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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
vad58
41 posts
 
Let me share my experience with Focal 1028BEs and amp search. I auditioned these speakers with may be a dozen of different amps and I cross out A21 almost immediately. The sound was dull to my ears. Not good highs. No spark. Not much details. I'm not sure that you can fix the problem removing only A21 from your system. Maybe preamp have to go to. May be. Macs looks like the easiest next step. After few experiments I stay with Mac C22 tube preamp and Burmester solid state amp. I like the sound very much, but, as you know, there is always smth better. I wish I could try new (cubed) Bryston in my system. Or Mark Levinson! But you know, it's not an urgency I'm just lazily interested.
I also use OPPO 105 player, Linn LP12 with Goldring MM cartridge. Analysis Plus Big Silver Oval SC & Kimber Silver Streak IC.
Hope it was helpful
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
I've heard the Focal 1038BE paired with the McIntosh MC452 extensively and I felt the sound quality was one of the best I've heard. The preamp was an older McIntosh tube version and I didn't pay much attention to the model. Something to consider. They do occasionally come up in the used market.
professorsvsu OP
78 posts
 
From what I have read many times, Focal with McIntosh is a marriage made in heaven. I've had an interest in the MC 302, but new is a little rich for my blood. Used prices I can deal with, there's simply not much to be found used. EBay has listed a few, I won't deal with that sight because I've found it too risky. Audiogon has shown nothing as of late, but I'll keep looking for a few weeks.
To vad58:
I wish I would have known you before I bought the A21. Your assessment is what I've lived with now for about a year. It was a definite upgrade from what I was using, but is "dull" (a good choice of words on your part) with far too much of what I listen to.
213runnin
914 posts
 
billspec, your experience with the Signal Cable IC's reminds me of something.  When I had the A21 it was running speakers that were laid back.  The speaker cables I had for most of that time were Audioquest Type 4, also laid back.  Add that to an amp that is warm sounding and you have bad synergy.

So one has to be aware of the sonics of each individual part of the system.  Perhaps the A21 with brighter sounding cables and or speakers would be much better.  
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,669 posts
 
professorsvsu-
have you considered a Bryston Integrated to match your BCD-3 spinner?
Keep us posted on this situation.
Happy Listening!
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