–USD250 look like the sensible buying zone. At USD529, only a fully serviced, exceptionally clean example with complete accessories and a meaningful warranty would be worth pursuing.
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.
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