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Opinions on Parasound A21 & A21+

I have been informed that the sonics of both the older and new Parasound A21s are very similar.  I have never heard a Parasound product, let alone this model.  Forgetting for this moment system synergy, how good do you rate is this amplifier?  In basic sound character, is it a smooth operator with a non grainy, non fatiguing signature, that with proper systems matching will throw a 3d soundstage? Is it the entry-way to a high end, high power amplifier?  Please feel free to provide any down sides to this amplifier.  Last, what other amplifiers new or used in this $2,500-$3,100 price range would you consider?  I will mention that I generally hold onto my amplifiers for a long while so I prefer to buy new.

I have scoured and read many prior posts on this subject, but would just like some current opinions.  Thanks in advance.
jetter
jetter OP
2,953 posts
 
Hi Erik, I have not had a chance to hear any Parasounds.  I live in Vermont and the closest dealer with them is 2 hours away. Even then, I won't take the dealers time knowing whatever I end up purchasing will be online.
jetter OP
2,953 posts
 
Thanks Erik and jl, please all keep the comments coming.
daeone
28 posts
 
Jetter,

My brother has an A21 and I have a pair of JC1's I use in a second system.  Great amps for the money.  Definitely punch above their weight.
Their ability to put out the first 10 or 25 watts pure class A makes them very resolving and natural sounding.  Great bass too. 

In my main system I am now running PS Audio BHK 300.  In fact, over the last couple of years I have become quite a convert of theirs and have many of their components.  While I haven't heard them personally, they have the Stellar M700 mono blocks in your price range.  I read tremendous things about them including Sterophile's coveted "A" rating.
If I was shopping in your price range I would definitely give them a listen.
New, there are a number of PS Audio dealers that run specials on them so they can be bought right too.
ericsch
751 posts
 
I use the A52 five channel amp in my home theater system. It's a fine amplifier, smooth, never harsh or fatiguing.
jetter OP
2,953 posts
 
Much appreciated all, please keep your comments coming. Daeone, I was just reading the online reviews of the PS Audio Stellar m700s. I was not aware of them but you are right, I can’t remember seeing such positive reviews, especially of a class D amp, and again especially when they are referring to it as warm and tube like. All for $3K seems amazing. There aren’t any you tube demos I could find (I know you can’t tell anything sound wise but interesting to watch). Only a few Agoners seem to have the m700s as they are new. Has anyone listened to them recently, and if so can someone give an opinion how they compare to the A21 or A21+?

Again though, it was the A21 or A21+ I was thinking about, should I be looking elsewhere, such as the m700s/others?.
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