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
I Recently purchased the Halo A21 and A52+. Both sound wonderful. They replaced a Parasound NC 2250 and 5250 in my system. The Parasound product is very hard to beat for the money. 

If if you look at the innards of both the A21 and the A21+ they appear to have very similar topology. The majors gains in the A21+ come from a much more robust Power Supply and refinement of the A21 design. 

I wrote an end-user review of my impressions on the equipment  if interested...

https://www.avnirvana.com/threads/a-subjective-review-of-the-parasound-a21-and-a52-amplifiers.3969/ 

BTW... the high end is extended and pristine with my speakers. I would guess that some speaker/amp/cable combinations may adversely affect the amps ability to deliver full range sound but would think you would have to work very hard, or be extremely unlucky to come across that negatively impactful combination :-)




If it were me and i wanted that 3d hifi sound as OP describes, I would want to know what speakers,  what pre amp, how big the room is, etc.   That amp could be a perfect match or a horrible one, depending on speakers  It does offer gobs of power and is 4ohm stable..    I would really try to steer you towards tubes, might as well really hear the magic.if thats the goal.   .  The poster who says its pure class A, is misinformed, its an AB amp.  Its also not very smooth in the midrange for an audiophile grade amp.  I'm not a fan of Jfet input and mosfet driver stage myself,  


I run the A21 with a pair of Wilson Sophia 2 speakers and I have never for a moment found myself wishing for more. The raw power of the amp complements the dynamic punch of the loudspeakers very well, with a full bottom end, palpable mid-band, and crystal highs. Years ago when I bought the Parasound unit I was listening to other models at local hifi shops, like Rotel, Yamaha, Bryston (oh, how I loved the 4B SS2), and some pricey equipment from Balanced Audio Technology (...sweet stuff...). I really appreciate how effortlessly the A21 performs, letting you pick out singular instruments in detail amidst a layered, complex passage of a recording. Working with some other amplifiers I've also learned to respect the A21's apparent immunity to hum introduced by AC line noise. The transformers in my other home-theater amp sing like birds when certain household devices are running... You may buy one and later fall in love with something else, but you will still feel like you got more than you paid for!
I own the A51 and an A23.  Both are solid amps, great value.  I have listened to the A21 and it is even nicer.  I recently purchased the m700 mono amps for a new basement system.  The M700's are a good value, but not as nice as the A-21.  I have returned the M700's and the PS Audio BHK 250 is arriving next week!  I also swapped in my Classe CA 2300 for the  M700's and there was no comparison how much better the Classe was.  That is why I am getting the BHK 250.  Can't wait!  The m700's are smooth and warm, but lack the detail, soundstage and clarity I am looking for. Ken
batman, unfortunately my speaker brand is not one that you can say the name and people will recognize.  They are called Avance speakers, a Danish brand that is sold by dealers in 10 or 11 countries but not the U.S.  I picked up mine a while ago from a Canadian shop when they were selling in Canada, but no more.   They are two and 1/2 way with all scanspeak drivers, not unlike the Dana's on the attached but with one less driver. About 86 dB, 6 ohms nominal.   http://www.avance-audio.dk/

fastfreight, thank you for your post.  I did order the A21+ a few days ago and started reading about the M700's which I just became aware of.  Having you provide hands on experience with both amps was right on. I did do my share of reading and did consider Luxman integrateds, Pass and a lot of other more "Audiophile Check the Boxes" amps, but right now wanted the Parasound.  I have mentioned before I am two hours from an audio shop and just won't go in and test the amplifier at the store knowing I would be buying online. 

It will be delivered next week and we will see how it goes, but I am sure I will like it.  To whoever mentioned tubes, my preamplifier is tube (12AX7) based and I have had, and enjoyed, tube amplifiers in the past.

Thank you all for your kind input.