2. amps-preamps
  3. 144286-2249

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
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?.
jl35
3,926 posts
 
you can find new PS Audio Stellar amps from authorized dealers, for about 30% off.  I have the S300 and it is excellent. For the price, I'm not a fan of the Parasound, but many others love them...you gotta go listen
2psyop's avatar
2psyop
1,502 posts
 
I have been using the A21 for about 6 years. The best sounding amp I have had, but have never paid over $2.5k for any amp. Funny, I had the Odyssey amps and the A21 is much better, not to mention the Stratos failed on me....twice. John Curl designed and they sound like 2x what they cost. Also you can run balanced cables into them. The only amp I owned that was close was a McCormack DNA 125, it was sweet sounding but it was not nearly as powerful as the A21. Maybe the DNA-225.
213runnin
914 posts
 
The one thing about the A21 is that the top end is a little rolled  off sounding.  For laid back speakers or cables, etc, this can squeltch the top end, depending on one’e tastes of course.

i had the amp for about 4 years with the P7.  I wanted a more open sounding top end, some others might be fine with it.

no idea if the A21+ has the same house sound or not.
More to discover