what amp under a grand?

Has anyone owned either of these amps? if so besides the obvious (a21 has more power) what is the diff between the two?

First, let me say that I have no experience with any of the equipment you have inquired about. However, I do have an opinion, and don't we all!

Based on what I've read over the years, it is common for audiophiles to refer to the silk tweeters as sounding dark or warm. Conversely, many will refer to the metal tweeters as being bright or harsh. Given that your speakers have the silk tweeter, you may want to experiment with a few different amps.

IMO, I would go after the Bryston 3B-ST that is listed here on the 'Gon. The Classe CA-101 might be another option. I have a Coda Model 10 that I might be persuaded to sell if you wanted to give that a try.

If you can swing the extra for the A21 I would do that. It is by all accounts a topnotch sounding amp. In my experience I never regret spending a little more to get what I really want. Otherwise you might be back here a year later having spent a grand for something you wish you could trade in to put against the A21. Just my 2 cents.

IDK but i would think the a23 would be enough @ 225 watts into 4 ohms. and if is not enough a year from now, i could always get another one and bridge them. but i do think the a23 and p5 would be a big improvement over the 2100 and 2250.

and if is not enough a year from now, i could always get another one and bridge them.

Sorry Jughead, that's a bad idea. Minimum speaker load impedance for the a23 in bridged mode is 8 ohms and your speakers are 4 ohms. The a23 may work initially, but will likely fail due to running extremely hot. This would be the same as using a 2 ohm speaker load in the stereo mode.

Why not ask the dealer if he will give you a 30 day option to return the a23 and pay the difference for the a21?