Lanny, I am owner of A21 about three years - paired with Primare PRE30 preamp emerged very nice pair. Assuming you're searching for an amp as much as closer soundwise to the JC-1 (you used to own them, right?), I would vote for A21 - I guess the A21 possesses the same family sound like the JC-1, with some compromises in control and power of course...
It's absolutely accurate that JC-1 is being originated from the HCA-3500, but J. Curl (or B. Crump, cannot recall exactly) once said something like "stock HCA-3500 emerged almost unlistenable, due to some cap choice issue, resulting with very grainy highs.."
Good luck, anyway..!!
It's absolutely accurate that JC-1 is being originated from the HCA-3500, but J. Curl (or B. Crump, cannot recall exactly) once said something like "stock HCA-3500 emerged almost unlistenable, due to some cap choice issue, resulting with very grainy highs.."
Good luck, anyway..!!