Parasound A21+ vs Adcom GFA-585se

I found a little Adom amp on craigslist.  When I put it in my main system, I was appalled, but it works very well as a television system driving B&W's It is the replacement for the Bryston that has now joined my main system.  It too is a bit of a disappointment, but barely.  I destroyed my main system with a shorted test meter that touched the preamp A/C line to its transformer, sending 110 volts through every output.  I got one amp and the preamp repaired, but am playing around for a needed second amp.

I would submit that an old Adcom found on Craigslist may be no longer what they once were, parts having drifted out of spec and all.

I suppose one could say that of most amps built in the 90’s or earlier, but more so with Adcom as they used budget parts to meet their price points.

I bought a 5400 built in ‘98 a few years back and it had obviously been abused at some point, there was significant heat stress among other signs.

Notwithstanding other’s comments, I still hold the view that Parasound Halo amps have a somewhat warm house sound or presentation.  With the wrong speakers this will be a detriment.  YMMV.

@prebs and @jdub39   I would be very interested in hearing your impressions of the JC5 coming from the A21? I have an A21 and am thinking of upgrading to the JC5 to coincide with an upgrade to the Paradigm persona speakers. I've heard conflicting reports with most saying that it would be difficult to hear any difference in the JC5 from the A21 but some saying that the JC5 is in a whole different league and it is noticeable. What to believe :) 

Parasound. Couple things to consider which I don’t think anyone mentioned is if amp ever needs serviced, my guess is Parasound will be the better and likely stay in business and next I suspect demand and resale will also favor the Parasound. 
Not heard the current Adcom’s but have the Parasound and for they money they are very good. Parasound for the win.

@prebs and @jdub39 I would be very interested in hearing your impressions of the JC5 coming from the A21? I have an A21 and am thinking of upgrading to the JC5 to coincide with an upgrade to the Paradigm persona speakers. I’ve heard conflicting reports with most saying that it would be difficult to hear any difference in the JC5 from the A21 but some saying that the JC5 is in a whole different league and it is noticeable. What to believe :)


@prebs Speaking strictly on the A21 and Jc5 and not the A21+ The Jc5 will give you everything the A21 has but couple that with things exclusive to the Jc5 , the Jc5 has an uncanny ability to play at low volumes with greater ease , I can listen 3-4db lower compared to the A21 , another standout for me is good luck trying to distinguish when it leaves Class A to A/B. The JC5 doesn’t loose coherence, tonality, grip or sound staging when having spirited listening sessions. Lastly is the Jc5’s apparent 3d sound stage pushing well beyond speaker boundaries effortlessly while this is something the A21 only hinted at.
That’s my humble opinion of course!