new Parasound A21+ vs my old Rotel RB-1080

@soix I may be looking for something the speakers don't have?  when reading about electrostatics, I expected that speed to come out as a crisper sound.  I listen to mostly live- Dead, jam bands, blues and new grass.  in the live experience.  drums and cymbals are tight, they don't sound like thwacking on a cardboard box, cymbals ring and crash.  I previously had B&W 683 towers, followed by ML 60Xti.  dynamic drivers. my car has Focal separates- the inverted dome titanium next to a windshield is incredible for ride cymbals

from the non ESL speakers, I know the warmth of Adcom, the Rotel at 200w was a step up in control.  a 160w Perreaux was cool. I also had a rogue cronus magnum iii that I tried when my CJ PV-12 needed too many repairs.  Pretty certain that thw weakness in the rogue was the preamp.  even Rogue said the RP-1 would be noticeable improvement.  I did enjoy it, but it was time for achange.  the Rotel I had in storage.  I traded in the Rogue for the Vacuum HE1 MK3 (super clear, all balanced).

I like these ESL over the box speakers for their continuous soundstage.  although a bit surprised by the narrowness of the sweet spot.  not beaming, but can definitely tell when not on it.  unfortunately, no good listening room in this house so no flexibility to optimize placement or room treatment.  long 30' and narrow 13' room with picture window on one side and stone fireplace on the other where first reflection hits.  and barely 3 ' from front of speaker to the wall. 

punch from an electrostatic?  I am happy with the bass response, I have a total of 6@8" drivers (two per ESL and two in the SVS micro).  

I admit- went to a show and the big room had Neolith with two huge parasound monos.  best sound I have heard.  it was just such a relaxed presentation (vs strained) sounded very natural.  I then bought what I could afford.
 

midway down the home page for parasound.  not sure if we can post URLs.  look for   "Silver Parasound Model Pricing Update"  posted Mar 12, 2025

@soix just don't give enough of that... more than an educated guess.  me explaining to a drummer what a live kit sounds like.  yes sticks on sticks and rim shots too.  many Marshall Tucker recordings have that steady ride.  Just heard one outside on my Yamaha PA while mowing the lawn.  There are days when I wish it was easy to swap in the motion60.

Thanks for the replies, doesn't sound like an A21+ is going to alter the sound as I am hoping an amp would.  The ML definitely check many boxes, and it would take a large expenditure to replace them with something that out performs them.  Next speaker will have a Ti or Be tweeter.  maybe back to  a  ribbon.  

I wonder if EQ could coax a little more out of the ESL. I'm 61 and didn't exactly live to preserve my hearing. it too could use a boost :( again, thank you for confirming what I am hearing.

@sls883 yes, they are more directional than I expected and I need to adjust toe in if I am able to spend time in the chair.  otherwise, I need to point them straighter for the sound stage.  A review of these speakers should include "never bright or fatiguing,  no sibilance (unless in the recording)"  and even though they need to be aimed for that sweet spot, they disappear in the room.  not a point source.

I believe that @soix is correct and he is saving me time, money and frustration from chasing the unattainable with cables and components. if I must hear realistic ride cymbals, I need to sit in my car.  If I want live sound, go crank up the PA system in the basement/backyard (I do prefer outdoor venues).  I am just outside of the HOA and many of my neighbors enjoy the concerts.  often stopping by to check out the band. (only to be disappoint it is just a recording).  As for vocals and acoustic with an in the room presence, the ESL are believable.  and they can play anything all day and not be fatiguing.

Thank you!