2. amps-preamps
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Moving on from Parasound A21 (maybe?)

I'm currently using an A21 amp to power my Focal 1028 BE speakers and I don't quite feel the love anymore with my music. My system is modest, all solid state, and I'd like to keep it that way. I've been exploring stereo amps ($6K is the limit), but don't know how much of an improvement I can make. A used Pass Labs X250.8 would be ideal if it wouldn't double as a space heater (operating temp is way too high), so I'm left dabbling with the unknown. The new Bryston 4B cubed has caught my eye, but it's too new to find any critical owner reviews. I'd greatly appreciate any ideas on a possible direction to take, if any, that would musically be a step up from my A21. Beyond my Focals, my system consists of: Simaudio Moon Neo 310LP phono preamp, Avid Diva II SP TT with SME 309 tonearm, AT-ART 9 MC cartridge, Bryston BCD-3 CD player, Parasound JC 2 BP preamp, and all of my ICs are Silver Resolution from Signal Cable (XLR wherever possible).
professorsvsu
professorsvsu OP
78 posts
 
I'm not too sure why you question the price of my speakers. Is the A21 too much of a lightweight or is $6K on a different amp overkill? The $6K is the going price of the Bryston 4B cubed and that's about the max that I can do for something of quality that will last. As far as what mates well with the Focals, McIntosh is the brand that comes up most often. Again, that's serious cash (MC 302 is on my mind) unless I can find a good deal on used. I'll do some homework on Adcom.
213runnin
914 posts
 
Sorry for the misunderstanding, I was questioning the idea of replacing tweeter and midrange capacitors in a pair of $8000 speakers.  


kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
You already have a very good system. At this level, my recommendation is to try to pin point what aspect(s) of your sound quality you want to improve and just focus on that. A simple cable change, different power cord, adding a power conditioner or some room treatment may make enough of a change to keep you happy for a while.
erik_squires
16,063 posts
 
OP:

My suggestion was not without a great deal of experience with the brand. Focal's choices in the parts you cannot see are less than optimal and bettered with modest upgrades.

Best,

E
professorsvsu OP
78 posts
 
I live in a part of northern Michigan that's seen more than 4 feet of snow since Christmas Eve. I may be taking out my cabin fever on my stereo equipment. I just listened to some old vinyl (Steely Dan "Gaucho") and have to admit it didn't sound half bad. I still value any/all input from the folks on the forum. We all know that with enough money spent and enough experimentation, perfect sound is just around the next corner =)



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