I recently changed mt HT amp from 3 Parasound HCA-1000's to a single HCA-1205A. The reason? Wicked ground loops caused when I upgraded my reciever to a Pioneer Elite VSX-24. The best solution, seeing as I had a buyer, was to switch to the 1205. I did not expect much as the 1000 and the 1205 are rated about the same power wise. Well something is different! The amp seems more alive, more spacious, more detailed. Boyz II Men on the DTS demo CD seemed there. I felt I could reach out and grab one of them! On Dire Straits "Money for Nothing" electric guitar came to life and there was definatley more punch to it. I thought this odd so I re-connected one HCA1000 for stereo and again listened to Dire Straits. It was nice but lacked that edge and the punch of the 1205.
I am definatley happy with this upgrade, especially as it came by accident, and I made a few bucks too!!
I would recommend this amp to anyone looking for a great, affordable HT amp.

Powerful, low distortion, neutral, detailed

longer than average audio rack, heavy, utilitarian looks

Short version:
The greatest single improvement in my system for the money spent. This amp is a tremendous value in design, quality of build and sound.

I was unhappy(read upgrade fever) with the sound of my Harmon Kardon A/V reciever, though it was a clean sound it needed more oomph in all 5 channels to reach the appropriate decibel levels. I researched power amps and an understanding audio store loaned me a Parasound 1205a and an Audio Refinement amp to audition.
The Audio Refinement was detailed, powerful and clear but seemed to impart its own character to the music. The Parasound was not quite as detailed but was more neutral and had a better bass response. After a week swapping back and forth the Parasound won out for its all around performance in movies and music. And it was less $$ than the Audio Refinement. I also considered an Outlaw 750 but you can only get those off the web and who wants to wait, audition, repack and return if unhappy.
My experience with this amp has been amazement every time I play familiar music. Things that I never heard are now there. Music is defined and open. The sound is spacious, highs have that airy feel and the bass is excellent. Most important it is very neutral and you hear what the musicians played. Movie soundtracks are equally powerful and detailed. Voices on my center channel have improved in clarity. The 140 watts @ 8 ohms is a conservative power rating. The circuit protection already saved me when I miswired a biwire speaker. It cut out the circuit so I knew where the probem was and then fully recovered.
With this amp I feel I have graduated to mid-fi.

Five stars for value, Four++ for performance only because I know there are better amps out there.