I know that this comparison will sound harsh, but the Parasound A21 sounds like "grains of dry sand on a flat sheet" and the Pass Labs XA-25 sounds like "a beautiful flowing stream which allows all the colors of instruments to shine through from a 3D space. The XA-25 is on a totally another level of refinement and musicality.
Pass XA 25 versus Parasound A21+ - anyone compare?
Basically I'm looking at solid state amps to run my current Totem Rainmakers - with the possibility of upgrading the speakers to Joseph Audio Pulsars (used if I can find some) as well.
My listening room is modest sized - about 18' by 13" with 8' foot ceiling.
Rest of system: Naim cd 5 player, Hana EL cartridge on a vintage Pioneer 600 table, Classe DR 5 II preamp. Amp to be replaced is original Adcom 555.
I'm thinking both could work well, with the Parasound providing more dynamics and the Pass more finesse. Obviously the Pass is about an extra $1000, which is a factor given the modestly priced system. Also no balanced option with the Pass - not sure that is important.
BTW no Pass or Joseph dealer in my area (Atlanta), though Parasound is available for a listen.
Thoughts?
My listening room is modest sized - about 18' by 13" with 8' foot ceiling.
Rest of system: Naim cd 5 player, Hana EL cartridge on a vintage Pioneer 600 table, Classe DR 5 II preamp. Amp to be replaced is original Adcom 555.
I'm thinking both could work well, with the Parasound providing more dynamics and the Pass more finesse. Obviously the Pass is about an extra $1000, which is a factor given the modestly priced system. Also no balanced option with the Pass - not sure that is important.
BTW no Pass or Joseph dealer in my area (Atlanta), though Parasound is available for a listen.
Thoughts?
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- 42 posts total
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- 42 posts total