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.
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.
