2. amps-preamps
  3. 166105-525

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
audionoobie's avatar
audionoobie
357 posts
 
Take this opinion for what it’s worth. I’ve A/B’d the Halo Hint 6 integrated against the Rogue Pharoah and Cronus Magnum amps. The Rogue stuff embarrassed the Parasound gear.

I also purchased purchased the A21+ and P6 amp and preamp combo. The P6 pre to my ears is dull and lifeless. I was able to return the P6 back to the dealer but took a beating selling the A21+ in the aftermarket. The A21+ (as well as the A23’s) input impedance is very low at 33k unbalanced/ 66k balanced which may make finding a good matching pre difficult.

I don’t think I’ll ever buy another piece of Parasound gear again. The fit and finish is pleasing, but will pass based on sound.

YMMV
mesch OP
3,480 posts
 
@jjss49 Thanks for your thoughts.  I am beginning to regret the sale of the BEL. That amp and my preamp were a great match and mated with both pairs of my speakers well.

I was seriously hoping the Pass XA25 would serve me the same. As I stated above my research indicates this The XA25 amp is different than most Pass amps in being maybe the most transparent and not having the 'bloom' around notes like many others (some characterize this as lean). I am afraid what I am hearing is beyond that difference. Yes, this could be from my preamp.  

Sometimes when I run into a problem I tend to panic a little, hence this thread, then go into action to solve. I am in the process now. 

Thinking I should not have linked the problem with my system with my request for thoughts on the A23+.  Focus in a question begets a more definitive answer.


thosb's avatar
thosb
204 posts
 
Curious what kind tubes you're using, that could be one way to help (maybe not solve) the problem?
snapsc
674 posts
 
Personally, I found the A23 (didn't own the A23+) to be dull...as though listening through a blanket.  Another member here, Whitextix, has both a Don Sachs preamp and power amp...and just purchased a Purifi as a 
"run cooler" option for the summer.


He loves it, clear, detailed, massive soundstage...and I just noticed the same one he purchased popped up as preowned yesterday on AC....here is a link.


FOR SALE: Purifi 1ET400A Amplifier Stereo Sparkos OpAmp ss3602 (audiocircle.com)
decooney
1,972 posts
 
@mesch 
I am not sure that the issue I am having with my XA25 is typical to the model. I am not convinced that what I am hearing can be addressed with cables, break-in or warm-up.   I have spoken to Pass Lab personel and have determined that my unit was manufactured last June and is still under warranty.  If the issue is with my preamp I am confident Aric will help me out.

Based on my take from reviews and this forum I believe the XA25 to be more on the lean side, more transparent, than the XA30.5 or 30.8. The 30.5 having the most bloom of the three. Known to be quite distinct from the other Pass Labs or First Watt amplifiers.

Your assessment is not too far off on the XA25, yet there may be a few things to look in to further before you leap away.  Also, just for grins I tried a A23+ last summer for a month. It was okay, hoped it might be a 2nd amp to rotate in to give my tube monos a rest.  It was not on the same level as your XA25. You have a nice combo, worth more tuning.  

Tubes: Exactly what (brand, year) tubes are in your Aric 6SN7 linestage-preamp? The sound from different 6SN7s alone can make a difference. 

ICs:  Seriously, what interconnects are you using between your Aric pre and the XA25 now?  It's a real factor with Pass gear some times. My last 3 pairs of ICs all went to Pass Labs owners btw for similar reasons.  
More to discover