Parasound 1205a OR 855

[bass007]

I have a choice to purchase one or both of these amps, the only thing with the 1205a it does not have a box and has many scratches and a deep dent on the top casing, all is working fine, sonically.

On the other hand the 855 is in immaculate condition, boxed.

I would like to know what the maximum I should pay for either of these items second hand and considering the age and condition? Any help would be great. Cheers

[Jase]

Hi

1205a's go for around 500-550 quid if they're in excellent condition. Don't know about the 855 as they don't appear to come up that often.

[bass007]

would it be worth paying 300 for it?

[Jase]

Depends how fussy you are with regards to aesthetics. Performance wise you won't find much (if anything) that'll touch it at a price of 300 quid.

You could always get the dent and scratches touched up. It's a doddle taking the lid off the Parasound's, often do it on mine to hoover the dust out! LOL

[bass007]

I don't mind so much, I just want a nice cinematic sound, I am currently using am Onkyo 898THX Reciever but I want a more cinematic sound with better separation between the channels.

[bass007]

would I be better off with a Rotel 1095? its just that I have good things about the Power AMP

[Daneel]

A Rotel 1095 is in a different price range isn't it? More like £1000-900.

[bass007]

Yes I know, just because it costs £1850 new dosent mean much? in terms of sound quality not bothered so much about the money, I mean in real terms the 1205a was 1800 when it was first out right?

[gizlaroc]

I have had an 855, 2205 and a 1095, and I would take the 855 over the 1095, but then the 1205 is definitely better. Who cares about a few scratches?!

Are you saying the 1205 is £300? if so then just go for it.

[bass007]

yes 1205 300

[Steve.EX]

A real bargain.

[bass007]

I was also thinking possibly in future I may go 7.1 just wondering whether it would be better to get both and use the 855 for the rears and the 1205 for the mains for now?

[Jase]

At the price you'll be paying for the 1205 you may as well.

[bass007]

would I get a better sound using the 855 for my M&K K4 Tripoles and the 1205 for the M&K S-150s? just a thought beacuse the it would be less stress on the 1205, or would it be better to use the 1205 for all channels and just keep the 855 untill I go 7.1?

[Jase]

All down to personal preference, but I'd use the 1205 for all of them for now and when you go 7.1 switch to using the 1205 for the fronts and the 855 for all the surrounds.