Parasound HCA-1206 User Manual

-1-
HCA-1206 High Current Multi Amplifier
O W N E R ' S M A N U A L
Congratulations on your purchase of this precision audio component and thank you for your selection of
Parasound. Your HCA-1206 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. Each part within
your HCA-1206 has been painstakingly selected for optimum sound quality on even the most
challenging music and film soundtracks. Please take a few moments to read these instructions so you
may fully understand the capabilities of your new Parasound power amplifier.
Unpacking Your HCA-1206
The HCA-1206 is packed in two strong cardboard cartons. To unpack the amplifier, open both cartons
and carefully remove the HCA-1206 from its inner carton. You may use its rear handles to facilitate
removal from the carton. Take care not to cut or scratch yourself on the exposed extruded metal
heatsinks on either side of the unit. Save your cartons and the packing inserts for safe transport in case
you move or if the unit ever requires shipping for repair. Due to the massive weight of the HCA-1206,
the inner white printed carton is not strong enough for safe shipping by itself. You absolutely must
place it into the additional outer over-carton before shipment.
The audiophile grade AC cord is packed separately in the carton. This is the only cord we recommend
for use with your HCA-1206. Please do not lose it. Before you proceed, find the serial number which is
located on the rear panel of your unit and record it here for future reference or in case of casualty loss or
theft: _____________
O
v
e
rlo
a
d
Overload
C
H
1
CH 1
C
H
2
CH 2
C
H
3
CH 3
C
H
4
CH 4
C
H
5
CH 5
C
H
5
CH 5
P
o
w
e
r
Power
O
p
e
ra
tio
n
Operation
S
ta
n
d
b
y
Stand by
HCA-1206 High Current Multi Amplifier
LUCASFILMLUCASFILM
LUCASFILM
¤
®
LUCASFILM

Parasound HCA-1206 Specifications

General

Brand	Parasound
Model	HCA-1206
Category	Amplifier
Language	English

Summary

Unpacking Your HCA-1206

Placement of Your HCA-1206

Rack Mounting Your HCA-1206

Ventilation Requirements for Your HCA-1206

Minimum Impedance Precautions

Input Connections and Switch Settings

Six Channel Operation

Details input and switch settings for connecting six speakers for a full home theater.

Four and Five Channel Operation

Explains configurations for four/five channel setups, including bridged mono connections.

Multi-Zone Stereo Operation

Speaker Connections to the HCA-1206

Polarity Importance

Ensuring correct speaker wire polarity prevents phase cancellation for optimal sound.

Connector Types: Banana Plugs

Recommends banana plugs for convenient and secure connection to speaker terminals.

Connector Types: Spade Lugs

Guidelines for using spade lugs, cautioning against rotation and overtightening.

Connector Types: Bare Wire

Instructions for using bare wire, emphasizing twisting strands and preventing shorts.

Mono Bridging — Channels 3+4 and 5+6

Use Good Speaker Wire

AC Power Connections and Audiophile-Grade AC Cord

Operating Your HCA-1206

Power Switch Operation

How to turn the unit on and off using the primary power switch.

Standby/Operation LEDs

Explanation of LEDs indicating unit status, stabilization, and fault conditions.

Current Overload LEDs

Indicates operation at or past maximum current capacity, rarely seen.

Level Controls

Rear panel input level controls, recommended at maximum for best performance.

Break-in Period (Burning-in)

Recommends at least 72 hours of operation for optimal sound quality.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Instructions for cleaning the unit and maintaining input jacks for optimal signal transfer.

Fuse and Troubleshooting

Fuse Specifications and Replacement

Details the external 15A fuse, warning against using larger values to avoid warranty voidance.

Troubleshooting and Support

Guidance on checking connections, identifying channel issues, and contacting support.

Parasound HCA-1206 Specifications

Rewiring Your HCA-1206 for 220 V - 240 V 50 Hz Operation

Parasound Limited Warranty (USA only)