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Amplifier Upgrade Decision

Hello,
I need some help/feedback with regards to upgrading my power amplifier for 2 channel music. My current set up includes following components
1. Source (Digital)- Oppo BDP-95
2. Source (Analog)- Clearaudio Concept Turntable
3. Pre-Amplifier- Parasound Halo JC-2
4. Pre-Amplifier- Parasound Halo P-7 (using the phono interface for playing the turntable)
5. Power Amplifier- Parasound Halo A-21
6. Front Speakers- Aerial Model-7T
7. Power Cable- Nordost Heimdall 2 and Red Dawn 2
8. Interconnect Cable- Nordost Frey 2, Heimdall 2 and Red Dawn 2
9. Speaker Cable- Nordost Red Dawn 2
10. Wall Receptacle- Furutech GTX-D NCF(R)
11. 2 Dedicated 20 Amp (10 AWG) circuits feeding the entire system
12. GIK Room Acoustics Bass traps/Diffusors
13. Room size- 16’ X 12’
This set up sounds good but I wanted to take it to the next level and wanted to upgrade my amplifier to a better 2 Channel amplifier or a set of mono-blocks. I love Class A/AB sound and would like to stick to this technology. My choices, not in any particular order, are
1. Upgrade to a Plinius SA 103 (125 W pure Class A per channel) and use it as a 2 channel amplifier
2. Upgrade to a set of Class-A mono-blocks. My choices, not in any particular order, are
    a. Parasound Halo JC-1
    b. Pass Labs XA-60.8
My budget is around 10-12K.

I know everything is system dependent but I would love to hear your opinion on these amplifiers before starting on product evaluation.

I am also not sure if my mono-block amplifier choices would provide significant value add from a sound perspective over the Plinius or any other good quality 2 channel amplifier at this price point. So I would love to hear your feedback on this point as well.

indranilsen
markmendenhall
226 posts
 
More SET like in the mids and highs, just sounds sexy as all get out

bass is deeper and better defined

soundstage extends further in all directions

a very pure, detailed, natural presentation that just 'eases' out of the speakers effortlessly with extreme musicality 



markmendenhall
226 posts
 
Would like to add that working with Mark at Reno Hi-Fi is a great experience.  Along with many other fine dealers I've worked with, Mark is just a pleasure to deal with.  Highly recommended!
smodtactical
982 posts
 
@markmendenhall  Hows your system doing? Any changes?
markmendenhall
226 posts
 
Since 2017?  Replaced my SF Oly 3's with Manger P1 passives; replaced the Hegel CDP with a Marantz SA-10, added a JL Audio e110 subwoofer, moved up the Shunyata line with newer model interconnects and speaker cables, added a Schitt tone control unit, still running the X250.8 and the First Sound pre with dual power supplies; Nottingham Ace Spacedeck, 10" Ace Anna tonearm with Kiseki NS Purpleheart cartridge. Pretty much done now; $ spent at this point in the hobby is going towards rounding out and adding to our music collection.  
indranilsen OP
113 posts
 
@markmendenhalI,
The components that you added are all very good in my opinion and I am sure that you are very happy with this set of upgraded components.
I didn't go for a new amplifier in 2017 because of some other priorities but I have made some significant changes this year to my 2 channel audio system. First I got a Bricasti DAC/Source controller M12 to replace Oppo UDP-205 which replaced Oppo BDP- 95 a year or two back. This also replaced Parasound pre-amplifier Halo JC2 BP.
Then I added a Bricasti amplifier M25 (Dual Mono design) to replace Parasound Halo A21+.
I have auditioned following three amplifiers when selecting the Bricasti unit.
1. Gato PWR-222 mono blocks 
2. Parasound  Halo JC1+ mono blocks 
3. Luxman M900u 
I found the Bricasti unit to be the fastest, clean and detailed compared to the above list of amplifiers and the combination Bricasti M12 and M25 was the smoothest.
Now I am looking out for a good power conditioner for my system. I would also be putting up following components for sale shortly 
1. Oppo BDP- 95
2. Parasound - Halo JC2 BP
3. Parasound - Halo A21+
4. Nordost Heimdall 2 Speaker cable 2M
There is another thing I wanted to mention here. Very recently I tried out a speaker cable and a Digital- Coaxial cable (Signature Series) from the Canadian company Audio Sensibility and very pleasantly surprised with its performance. I had initially very low expectation of this Audio Sensibility cables, specifically the speaker cable. But when I compared it with my Nordost Heimdall 2 speaker cable I found it to be significantly outperforming the Nordost cable. So much so I am selling the Nordost speaker cable. The Audio Sensibility digital cable is also very good. I am going to try their Power cable and Interconnect cable down the line and compare it against Nordost Heimdall 2 and Frey 2 cables. 
Thanks


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