Parasound A21+ vs Adcom GFA-585se


I want to change my amps from Wyred4sound SX-1000 mono blocks to a good class A/B amp.  I was thinking of the A21+, but i looked at the 585se and the Adcom compares, on paper, to the Parasound JC5.   Both have plenty of power to drive my speakers and cost the same.  Anyone with experience with both?  

edward320
The parasound amps will outperform the adcom amps but you need the best preamp you can get the parasound for it to truly strut its stuff.
I've been very happy with a Parasound A21 driving Ohm speakers rated at 89 dB. The sound is effortless, lush and beautiful. I've had a number of other amps including digital and tube, but I keep coming back to SS. If money weren't an issue, I might have a Pass amp, but Parasound fulfills my needs and desires in this expensive hobby. 
Thanks for all the opinions.  I see that the overwhelming response was for Parasound.   I'm still leaning that way  too.  Has anyone had any experience with the new Adcom  GFA-585se?  I think the lack of interest for Adcom doesn't bode well for the company.  That's another plus for Parasound.   I would love to hear the Adcom, but there are no local sellers.  A21+ here I come!!!!




I had the A21 for 3 years, and currently own the Adcom GFA 565SE, 555MS, and had the 555SE.  The Adcoms are all current production models.

I didn't have the Parasound at the same time as the Adcoms, but sold it because I grew dissatisfied with the way the top end is lightly rolled off.  Unfortunately I never tried different cables then because I believed the "cables are snake oil" nonsense.  With my speakers and pre, I also couldn't get plentiful bass, so that was strike three.  I think the gain structure had something to do with that.

I believe the A21+ would be fine, any amp just needs good synergy with the rest of the system.  The gain pots, signal sensing turn on and good looks don't come cheap.   But the Adcoms are a lot of fun at half the price.  Made in Taiwan as mentioned above, same as Parasound.

The 585SE is the only one that has the 12 volt trigger if thats a priority.