2. amps-preamps
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new Parasound A21+ vs my old Rotel RB-1080

Parasound is having a sale on siver.  Audiogon moderator just removed the post.

any advice on an A21+ to replace an old Rotel RB1080?  system is MartinLogan ESL-X .  I have an top end tube audio-gd preamp with a PSA-DacJr and Eversolo source.  SVS micro sub.    I think that the Rotel is the bottleneck for clarity.  I recall it being a step up from my Adcom 5400, still warmish but with better bass control.  With the tube pre, I was hoping to upgrade to a strong Class A neutral SS like a Pass or Coda.  but probably never have the budget.  for $1500, do you think it would be worth it?  or too similar to the Rotel

dukebdevil

Showing 1 response by carlsbad2

carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
2,027 posts
 

I owned a Parasound A21+ to drive electrostatic speakers and was thinking of selling the speakers until luckily a potential buyer wanted to audition them with his amp. Suddenly I realized it was my amp. The parasound, and most high power amps, in my experience, does not perform well at low power.

The Pass and Coda you mention are in another class. I would expect the parasound to be a step down from your Rotel.

That is just my experience with one amp. Could have been made on a Monday I guess.

Your ML has active bass and doesn’t need a lot of power to drive it.

Jerry

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