2. amps-preamps
  3. 119254-73060

Denon to Parasound

I’m looking to move on from my denon amps. Was previously considering the new crown drive ores but decided to pass after research. I want the sound of my recently sold technics sa 5760(first amp) back.

Looking at the Parasound a23. Max budget is $1000 msrp. Seems like Parasound would be a natural upgrade. I don’t want an emotiva or outlaw amp. Open to other entry level audio brands in this budget.

Am I going in the right direction? My setup is denon 4520ci->bluejeanscable->revel f12s & revel b1 subwoofer.

Would I notice improvement moving from a 150 watt per channel flagship denon to an audiophile 125 watt per channel separate? The denon was $2,500 msrp. Thoughts? If not, how much do I need to spend to get improved and similar power?
torriderword2
torriderword2 OP
7 posts
 
I was planning on using the 4520ci as a preamp. Bad idea? I assumed being a flagship piece it would be sufficient. In addition to the Parasound a23, also looking at http://www.classicaudioparts.com/index.php/amplifiers/ati-at1202-two-channel-x-120-watt-amplifier-b-...

Thanks for the odyssey link, yogiboy.

More thoughts? So the Denon’s power supply is the culprit for mediocre music playback? And possibly the preamp? Yes I am concerned about 2 channel listening, movies sound great.
213runnin
914 posts
 
I've got both some Parasound gear, and the Denon 4520 in separate systems.  The Denon actually surprised me for music reproduction, and I think it would be fine as a pre.  I think it is the excellent room correction that really allows music to pop.  That said, my speakers are an easy load unlike yours, and an amp would be a good move.

The Parasound house sound is quite good, if a little on the warm side.  I'm sure the A23 will sound similar to the A21 with less power of course.  If I was going to look outside of Parasound, I'd check out NAD(demo models at spearitsound.com or the Odyssey stuff.
jond's avatar
jond
5,794 posts
 
This looks like it might fit the bill and save you some $$ if you are ok buying used, no affiliation with the seller.

https://app.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-odyssey-audio-khartago-power-amplifier-in-factory-box-6716-2015-12-28-amplifiers-80020-broomfield-co
torriderword2 OP
7 posts
 
Thanks guys. So NAD, Parasound, and odyssey. Sounds good.

Thanks for the khartago link Jon, I actually purchased my revel b1 subwoofer from tmraudio. They have the Parasound a23 listed at the same price which I was looking at before this odyssey...

https://app.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-parasound-a23-stereo-power-amplifier-in-factory-box-67...
willland's avatar
willland
846 posts
 
I too think the Denon 4520 will be fine for 2-channel reproduction.  For an AVR, it really does stereo music pretty well.  I say add the Parasound and see/hear what you get and then go from there.

Bill
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