2. amps-preamps
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Arcam PA240 / Anthem MCA225 II / Parasound A21+ ?

I consider changing my current power amp McIntosh MC 152 which I use about 8 years for now . I reduced my options to the 3 bellow :


Arcam PA240
Anthem MCA225 II
Parasound A21+

I currently changed my pre amplifier from the digital pre McIntosh D100 to the Cyrus Pre XR and I think also to change my current MC 152 power , my dealer just received a used pair
of Cyrus mono X300 Signature ( in excellent condition like new ) but I think I can do better with one of the 3 options above .

What do you think ?

itzhak1969
erik_squires
15,765 posts
 

At least for the Arcam and Parasound you are picking amps in the "warm" sounding range, which is kind of my preference as well but you may want to listen to something radically different as well, depending on your budget.

If you are coming from a Mc, this may be just what you need.  I'm not sure what your power requirements are or budget, but I do suggest you consider a tube amp as one of your listening choices as well.

helomech
1,519 posts
 

What is it you’re trying to accomplish by replacing the Mac?

Of the amps you listed, the Parasound likely has the best build quality. However, for what it’s worth, myself and some others prefer the sound of the original THX-certified A21 to the A21+. The Plus is higher in noise and not as smooth in delivery (also measures worse aside from power output).

Further, the A21s have a distortion signature that is primarily 2nd-order, which is rare among solid state amps, and IMO, superior to many amps which have a primarily 3rd-order harmonic. 
 

But all that aside, I could not say whether an A21 would be more than a lateral move from your Mac. The A21s might provide a more authoritative sound but otherwise sound more similar than different to your 152. 

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