Pass Labs vs Mark Levinson vs Parasound - best 2 channel amp used under $2,500?

My Pass is far from clinical or cold. To say they sound like older ARC amps is the first I’ve heard of that. As far as not being robust my amp has no problem making my Aerial Acoustics speakers which need power to come alive with plenty of authority. Now to say it has the slam as some older Krells and others, no. Pass have plenty of slam but better balance and disappear - not bringing a lot of attention to one thing over another. I’ve had amps amps that really made the bass really stand out but I felt it was overly done and brought too much attention to it. I personally want my gear to disappear or get out of the way so I can enjoy the music.

I’ve listened to the Parasounds and I felt they sound very good but not as open or refined as mine and other Pass amps I’ve heard on my and other systems. No doubt system synergy has a lot to play with how one piece sounds with others. I had an ARC 100.2 which is only 100 watts and I’d take that over a Parasound A23 in a heartbeat, even being a much older amp and a little less power . Again not bashing Parasound... they make very good equipment for the money. I have not heard the JC1’s so I can’t speak for those but I know they also get great press and probably more direct competition with Pass and others.

Most my listening with Parasound amps has been on Magnepan 3.7i and 1.7i’s and several Monitor Audio’s which they’ve played very well with. Just mentioning this because I think a lot of people compare their gear to stuff they really haven’t heard. As always it best to hear for yourself and understand some gear regardless how good it is, it may not have the synergy with some gear.

Forgot to add that from a cold start, at least my Pass amp doesn’t really come alive; it doesn’t sound horrible by any means. I do find if I leave it on for twenty four hours it sounds its best.

I did discover after adding dedicated circuits and better receptacles that I felt the amp was starving for power before a little. Nelson Pass notes in the manual, power cords don’t make a difference which I found isn’t accurate and indeed they do make a nice improvement.

Is the A23 the only Parasound you’ve had in your system? I only ask because the A23 is so far behind the A21 in just about every way possible. I’ve had an A23 and A21 and the difference in bass control, tonal balance, transients speed, depth and air is considerable between the two. It’s a night and day difference. I’ve lived with both amps for a few years each.I recently sold my my A21 and bought a Nelson Pass designed VFet amp. It’s like a cross between a Pass designed First Watt J2 and F6 sound wise. It’s better in every way over the A21 except bass control (as it’s only 25wpc vs 250wpc), but that’s a fine trade off for me as I feel it gives some of the best sound I’ve heard at any price.

My recommendation would be to look at a gently used First Watt amp. They’re all designed by the man himself, Nelson Pass. He used to manufacture and tuned them all by hand himself. He’s since passed all the manufacturing over the Pass Labs. A used First Watt J2 can be had four around $2000. Some of the best sound you’ll ever hear as long as your speakers aren’t extremely inefficient. If that’s the case and you have inefficient speakers then I’d wholeheartedly recommend an A21. Both are stellar amps that are worthy of the high end classification. It’s just the Pass designed stuff I find is a little more refined overall.

To everyone who has disagreed with me:

That's totally cool, but I really do suggest a buyer listen first. :) 

Best,

E

"...but I really do suggest a buyer listen first. :) "

I agree with you.

That said, I have had numerous Levinson, Pass Labs, and Parasound Halo and non Halo amps in my system. I currently listen to JC1s and think they are great. I think the various Pass Labs Class A amps are better still.

D.