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Parasound vs Emotiva

I'm currently running an Emotiva A300 into my near field desktop system consisting of an isolation transformer feeding a Gustard X26 Pro dac into a topping Pre 90 preamplifier into the bas X a300 into a pair of Emotiva T zero. The amp is high passed at 80 hz via my pair of Emotiva S8 subwoofers. The source is Playstation 5.

 

The system sounds incredible. Textured, resolute, musical, clear as a bell, tight as a drum, yet warm, it's very very nice I assure you! Dimensional, Soundstage, often times quite holographic.

 

My only gripe is the a300 doesn't command the low end or provide a lot of bass punch like my NC400 Ncores did. (Those amps were also flat out incredible but I dont have anymorr).

 

I have a Parasound A23+ on the way. It is 4 times the price of the Emotiva. Both class AB, both around the same weight, both around the same power rating.

 

I'm a little nervous because I am listening to my system right now and it just sounds so good. I'm expecting a stronger low end with the Parasound, but not sure what else to expect.

 

Guess we will find out in a few days!

borat-sagdiyev
hifi59's avatar
hifi59
51 posts
 

I have an A23+ and it just does everything right. It sounds correct to my ear in my calibrated audio system. It beat the living hell out of a $3000 Class D Gan amp. The Parasound A23+ had more impact, better mids, tighter bass and a sweeter top end ( the gan amp does has a smooth and grainless top end, but lacks bite). The A23+ will get you more emotionally connected with the music, ime.

borat-sagdiyev OP
34 posts
 

Well, I bought headphone gear and that had me occupied for a minute. 

 

I just ordered CSS 1TDX with the high end crossover. Once I build em I'll put the Emo towers to bed and give both amps a fair shake and  proper review. But my entire system 2 desktop system will be in balance, the T zeros were the cheapest thing in it. Love them but the 1tDX will guaranteed blow them away.

borat-sagdiyev OP
34 posts
 

Hifi59, you are clearly talking about the Peachtree amps? If so that's very impressive for the A23+.

auxinput
2,920 posts
 

I have an A23+ and it just does everything right. It sounds correct to my ear in my calibrated audio system. It beat the living hell out of a $3000 Class D Gan amp.

Most of the Class D amps have never impressed me, even the ones for tens of thousands of dollars.  The only Class D amp that had any emotion and grit was the Channel Islands audio which is based on the older UcD board, but even this amp had its problems (the frequency response of the older Class D were really dictated by the impedance curve of the speaker).

I can see where the Parasound A21+ would be a much more emotionally engaging amp with better resolution, texture and grit.  Parasound is still not my most liked amp due to it's slightly warm signature and slightly dry high frequencies.  Just personal opinion.

 

borat-sagdiyev OP
34 posts
 

With EQ, you can sparkle all day long with a Parasound. The treble is fantastic.

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