2. amps-preamps
  3. 166105-525

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 3 responses by jjss49

jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 

As a closing comment to this thread I should add that I have kept the XA25 and the Transcend amplifiers. 

excellent choices @mesch 

happy listening buddy!

jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
@mesch

maybe try an ayre or a hegel?

or a set of cardas golden series ic’s? (i have a spare set can send you to try if you like... just pm me...)
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
mesch

if you are finding the pass lean, i seriously doubt the parasound unit will be the fix... in my experience parasound’s sonic palette is not as smooth and silky as pass

how do you compare the pass with your old bel 1001? i would guess the pass would be richer sounding than the bel (and the parasound)

maybe the answer is to roll some older smoother 6sn7’s in the aric (dunno which make tubes you are using presently) -- maybe try some old rca grey glass or tungsol’s?
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