I have been using the A21 for about 6 years. The best sounding amp I have had, but have never paid over $2.5k for any amp. Funny, I had the Odyssey amps and the A21 is much better, not to mention the Stratos failed on me....twice. John Curl designed and they sound like 2x what they cost. Also you can run balanced cables into them. The only amp I owned that was close was a McCormack DNA 125, it was sweet sounding but it was not nearly as powerful as the A21. Maybe the DNA-225.
Opinions on Parasound A21 & A21+
I have been informed that the sonics of both the older and new Parasound A21s are very similar. I have never heard a Parasound product, let alone this model. Forgetting for this moment system synergy, how good do you rate is this amplifier? In basic sound character, is it a smooth operator with a non grainy, non fatiguing signature, that with proper systems matching will throw a 3d soundstage? Is it the entry-way to a high end, high power amplifier? Please feel free to provide any down sides to this amplifier. Last, what other amplifiers new or used in this $2,500-$3,100 price range would you consider? I will mention that I generally hold onto my amplifiers for a long while so I prefer to buy new.
I have scoured and read many prior posts on this subject, but would just like some current opinions. Thanks in advance.
I have scoured and read many prior posts on this subject, but would just like some current opinions. Thanks in advance.