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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
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 =)



professorsvsu OP
78 posts
 
To Erik:
I'm getting a firsthand education on Focal as well. My 1028 BEs have seen warranty work twice in the past month (detached voice coil wires) and I owned a pair of Aria 936s that gave me trouble. Once I explained the problem to Focal, new drivers were sent free of charge which I installed myself. Very, very troubling for me, but I hate to let them go because I keep finding tweaks that bring out just a little more of what they
may be capable of. I've just been thinking that a different amp is the final missing link. 

jl35
3,982 posts
 
the X250.8 is very much better than the A21, and in N Mich , just lower your thermostat...
professorsvsu OP
78 posts
 
The X250.8 has shown up for sale recently Audiogon. There were three different listings (all expired) and it was hard for me not to pull the proverbial trigger. I know the reputation of the amp, it's just tough for me to buy used (the only way I could afford it) and it produces so much heat (53 C is roughly 127 F degrees). Even during winter in N Michigan, that's roasting marshmallows over your amp while listening to some old Steely Dan. Decisions, decisions.
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