@christianb5s4 IMO Krell is a hit and miss company. The EVO line are first class regarding built and sound quality that includes the matching preamp Evo 222. I have not heard the current Duo line but the build and parts quality are not on the same level. Many Krell fans love the FPB line of power amps but most of them are pushing 20+ years old with multiple owners. The EVO line is in that 10 year old window where a 1 owner mint unit is still possible to locate.
Move from Parasound A23 to A21/A21+ or Something Else?
Hello, looking for some advice on an amplifier upgrade. Some years ago I was able to get an original Parasound A23 for a really great deal. I like the amp quite a bit and it was a wonderful upgrade from a class d amplifier I was using. I am mostly happy with the amp but I have noticed on loud or complex passages that the music can become strained sounding. It will shift from a nice layered and smooth sound to a more brittle and flat sound. It’s like the soundstage collapses to one dimension right between the speakers and music gains a hardness to it. It’s hard for me to explain exactly as I not that great at descriptors for audio.
Anyway, it doesn’t happen all the time only when listening to dynamic and busy music at higher volumes like 85+ db average at the listening position; about 3 meters from the speakers. The room is around 4500 cubic feet and semi open to other rooms. The speakers are Focal Kanta 2s. When I calculate the actual needs for wattage based upon distance and sensitivity, I "should" be fine with the A23. However, I wonder if a more powerful amp would help with the issue?
I like the signature of the Parasound so I am thinking of a used A21 or maybe even the A21+ if I could snag one at a good price. Is there anything else that should be on my radar? Looking to spend up to $3K max, less is better. Or, I could save up and maybe get a JC5 in 9-12 months if it was really worth it.
Open to thoughts and ideas.
- ...
- 42 posts total
The new Duo lineup from KRELLL seems very well built. I have had the K-300i and now the 175XD and cannot fault them operationally. In fact, the K-300i was the very best implementation of ROON READY that I have tried because it also controls volume. On a lark I tried my KEF LS50's with the KRELL 175XD and what a great sound. I always felt the LS50 (the original one) scales with better amplification. My Benchmark AHB2 and this KRELL Dou 175xXD (very different sonically) really take the LS50 to great heights. I am going to keep this combo with a KEF KC62 sub in my small office. |
@mrteeves I ended up buying and receiving a mint, one year old JC5 today. Initial impressions are that it's an immediate step up in clarity, detail, sound staging, and bass (both quantity and refinement). Everything feels more effortless and flows more smoothly. And that's just out of the box.
I'll let it run in for a bit and get more time on it to see how things go but wanted to share. Makes my Arcam amp sound muddy and unrefined by comparison and I wasn't even unhappy with that amp's performance previously. |
- 42 posts total