Is the move up to Parasound Halo A21 worth it?


Currently enjoying my B&W CM10s, Parasound A23 and P5. I really love the balanced, open sound that I'm getting from the current setup. However, there are a few areas where I'm seeking improvement. A wider soundstage and more engaging sound at lower than moderate volumes. And, a bit more bass, at any volume, won't hurt either.

I thought of moving up the Parasound chain to an A21, but I have no way of listening to an A21 prior to buying it. Has anyone else here moved from a 23 to 21? If so, did you think the move was worth the extra $$$$? Very interested in knowing what improvements people heard. And yes, I understand that room acoustics and treatments will give you a better bang for your buck. But, unfortunately, my setup is in the family room with very little flexibility. So it is what it is.

On an unrelated note, I was thinking of buying used (couple of current A21 listings here @ agon), but after you take into account shipping and paypal charges, the diminishing returns kick in. I'm struggling to see if net savings of around $500 (over a new one from audio advisor) is worth losing warranty, as Parasound warranty is not transferable. I'm sure these are highly sought after units and the premium is better than other comparative brands, but for me it's not worth the risk. So, I'm now thinking of getting a new one from audio advisor (no tax, no shipping charges) and have the peace of mind that comes with a full warranty.
arafiq
Since last posting in this thread, I’ve changed up my system. Gone is the Oppo 95, replaced with the Nad C 565BEE which was a clear cut improvement. I was hoping for equal performance but didn’t need the universal swiss army knife player, hoping that a dedicated cd player from a well respected brand would not disappoint. Plus I ended up with cash in pocket as a result.

I also sold the Paradigm Signature S6 towers. They just never sparkled in my system, plus the midrange was too warm for me and they had limited bass for a tower. I could have experimented more with cables, as I only had Audioquest Type 4, but with the same cables my existing Ascend Sierra 2 had superior midrange, and the highs were pretty much a wash.

Then(!) I upgraded the speaker cables with Wireworld Oasis 7, and that brought an immediate improvement as well, though I haven’t broken them in yet. That all said, the A21 with P7 have the detail, imaging, and 3D soundstage that can take advantage of good cables and good speakers. The speakers completely disappear and the artist is in the room, it’s that dramatic.
213runnin, sounds like you've made some great changes. I was surprised how much I liked the Parasound equipment. I think John Curl is one of the best audio engineers. Enjoy
Thanks, I gotta agree with you on how impressing the Parasound gear really is.  Like you I started out with something else and came home to Halo.  
John Curl has nothing to do with the A23. So there’s absoulutly no comparison between A23 and A21. A21 is legit, A23 is not!  
according yo Parasound, John Curl designed the circuits for both the A23 and A21...