Thanks for all the good input. Lots to think about here. When I land on something I will follow up. :)
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.
Showing 4 responses by mrteeves
Decided to go with the JC5. Just got it and am breaking it in. Will see how it develops. At first pass it appears to have more resolution over the A23 and sounds more realistic on live recordings. The sound is more forward as well and has some grain that I am hoping smooths out as it breaks in. Wife really likes the way it sounds and remarked right away that is was better than the old amp. The thing is a beast size wise. |
@jdub39, that is what I am expecting. I am guessing the amp will smooth out as it gets some hours on it. I'm going to give it plenty of time before I make any judgements. Thus far, it has some promising qualities. |
Hello @christianb5s4, I can say the amp has broken in nicely and I am liking it more everyday. The grain has smoothed out and the amp sounds much more balanced than out of the box. How would I describe it with the Kantas...it is detailed without being analytical. It tends to project the sound into the room more and put the listener in the front row where as before the sound seemed to come from behind the speakers and I was sitting many rows back. This projection threw me off initially but I have become more appreciative of it as the amp has added a great sense of depth to the soundstage. One can tell that the dummer is behind the horn player now on a given recording if that makes sense. A couple of other cool attributes, the amp has brought out a lot more micro details in recordings and I am hearing things I’ve never heard before on familar material. Another thing I like is, it’s all there even at low listening levels. I really don’t need to turn it up to hear more into a recording but if I do, it just gives me more of the same and never falls apart. The character doesn’t change with increased volume. It’s a great sounding amp and very neutral where as the A23 was slightly warmer. Anyway, I hope this helps and good luck. |