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Anthem 225 vs Parasound A21 vs Emotiva Xpa 7 Gen 2

Hey guys, I am looking for a very detailed sounding amp for Sacd playback.I am not interested in power output  ,just smooth natural sound.These are my choices so far. Any input? alternates were Cambridge Azur 851 and Halo A21 and Audio Research 150.2.Thanks
mancub1
auxinput
2,921 posts
 

What is your SACD and preamp? First thought would be to recommend the Parasound A21. Don’t get the A23 unless you’re budget cannot afford the A21. The Parasound will use better internal components (capacitors, etc.) than the Emotiva. The Parasound will also have a slightly richer/warmer tone due to its high bias into Class A and the JFET/MOSFET input stage.

The Anthem and Emotiva will be quicker/faster amps. This may or may not be what you are looking for. If you have a very fast/solid-state SACD and preamp, I would lean towards the Parasound because you need that waveform smoothing (the Anthem/Emotiva might come out to lean and bright sounding). If you have a very laid back tube amp, then the Emotiva might be a good choice as a more accurate/neutral amp.

The Anthem 225 looks like an integrated (not a straight amp). Is this what you intended?

mancub1 OP
14 posts
 
Thank you for the information. I am not  using a preamp,only an Oppo dvd player and amp. The Anthem is the MCA_225 Amp only, not integrated. I have ribbon drivers in my speakers and I like a smooth sound,not lean or fast but warm and detailed{ at least that's what I am hoping for] Thank you again.
auxinput
2,921 posts
 
Yep, I would definitely go with the Parasound A21 if you can swing it.  I have heard the Oppo player when it is connected directly to an Emotiva amp.  It is nice, but it is kind of dry.  You definitely need the Class A bias of the Parasound to help it "sing"!
jl35
4,223 posts
 
also look at various Odyssey Khartago and Stratos amps..
2psyop's avatar
2psyop
1,863 posts
 
I have the A21 and had the Odyssey Stratos some 8 yrs ago. The Parasound was better. Naturally open and neutral sound, clearer with more power. The Stratos and two other preamps I had from Odyssey developed noise and hum issues, the Tempest ( a history of problems with that model) and the Candela. I agree with auxinput, the A21 is a very good amp. That is my personal experience with those two companies.
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