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Considering the Parasound A23+ amplifier

As the title suggests I am thinking about the purchase of the Parasound A23+ amplifier. Just looking for thoughts from those familiar with this amplifier regarding tonal balance, soundstaging, reliability, and  serviceability. I am using a Aric Audio Special 6SN7 based tube preamplifier with Tannoy Sterling speakers (91dB, 8ohm) and also have a pair of Esoteric MG10s stand mounts (87dB, 6ohms). Room volume is ~1500sq. ft.  Not concerned about the power of this amplifier as I believe it would serve either speaker power wise.

As some of you might know I have recently purchased a used Pass XA25 which for my tastes I have found to be generally too lean, with excessive brightness in some passages. As I also wish to purchase a tube amplifier I am hoping the A23+ might serve my SS needs while also my budget.

Alternative recommendations accepted.  

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
mesch
arcticdeth's avatar
arcticdeth
1,572 posts
 
A21 is the amp you want if your looking into that series. 
 Is the a21 a Curl designed amp, yes?

  
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
I highly doubt that the Pass XA25 is causing the lean sound with bright highs.  I suspect it is something else.  Maybe something in your preamp, or the type of 6SN7 tubes?  Or are you using silver wiring - as this will definitely slant the sound towards lean/bright if you have too much silver.

As far as Parasound A23+ or A21 goes, I don't think it will solve your problem.  It may make sound even leaner than the Pass Labs (the Pass XA25 is going to be biased much higher into Class A and providing a thicker sound).  I have heard the XA25 and it's definitely not "lean" sounding.

The Paraound amps have an incredibly clean midrange, but the high frequencies can come across a bit dry (in my system it lacked engaging sound quality).  You can fix with a fuse upgrade, but it can become even slower.  I'm not sure if this is what you want since it still will not be as "thick/full" sounding as the XA25.

If you want an amplifier that is full sounding but with softer and laid back highs, I would recommend a McIntosh amplifier.  But like I said, I think something else is going on in your system that is causing the lean/bright effect.
mofojo
2,289 posts
 
You should be able to pickup a 2-4 year old Parasound A21 for the same price or under the A23+ price new. If set on Parasound that’s what I would do. There are probably lots of other great amps new and used in that range as well. The A21 is definitely on the warmer side. I find it also very detailed and dynamic as well. Great voicing IMO. Is it neutral?? No idea but sounds great to me.
mesch OP
3,480 posts
 
Yes, I have not ruled out the possibility of the problem being something with my preamp. I am continuing to research this. I will get back as I discover more. Might have to determine a better description for the problem.

I have looked into the Parasound A21+ however I don't need that much power or the weight. That amp weighs close to 1/2 what I do.
I was thinking the Parasound was more on the warm side than the XA25 which is unique for a Pass amp.
johnto
1,023 posts
 
Stereophile gave the XA 25 a glowing review, as someone  above mentioned it could be cables, other equipment or break-in time these issues were also talked about in the review. Good luck
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