2. amps-preamps
  3. 133349-92196

Moving on from Parasound A21 (maybe?)

I'm currently using an A21 amp to power my Focal 1028 BE speakers and I don't quite feel the love anymore with my music. My system is modest, all solid state, and I'd like to keep it that way. I've been exploring stereo amps ($6K is the limit), but don't know how much of an improvement I can make. A used Pass Labs X250.8 would be ideal if it wouldn't double as a space heater (operating temp is way too high), so I'm left dabbling with the unknown. The new Bryston 4B cubed has caught my eye, but it's too new to find any critical owner reviews. I'd greatly appreciate any ideas on a possible direction to take, if any, that would musically be a step up from my A21. Beyond my Focals, my system consists of: Simaudio Moon Neo 310LP phono preamp, Avid Diva II SP TT with SME 309 tonearm, AT-ART 9 MC cartridge, Bryston BCD-3 CD player, Parasound JC 2 BP preamp, and all of my ICs are Silver Resolution from Signal Cable (XLR wherever possible).
professorsvsu
213runnin
914 posts
 
 I owned the A21  for four years and also became disenchanted, with it and a P7. I experimented with a few different options including NAD  integrated amplifiers and finally ended up with an Adcom amp, the 555SE.  It’s been a revelation for me, Adcom still makes a great amp.

a more open sound with detail in the highs and air that I never got with the A21 for some reason.  I did get a Halo P5 though, and I’m happy with the combination. 


erik_squires
16,060 posts
 
Replace your tweeter and mid range caps. :)

213runnin
914 posts
 
In a pair of $8000 speakers?   

Another thought in in addition to my earlier post is to see what a Focal dealer would suggest.  They usually carry products that are found to have synergy with each other.  I am seriously impressed at the current Adcom products though. 
professorsvsu OP
78 posts
 
I'm not too sure why you question the price of my speakers. Is the A21 too much of a lightweight or is $6K on a different amp overkill? The $6K is the going price of the Bryston 4B cubed and that's about the max that I can do for something of quality that will last. As far as what mates well with the Focals, McIntosh is the brand that comes up most often. Again, that's serious cash (MC 302 is on my mind) unless I can find a good deal on used. I'll do some homework on Adcom.
213runnin
914 posts
 
Sorry for the misunderstanding, I was questioning the idea of replacing tweeter and midrange capacitors in a pair of $8000 speakers.  


More to discover