2. amps-preamps
  3. 143567-119648

Parasound A21+ or Emotiva XPA-DR2

Choice amplifier for a modest two channel setup.
Do you go for 160w/ch A21 with greater detail sound?
Do you go for 550w/ch DR2 for the punch and impactful sound?
Speakers in play are Paradigm Tributes. Speakers and room work either way.
Which way would you go and why?

(I've looked long and hard and can't find a hint of an actual review on the Emotiva DRs at all. They've been out for a while now.)

Thanks for helping out!
no2headphones
no2headphones OP
19 posts
 
My mistake. Should have said A23+ (not A21+) v. XPA-DR2
I can acquire either amp for the exact same price.
erik_squires
16,057 posts
 
Sorry, OP! I made the same mistake!! :-)
I owned the smaller version, that's about the same size as the preamps.

Best,
E
no2headphones OP
19 posts
 
Anyone else have any thoughts on this choice or other amps in the price range to consider?
captbeaver's avatar
captbeaver
167 posts
 
John Curl... done
big_greg
6,623 posts
 
I owned an A23 and have had a couple of Emotiva amps - the XPA5, which I still have for surround sound duty in my 2nd system and a pair of XPA-100 Gen 2 monoblocks.  They were decent amps, but nothing to get excited about.  The top end of the A23 was a little bright for my taste and it's not going to control the bass with an iron fist, but one person's bright might be another's "detailed".  The Emotivas are decent, but lack some of the detail of the Parasound. 

If I had to pick one, it would be the Parasound, however my advice would be to save a little more and check out a Wyred 4 Sound ST-500 MKII (or find one used for about what you're planning to spend).  It will have more detail, be a little smoother, and give you more "slam".
More to discover