what amp under a grand?

They are both good, the Bel would be a bit better, but it depends on your budget. Cost not an issue then the Bel Canto would be the better choice.

Another thought is to stay with Parasound for the amp. The 2125 comes up for sale occasionally, or you could buy a demo online for a little over 650 when they come up for sale. I've become a big Parasound fan after I discovered them a couple of years ago.

Hey Jughead, so you do have the Paraound 2100 and 2250 right now? And you're considering either the A21 or A23 with the P5?

I've got the P7, pretty close apparently to the P5, and the A21. My speakers are Paradigm Signature S6, 4 drivers including tweeter per speaker, and a sensitivity of 91 with 8 ohms rating. But they go down to 3.2 ohms at a lower frequency. Anyway, to get the volume I prefer, mostly under 80db, the A21 is just loafing along not anywhere near full power. So it depends on what volume levels you prefer and room size. Mine is a fairly big space in a basement that's pretty open, about 600 square feet.

Your speakers are rated at 90 db sens, with 6 ohms, so the load seems pretty comparable. Really, I'd think the A23 would suit you fine, it would drive your speakers to their fullest. I'd only consider the A21 if it's the end game amp for you, the last amp you'll ever buy. That's one reason why I bought it, that and it runs in Class A for the first 10 watts, said to be a nicer sound than the class AB of most amps.

It's not cheap though.

I really don't think you can go wrong with the A23. I don't use the 250 watts, I can tell you that. I don't want to steer you wrong, the A21 is the better amp, but I think the speakers and pre have much to do with the sound quality. After you get the amp, do some research on cables!

You simply can't go wrong with the A21, and if you're like me, you'd always wonder about the A21 if you opted for the A23! You've got a stellar combo, congrats.

From what I've read, neither component has the balanced design, but the connects are in case of noise from long runs, etc. That said though, the XLR's are hotter by around 6 db's, so you'll get more volume without cranking it up. I've been meaning to to try the XLR's too from my Oppo to the pre to the amp.

Hehehe, I remember when I first saw the size of the box. They really ship it well protected andl insulated from the abuses of the shipping process. It's a great amp, like I said it's an end game purchase because you'll never want for anything more. With the P5 and its DAC, you're good to go!