Parasound A23+ vs. Emotiva XPA-DR2

My all time worst sounding amp was an Emotiva XP whatever, circa ten years ago.  The sound of nails across a chalk board comes to mind.  It actually sounded like the designer/maker/seller's intent was to make the worst sounding amp possible without instantly breaking the speakers.


#2: About 2 weeks ago via email I asked Emotiva for the input and output impedance of their best preamp (which I'm happy to report is the audiophile equivalent, looks-wise, of a bright metallic purple or orange '59 Chevy low rider with air jump suspension and no hood, IOW a stinkin' POS).  No reply.  They list 1000 specs but won't answer this critical Q.  

Then there's this Emotiva website marketing: upon opening the home page, a huge ad is plastered, inviting visitors to "ENTER OUR SWEEPSTAKE TO WIN $500!!!"  To proceed, visitors must answer, "SIGN ME UP!" or "NO I DON'T NEED $500."  


If there's a reason to support Emotiva I have yet to find one.   

Emotiva is low mid-fi pretending to be high end. Those that own them and believe they are high end either have never really heard even a modest high end system, or need their ears cleaned.

I've never heard a Parasound amp I didn't like.

Best,
E

The A23+ is a very good integrated amp, but the A21+ is even better.  All the soundstage, detail and clarity of the A23+ with better punch than the Emotiva.  IMO

I've owned Emotiva monoblocks and have an XPA-5 gen 2 in my bedroom system powering the center and surround speakers. I've owned the A23 (not +). I think there's some snobbery in this thread. The Emotiva are not as bad nor is the Parasound as great as some are claiming. The difference between them isn't huge, but I'd go for the Parasound, it will be more refined. It doesn't look like those speakers are hard to drive? Why do you think you need more power?