2. amps-preamps
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Considering the Parasound A23+ amplifier

As the title suggests I am thinking about the purchase of the Parasound A23+ amplifier. Just looking for thoughts from those familiar with this amplifier regarding tonal balance, soundstaging, reliability, and  serviceability. I am using a Aric Audio Special 6SN7 based tube preamplifier with Tannoy Sterling speakers (91dB, 8ohm) and also have a pair of Esoteric MG10s stand mounts (87dB, 6ohms). Room volume is ~1500sq. ft.  Not concerned about the power of this amplifier as I believe it would serve either speaker power wise.

As some of you might know I have recently purchased a used Pass XA25 which for my tastes I have found to be generally too lean, with excessive brightness in some passages. As I also wish to purchase a tube amplifier I am hoping the A23+ might serve my SS needs while also my budget.

Alternative recommendations accepted.  

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
mesch

Showing 9 responses by mesch

mesch OP
3,391 posts
 

@jay73  Well, in November I purchased an Aric Audio Transcend tube amplifier and have been listening to it since.  Haven't spent much time with the XA25 over the summer and fall. Will be moving my system into another room shortly and will get back to the XA25 in comparison to the tube amplifier driving Tannoy Sterlings.  Like the few that have compared the XA25 to a tube amplifier I may find the XA to be leaner after having experienced a tube amplifier. My goal was (is) to have both a SS and a tube amplifier to rotate.I will likely always have a pair of speakers in my stable that may not be tube friendly.  As always the value of an amplifier is dependent on the speakers being driven. 

mesch OP
3,391 posts
 
I am not sure that the issue I am having with my XA25 is typical to the model. I am not convinced that what I am hearing can be addressed with cables, break-in or warm-up.   I have spoken to Pass Lab personel and have determined that my unit was manufactured last June and is still under warranty.  If the issue is with my preamp I am confident Aric will help me out. 

Based on my take from reviews and this forum I believe the XA25 to be more on the lean side, more transparent, than the XA30.5 or 30.8. The 30.5 having the most bloom of the three. Known to be quite distinct from the other Pass Labs or First Watt amplifiers.


mesch OP
3,391 posts
 
Yes, I have not ruled out the possibility of the problem being something with my preamp. I am continuing to research this. I will get back as I discover more. Might have to determine a better description for the problem.

I have looked into the Parasound A21+ however I don't need that much power or the weight. That amp weighs close to 1/2 what I do.
I was thinking the Parasound was more on the warm side than the XA25 which is unique for a Pass amp.
mesch OP
3,391 posts
 
@jjss49 Thanks for your thoughts.  I am beginning to regret the sale of the BEL. That amp and my preamp were a great match and mated with both pairs of my speakers well.

I was seriously hoping the Pass XA25 would serve me the same. As I stated above my research indicates this The XA25 amp is different than most Pass amps in being maybe the most transparent and not having the 'bloom' around notes like many others (some characterize this as lean). I am afraid what I am hearing is beyond that difference. Yes, this could be from my preamp.  

Sometimes when I run into a problem I tend to panic a little, hence this thread, then go into action to solve. I am in the process now. 

Thinking I should not have linked the problem with my system with my request for thoughts on the A23+.  Focus in a question begets a more definitive answer.


mesch OP
3,391 posts
 
@decooney  I have Tung Sol 6SN7 GTB tubes installed. Don't know the year of manufacture.  I am using Audioquest King Cobra interconnects and have been looking to find different ones. Which were you using?

I have given up on the idea of the A23+. 
mesch OP
3,391 posts
 
I must say that there is so much the XA25 does right that I will spend some effort in trying to make it fit. I believe much of the problem is me, my tenitus makes me sensitive to upper level frequencies which are accentuated by the high transparency of this amplifier. 

It has wonderful drive and soundstage.  Not all recordings are problematic. I will explore tube and cable options before doing anything drastic. 

Thanks all! One of my favorite pastimes is as a member of this forum. Have made friends.
mesch OP
3,391 posts
 
I have not had a chance to further explore the issue. I will get to that today hopefully. 

@jjss49 Thanks for that kind offer. I will get in touch. 
mesch OP
3,391 posts
 
Not giving up on the XA25...with a little help from my friends.
mesch OP
3,391 posts
 

 

As a closing comment to this thread I should add that I have kept the XA25 and the Transcend amplifiers. The XA25 has grown on to me the more I have used it. One or both of 'us' has broken in.  The Transcend is a wonderful replacement. Currently using the EL34s and playing with the variable feedback when this amp is in use.

 

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