Hi Erik, I have not had a chance to hear any Parasounds. I live in Vermont and the closest dealer with them is 2 hours away. Even then, I won't take the dealers time knowing whatever I end up purchasing will be online.
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.
Showing 6 responses by jetter
Much appreciated all, please keep your comments coming. Daeone, I was just reading the online reviews of the PS Audio Stellar m700s. I was not aware of them but you are right, I can’t remember seeing such positive reviews, especially of a class D amp, and again especially when they are referring to it as warm and tube like. All for $3K seems amazing. There aren’t any you tube demos I could find (I know you can’t tell anything sound wise but interesting to watch). Only a few Agoners seem to have the m700s as they are new. Has anyone listened to them recently, and if so can someone give an opinion how they compare to the A21 or A21+? Again though, it was the A21 or A21+ I was thinking about, should I be looking elsewhere, such as the m700s/others?. |
batman, unfortunately my speaker brand is not one that you can say the name and people will recognize. They are called Avance speakers, a Danish brand that is sold by dealers in 10 or 11 countries but not the U.S. I picked up mine a while ago from a Canadian shop when they were selling in Canada, but no more. They are two and 1/2 way with all scanspeak drivers, not unlike the Dana's on the attached but with one less driver. About 86 dB, 6 ohms nominal. http://www.avance-audio.dk/ fastfreight, thank you for your post. I did order the A21+ a few days ago and started reading about the M700's which I just became aware of. Having you provide hands on experience with both amps was right on. I did do my share of reading and did consider Luxman integrateds, Pass and a lot of other more "Audiophile Check the Boxes" amps, but right now wanted the Parasound. I have mentioned before I am two hours from an audio shop and just won't go in and test the amplifier at the store knowing I would be buying online. It will be delivered next week and we will see how it goes, but I am sure I will like it. To whoever mentioned tubes, my preamplifier is tube (12AX7) based and I have had, and enjoyed, tube amplifiers in the past. Thank you all for your kind input. |
Hi ribd11, I received my a21+ a month ago and agree regarding how it draws you into the music. I have an older pair of speakers that are 2 1/2 way with 7" scanspeak mid/woofers made in Denmark by a company named Avance. I have not posted remarks regarding how good it sounds because I really don't have the experience with other amps as you and others. I have used Museatex-Meitner mono blocks, Dynaco ST70 series one and series two, and most recently a Nuforce STA200. I have paired the amp with a very nice sounding Copland CTA305 preamp which uses 12ax7 tubes. There is just a rightness to the way my system sounds now. I have PM you with a couple of questions. |