Still a slave to the score: Parasound P/LD-1500

J. Frum

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A decade ago, $300 at the pawn shop picked up a pair of Parasound HCA-1500A that I used to bi-amp Acoustic Research AR-9. I sold the whole system a year later to finance the move into the first house with my partner. But even now, I suspect the Parasound were the best solid state power amps I’ve yet owned.

So, this morning, when I saw the matching John Curl-designed P/LD-1500 Line Drive preamp for short money on Facebook, I pounced.

Am I deliberately moving my system towards 90s mid-fi? Er, no. But I stilI can’t seem to turn down a good deal, and at the moment, I’m not regretting this latest purchase one bit.

Anyway, here’s some pictures. Lookit them Black Gates and fancy Nichicons!

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What are you using for your phono stage?

I’ve got an almost-current Pro-Ject Phono Box S, and also the matching Pre Box S and DAC Box S USB.

Of those, the only one I can really recommend with any enthusiasm is the Phono Box S. Unless something better comes along (as sometimes happens), I won’t replace it until I build a tubed replacement.

My feeling is that the P/LD-1500 spanks the Pre Box S up and down the street, but this is hardly surprising.
 
The black late 80s-mid 90s look is my fave. The guts (especially quality and number of caps) suggest it sounds fantastic, enjoy!
 
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