I have a Parasound JC5, new it’s a little more expensive than the A21+, but really close in watts per channel at 300 for the A21+ and 400 for the JC5. You can get a JC5 used between $4-$5K. I had may choice narrowed down between the Adcom 585SE, JC5 and the A21+. I don’t think you can go wrong with any of these. I’d think the A21+ is an upgrade to your Adcom GFA-555. I love my JC5, has a warm sound in the mids, highs are not bright, great control over the bass. If it’s budget to stay under $5K and you want new, get the Adcom 585SE though, it’s comparable to the Parasound JC5 at 400 a ch. I choose the JC5 because it has some class A functionality on the low settings then switches to class A/B, but I can’t hear the transition of course.
Looking to upgrade Adcom GFA555: Parasound?
This is my third system. Honestly, usually used for semi-active or background music.
Speakers are vintage Wilson Watt/Puppy 7. Source is an Eversolo dac/streamer Into a vintage Classe DR5 preamp. Amp currently is the aforementioned Adcom: bought it new while in college 40 years ago! The sound is pretty good, though a bit “small” and closed in.
Considering replacing the amp with a Parasound A21+. Thoughts? Am I wasting my time?
Target cost to upgrade this rig: less than $5K.
Thanks!