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
oem-wheels
196 posts
 
I'd recommend the Classe CA2200 ... I've owned A21 prior and like this Classe better ... still have it... I believe the A21 runs in class A for the first 20 watts, Classe in 40 watts ... Classe gives more detail, nice soundstage, very neutral, reliable, and looks very nice .. won't heat up your room and won't break the bank...  on paper the Classe gives out 50wpc less than the A21 but weighs about 15-20lbs. more... that should indicate the build quality over the A21...  can be had for about $2400 and if for some reason it isn't your cup of tea, sell it for $2400.. you only lose your time.. I'm sure you will like it.
professorsvsu OP
78 posts
 
Another one to do some research on, this is great!
I could live with my A21, especially for the price, it just buries the upper mid and high detail from time to time. I have an old Emotiva XPA 2 Gen 1 that's not in the same league for overall SQ as the Parasound, but catches some of the detail that the A21 misses. What I most desire is an amp that catches what the A21 misses. I hope that makes sense.
oem-wheels
196 posts
 
that makes total sense... that was my same description of the A21... CA2200 solved that thing you/me  are/were missing..
professorsvsu OP
78 posts
 
To oem-wheels:
I did some homework on the CA2200. I's now on my shortlist.
Thanks for the advice.
mtrot
804 posts
 
@ professorsvsu

I doubt the Pass 250.8 will run any hotter than my Krell FPB 400cx, and it hasn't really been a problem, and I live in East TX!  Yes, the summers are hot as blue blazes, but the room is fairly big and the heat dissipates.  I kind of like it in the winter, as it gives me an extra degree or so in the room. 

If you can swing the Pass 250.8, I'd definitely try it, given the reviews on that baby.  I'd like to compare a 250.8 or 350.8 to my Krell.  Another amp that I'd like to try, and is apparently stellar, is Hegel.
More to discover