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 jhnnrrs

I have ML ESLs, and I've used them with Rotel, Parasound, Conrad-Johnson Sonographe, some Chinese class D's, and Hafler.  The ESL are extremely crisp and clean in the high end and the only amp that diminished that was the Parasound (it was a low end Parasound, though).

Every box speaker I've ever heard adds coloration to the sound of a snare drum or male voices, and the dome tweeters on them just don't match the transparency of the ML's.

I might suggest you raise the back end of your speakers so that the electrostatic panel is perpendicular to the floor.  I think you'll find that the speakers character changes dramatically, and may be more of what you're looking for.