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 2 responses by auxinput

I highly doubt that the Pass XA25 is causing the lean sound with bright highs.  I suspect it is something else.  Maybe something in your preamp, or the type of 6SN7 tubes?  Or are you using silver wiring - as this will definitely slant the sound towards lean/bright if you have too much silver.

As far as Parasound A23+ or A21 goes, I don't think it will solve your problem.  It may make sound even leaner than the Pass Labs (the Pass XA25 is going to be biased much higher into Class A and providing a thicker sound).  I have heard the XA25 and it's definitely not "lean" sounding.

The Paraound amps have an incredibly clean midrange, but the high frequencies can come across a bit dry (in my system it lacked engaging sound quality).  You can fix with a fuse upgrade, but it can become even slower.  I'm not sure if this is what you want since it still will not be as "thick/full" sounding as the XA25.

If you want an amplifier that is full sounding but with softer and laid back highs, I would recommend a McIntosh amplifier.  But like I said, I think something else is going on in your system that is causing the lean/bright effect.
I am using Audioquest King Cobra interconnects
The King Cobra uses silver-plated connectors (XLR/RCA) and this can definitely make the highs have a bright edge and can reduce the thickness in bass and midbass.   I would recommend looking for a cable that uses pure copper and gold-plated connectors, such as the Audioquest Red River series.  If you want to move up to more expensive cable, Purist Audio Design and Transparent Audio make some excellent cables.