Denon to Parasound


I’m looking to move on from my denon amps. Was previously considering the new crown drive ores but decided to pass after research. I want the sound of my recently sold technics sa 5760(first amp) back.

Looking at the Parasound a23. Max budget is $1000 msrp. Seems like Parasound would be a natural upgrade. I don’t want an emotiva or outlaw amp. Open to other entry level audio brands in this budget.

Am I going in the right direction? My setup is denon 4520ci->bluejeanscable->revel f12s & revel b1 subwoofer.

Would I notice improvement moving from a 150 watt per channel flagship denon to an audiophile 125 watt per channel separate? The denon was $2,500 msrp. Thoughts? If not, how much do I need to spend to get improved and similar power?
torriderword2

Showing 2 responses by lowrider57

If your interest is listening to 2 channel music, then separates will beat your Denon receiver or any AVR. The Denon is built with circuitry to do multiple tasks, that’s fine for HT but not optimal for listening to music.

Looking at the impedance curve of your Revel Concerta’s, the Parasound a23 rated at 125 wpc/8 ohms, 200 wpc/4 ohms would be able to drive these speakers, but if you read the recommendation, an amp with higher current might do better. That’s because of the 4 ohm load thruout the mid-bass and the drop to 2.9 ohms in the low treble.

The Parasound looks very respectable; it's a John Curl Class A/AB design, but why aren’t you looking for an integrated amp? Do you already have a preamp?

Don't go strictly by the specs, it is the sound that counts.   The power difference between a 180wpc amp and a 200wpc amp will not be audible.
Good advice.
Speaking of specs, the fact that Parasound lists the current of its amp at 45 amps per channel means that it has high current, regardless of RMS wattage.

And the Odyssey is a great recommendation.