2. amps-preamps
  3. 131344-84524

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
2,920 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
3,968 posts
 
also look at various Odyssey Khartago and Stratos amps..
2psyop's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
2psyop
1,550 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.
jl35
3,968 posts
 
I much preferred the Khartago Extreme to the A21. Didn't like the Parasound at all. You need to go listen. Many good amps at your price. 
auxinput
2,920 posts
 

Oh, just re-reading and saw your alternatives. My comments:

Cambridge Azure 851 - Cambridge is known for being lightning fast and extremely transparent/resolution. I would not pair this directly with the Oppo, but it may be a good amp if I had a tube preamp or a multiple-circuit Class A preamp.

Audio Research 150.2 - This is a Class T design from 2003 (which is a variation of Class D). It might be nice, but the older Class D type designs were not as good and the resultant frequency response was very dependent on the impedance curve of the speaker. This translates into un-even frequency response, possibly weak midbass/bass, rolled-off highs, etc. Also, it is not a Class A bias (obviously), so it is not going to be as sweet as Parasound.

Parasound A23 - Like I said, if you have to get this because of your budget, then get it. The larger A21 does have twice as much power output, but you’re not buying it for the watts. You a buying a significantly larger power supply and more output transistors. This will mean more brute force to control the speaker -- even at low to mid volume levels. Also, the larger A21 will just be a more refined and smoother sound than the A23.

More to discover