Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: PS Audio HCA-2 Amplifier (SS) by jonbee Looking for a new Amp or Preamp? If you're after tubes, post over here.

For Sale Ads FAQ / News / Events

Model:	HCA-2
Category:	Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$1695
Description:	Hybrid Class A
Manufacturer URL:	PS Audio
Model Picture:	View

Review by jonbee ( A ) on January 27, 2003 at 12:42:52 IP Address: 12.228.10.1

Add Your Review for the HCA-2

---

I've been using a Bel Canto EVO 200.2 for nearly a year, and have fully enjoyed the neutrality, detail and lack of coloration which for me were unprecedented. When I first heard it I felt there could be a revolution brewing for high end amplification. I generally agreed with others that the amp did have some shortcomings, which for me were easily outweighed by the strengths. I just took delivery of a broken in HCA2, having heard that it addressed those areas of weakness in the EVO while keeping its' strengths intact. My first reaction: Bullseye! It retains the easy presentation of detail and the low coloration, but adds a tighter, more powerful bottom end with an even cleaner midbass, and brings the midrange forward in comparison. Many, including myself, felt the 200.2 had a recessed mid, and in my system, the HCA2 seems just about right in the balance. Also, the very fine grain evident in the EVO is gone, and the midrange is more open with better depth. Lastly, the dynamic, 3-d quality of the music is much improved, with this quality elevated to equal that of the best tubes I've heard. A great success for this inmate in my system, and a terrific bargain.

---

Product Weakness:	None I've found yet! Not a long track record of reliability for such a new product.
Product Strengths:	Clean, easy sounding, gutsy, superb soundstage and depth, awesome dynamic contrasts.

---

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Bel Canto EVO 200.2, HCA2
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	CJ PFR
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Sony 7000 as transport, Monarchy DIP upsampler,MSB Gold DAC
Speakers:	VMPS 626R, Revel M20,Merlin TSM-M, Legacy sub
Cables/Interconnects:	.99999 braided silver/teflon and TQ I/Cs
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	lots
Room Size (LxWxH):	22 x 18 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	Lots of glass, a bit bright overall
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 days
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Monster Cable 2000(front end only)
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

---

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Schiit Audio

---

[ Top of Page ] [ Contact Us ] [ Support/Wish List ] [ Copyright © 2024, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]

---

[ General ] [ Speakers ] [ Tubes ] [ Vinyl ] [ Digital ] [ Hi-Rez ] [ Video Asylum ] [ Cables ] [ Tweaks/DIY ] [ Music ] [ Films ]

---