New Parasound A21 VS Mark Levinson #23


Hello all

I have the option of buying new Parasound A21 (2500 )  Vs Mark Levinson # 23 for 2300 (in good working condition). I will be pairing for B&W 803S

any suggestion?

any advice appreciated
ask17
Oopps.....sorry didn’t see that the OP has stated the 803S. The older B&W S models before using the diamond tweeters totally have different sound profile than the newer models. I myself never liked the kevlar midrange drivers too as they distort and colored the sound and did not sound natural or organic to me. I never liked B&W until the newer D3 series with a new continuum midrange drivers instead of kevlars. B&W was never my go to choice for music anyway but they are great for HT and is one of my favorite HT speaker system. Except the newer 800 D3 models are quite good for music but still not my number 1 preference for music. 
Why a 23 instead of a 331 or 332?  I got a 333 here for $2700 with an extra set of very expensive caps.
By the way, there are a couple "brand-new-in-box" Parasound A21s on ebay for $1999.  One in silver and one in black.  I actually bought mine from the same seller a few months back. 

I agree that in my opinion the ML23 is a better amp.  That said, If it were me I would get a ML23.5 instead. That amp is very, very nice.  it has different input circuitry from the 23 and I've owned two and still have one.   believe it was the last that actually has Mark Levinson (the person) design associated with it before he sold the company.

I've compared it with amps today and I beats most. 

just my two cents.

enjoy