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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
ngjockey
1,042 posts
 
The midrange might not be blown. The domes clear up after being heated. In fact, if you CAREFULLY use a hair dryer on them, the yellow will disappear. I think I origionally recommended a pair of Carver Pro 1600's and I'll stick to that.

You're singing a song I've heard before.
jdlepera's avatar
jdlepera
234 posts
 
Music Reference RM-200 handles loads down to 2 Ohms.A 1 ohm dip ask Rodger at Ram Labs/Music Reference.I've heard these speakers before with a Vintage HK Citation II Tube Amp that puts out 60 watts per side.JD
400bill OP
5 posts
 
I have the amp out in the open. As far as the midranges may not be blown, there is no sound comming out of either one. Before I turned them up last night, both of them had sound comming out. I was told that you can't kill Kappa 9's. Only Kappa 9's can kill amps. I live in Indiana. Should I take the Kappa's to guru in Tennessee? What is his name and website? I've heard he used to work for Infinity and does work on the Kappa's and is in Tennessee. I could maybe go $3,000 on another amp or pair of mono blocks. What about the Threshold SA1 or SA2 mono blocks?
sogood51
2,157 posts
 
Surprising that the amp has a problem driving them, did the (current overload lights) turn red?...how about the (heat temp indicator light)...did it turn red? Parasound says that the amp can drive loads below 2 ohms...short term basis.

The book on my Krell Ksa-250 specs, power output: 2,000 watts a side at 1 ohm, you could try one of these if it turns out to be an amp problem?

Dave
400bill OP
5 posts
 
The current lights on the front turn from green to red when I turn up the volume. I still want to know why the midrange speakers blown and can I rebuild the midranges or do I have to replace the whole thing? I do think that it's going to take a larger amp. Not all is lost. I also have a pair of Kappa 8's that are going in the front next to the 9's. I'm sure the Parasound can handle the Kappa 8's. I do want to find something that is all black to somewhat match the Parasound for the 9's.
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