Move from Parasound A23 to A21/A21+ or Something Else?
Hello, looking for some advice on an amplifier upgrade. Some years ago I was able to get an original Parasound A23 for a really great deal. I like the amp quite a bit and it was a wonderful upgrade from a class d amplifier I was using. I am mostly happy with the amp but I have noticed on loud or complex passages that the music can become strained sounding. It will shift from a nice layered and smooth sound to a more brittle and flat sound. It’s like the soundstage collapses to one dimension right between the speakers and music gains a hardness to it. It’s hard for me to explain exactly as I not that great at descriptors for audio.
Anyway, it doesn’t happen all the time only when listening to dynamic and busy music at higher volumes like 85+ db average at the listening position; about 3 meters from the speakers. The room is around 4500 cubic feet and semi open to other rooms. The speakers are Focal Kanta 2s. When I calculate the actual needs for wattage based upon distance and sensitivity, I "should" be fine with the A23. However, I wonder if a more powerful amp would help with the issue?
I like the signature of the Parasound so I am thinking of a used A21 or maybe even the A21+ if I could snag one at a good price. Is there anything else that should be on my radar? Looking to spend up to $3K max, less is better. Or, I could save up and maybe get a JC5 in 9-12 months if it was really worth it.
Open to thoughts and ideas.
If you like the JC5 then you should give a listen to the Anthem P2 amp, it stays cool to the touch and has all the power you will need. It never seems like it's straining and it is a very neutral sounding amp that does not get in it's own way by coloring the music but just let's the music sound as it should.
|
I owned the A23 for a long time (used with KEF LS50’s) and it did the job, but I was not crazy about the sound. I recently bought a mint used A21+ and was happy with the results. I preferred the A21+ over the A23 by a huge amount. I used the A21+ with a hard to drive Thiel CS3.7 and also my RAAL SR1a headphones. I got the A21+ mostly for the headphones, since I had a CODA #8 sounding great on my Thiels. Since the RAAL SR1a are so resolving I noticed that the amp was very powerful and took a bit of the bright bite off the SR1a, however, there was a bit of clarity that it lacked. The A21+ sounded similar to my old CODA CSiB integrated amp. I decided to spend too much money and replaced the A21+ on my headphones with the KRELL Duo 175XD. Now this was a homerun with my headphones. About a month ago I switched the KRELLL to my Thiel and the CODA #8 to my headphones. The KRELL has now become my favorite amp on the Thiel’s. It is the 175 watts of Class A on the KRELL that is blowing my mind. Just an incredible amp. Take a look at this amp. It is more powerful than the Duo 175XD I purchased. Krell Duo 300 XD Stereo Amplifier Dealer Ad - US Audio Mart I listen for a min of 8 hours (M-F) on the KRELL and CODA amps and while both are excellent. The KRELL is now my favorite in the office system. |
