2. amps-preamps
  3. 166105-525

Considering the Parasound A23+ amplifier

As the title suggests I am thinking about the purchase of the Parasound A23+ amplifier. Just looking for thoughts from those familiar with this amplifier regarding tonal balance, soundstaging, reliability, and  serviceability. I am using a Aric Audio Special 6SN7 based tube preamplifier with Tannoy Sterling speakers (91dB, 8ohm) and also have a pair of Esoteric MG10s stand mounts (87dB, 6ohms). Room volume is ~1500sq. ft.  Not concerned about the power of this amplifier as I believe it would serve either speaker power wise.

As some of you might know I have recently purchased a used Pass XA25 which for my tastes I have found to be generally too lean, with excessive brightness in some passages. As I also wish to purchase a tube amplifier I am hoping the A23+ might serve my SS needs while also my budget.

Alternative recommendations accepted.  

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
mesch
mesch OP
3,510 posts
 
I must say that there is so much the XA25 does right that I will spend some effort in trying to make it fit. I believe much of the problem is me, my tenitus makes me sensitive to upper level frequencies which are accentuated by the high transparency of this amplifier. 

It has wonderful drive and soundstage.  Not all recordings are problematic. I will explore tube and cable options before doing anything drastic. 

Thanks all! One of my favorite pastimes is as a member of this forum. Have made friends.
decooney
2,044 posts
 
Yep, trying a few N7 tubes in the preamp, and some IC changes w/b a worthy trial towards keeping that XA25!   
mesch OP
3,510 posts
 
Not giving up on the XA25...with a little help from my friends.
jay73's avatar
jay73
219 posts
 

Hi,

How has the Pass Labs been doing for you?

 

mesch OP
3,510 posts
 

@jay73  Well, in November I purchased an Aric Audio Transcend tube amplifier and have been listening to it since.  Haven't spent much time with the XA25 over the summer and fall. Will be moving my system into another room shortly and will get back to the XA25 in comparison to the tube amplifier driving Tannoy Sterlings.  Like the few that have compared the XA25 to a tube amplifier I may find the XA to be leaner after having experienced a tube amplifier. My goal was (is) to have both a SS and a tube amplifier to rotate.I will likely always have a pair of speakers in my stable that may not be tube friendly.  As always the value of an amplifier is dependent on the speakers being driven. 

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