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Kappa 9. Parasound HCA-3500 WILL NOT power them

I purchased a pair of Infinity Kappa 9's a few weeks ago. I had the Infinity RS3A's and decided to sell them and upgrade to the Kappa's. I first hooked them to one of my Denon POA-2400 200wpc amps. Not enough power. So posted this problem on here and after some research I decided on the Parasound HCA-3500 350wpc dual mono amp. So I bought one from a real nice guy here on audiogon. I hooked it up last night and this thing won't power them! The amp gets real hot fast. It clips when turned up and the speakers sound like crap. We hooked up a pair of Infinity SM-152's to a Denon POA-1500 150wpc amp next to all this and it sounds better! Also, I think I blew one of the soft poly mid-ranges. The yellowish white rubber on the mids turned clear around the outter edges after listening to moderatly loud music. I'm really frusterated. Three thousand dollars later my stereo sounds way worse and I can't turn it up as loud as I used to. Does anyone have any advise? Could there be a short in the speakers? Why did my midrange blow? What amp should I buy now?
400bill

Showing 1 response by mitch4t

mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t
1,611 posts
 
Find a pair of Carver Silver 9t monoblocs....they can be had for about $1500. They will drive the Kappa 9's with no problem. The Sunfire Signature stereo amp ($1500 used) will drive them also.

For an even more stunning sound, biamp them with four Silver 9t's or two Sunfire Signature amps.

I have four pair of Kappa 9's. Truly an undervalued speaker. They will wow you if given the right electronics.
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