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Amp Preamp Advice

I am fairly new to the forum and perhaps someone has already had this discussion. If so, please forgive me.

I currently have a Parasound Halo A23 amp, Parasound New Classic 2100 preamp, Marantz 8006 CD player which can also be used for streaming, and Focal Aria 926 speakers. Overall, the system sounds pretty good. But are we ever really completely satisfied with the sound? I have been considering various options to improve the sound quality-more depth and clarity, bigger soundstage, etc. and wanted to see if I could get some advice before I make another purchase. Here are some of the options that I have considered:

1) Upgrade to a Parasound A21 amp which will increase the watts from 125 to 250 and the amperage from 45 to 60. If I go with this option, I will eventually upgrade the preamp, probably to a Parasound P6.
2) Upgrade the preamp to either a Parasound P6 when some are back in stock or to a Musical Fidelity or NAD C165BEE now. I would keep my current amp at least for now.
3) Gift my current amp and preamp to my son to start his first "real" stereo system and purchase an integrated amp which would replace both my amp and preamp at the same time. I know that there is a whole conversation to be had about which are better separates or integrated. But the integrated amps that I am considering are the Parasound Hint 6, the Musical Fidelity M5si and the Musical Fidelity M6si. In a way, I feel that the first two might be lateral moves from where I currently am although they would increase my wattage slightly and probably give me a better DAC than I currently have. The last one is probably more than I wanted to pay for an integrated at the moment, but I might could swing down the road.

What do the people say who probably know infinitely more about building a good sound system than I do? Or should I go with my last option and just be content with what I have? Thank you for your responses.
bcool57
yyzsantabarbara
4,538 posts
 
Even cold and traveling though the current Bomb Cyclone from Oregon to California the A21+ is so much better than the A23. More bass, way more clarity, not so veiled on top as the A23. This unit is still cold too.

The $599 Topping pre90 works great with the adjustable gain on the A21+. For, the $3K I paid in total for the A21+ and Topping pre90 this is heck of a good sound.

I have had 2 amps work with the Topping pre90, the Parasound A21+ and Benchmark AHB2. Both have adjustable gain.

I also had 2 amps that were awful with the Topping pre90. The CODA #8 and the LSA Voyager 350 GAN. The amps sounded way too loud.

If you can make the Topping pre90 work with your amp then it is a screaming bargain. It has similar character as the incredible Benchmark LA4/HPA4 preamps.
ghdprentice
6,445 posts
 
Must of us with great systems got there over decades by upgrading one component at a time… reaching each time to get a significant upgrade. I always go at least 2x in investment on a new component.. 3x is nice if you can manage it. I always try and trade in.

I see two obvious courses… preamp or speakers. If you are happy with the overall sound of the Focal, then think of the 948’s. This will get you a big upgrade. If they are just fine, then do some auditioning. Open minded listening until something really grabs you.

The preamp is also a big opportunity. Here I would really recommend going used… so you can get into the $6K range. If you want more musical, then go tubed preamp. Be careful on detailed versus musical. It can be seductive to go for components like Benchmark that are very detailed, but can rob you of the emotional connection.

To get a firm direction. Find a couple of dealers and listen to a few systems way beyond your means… what appeals to you. Pay attention to the emotional connection. If you can get a firm idea of where you want to go. Then the dealer, professional reviews, and advice can get you there over time.
motoraway's avatar
motoraway
60 posts
 
If you stick with the current amp/preamp or not, a powered subwoofer or two with the 926's would be beneficial in helping you reach that depth and clarity you are looking for.  
yyzsantabarbara
4,538 posts
 
It can be seductive to go for components like Benchmark that are very detailed, but can rob you of the emotional connection.
I am not so sure the super silent Benchmark robs you of emotional connection. I my view it allows the other components, source and amp, to dictate the sound. 

I was just listening to Pearl Jam 'Black' on the Topping pre90 (just like the Benchmark preamps) and the Parasound A21+ and I was moved by the music. 

I have 3 peamps that I have mixed and matched and they are all good with the right pairing.

CODA 07x, Topping pre90, Benchmark LA4


boomerbillone
329 posts
 
Hello bcool57.  For the money, and if you are handy, the Akitika Preamp is very good. (it is abitious for beginners.) Find an outfit that will let you try out cables: Used Cables.com is one. You can make excellent cables if you can build that kit. It's easy and inexpensive. It might not have an attractive woven nylon cover, but who knows whats under those covers? Your homemade cables might not have gold plated, highly polished connectors (unless you ant to pay for them), but if they sound great, who cares? Try using that leftover TV cable the installer left behind. /think about what kind of frequency response that cable has to have! Contact me for cable making ideas, speaker and interconnects. If the music isn't making it thru your present cables, you won't know how good your components are. The gear you have is good stuff, be sure you can hear it sing. A $50 Chinese 10 gauge, five foot, sheilded power cable from Amazom is worth a try. If that improves things, enjoy it and upgrade later, perhaps. And think just how proud you will be when your efforts give you big rewards! Enjoy!
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