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Pass XA 25 versus Parasound A21+ - anyone compare?

Basically I'm looking at solid state amps to run my current Totem Rainmakers - with the possibility of upgrading the speakers to Joseph Audio Pulsars (used if I can find some) as well.

My listening room is modest sized - about 18' by 13" with 8' foot ceiling.

Rest of system: Naim cd 5 player, Hana EL cartridge on a vintage Pioneer 600 table, Classe DR 5 II preamp.  Amp to be replaced is original Adcom 555.

I'm thinking both could work well, with the Parasound providing more dynamics and the Pass more finesse.  Obviously the Pass is about an extra $1000, which is a factor given the modestly priced system.  Also no balanced option with the Pass - not sure that is important.

BTW no Pass or Joseph dealer in my area (Atlanta), though Parasound is available for a listen.

Thoughts?
bobbydd
erik_squires
16,058 posts
 
So far the XA25 sounds grainy and edgy in the upper midrange and lower treble.
The a21+ is nothing but smooth.

Yeah, that was my experience as well. The best experience I had with Pass was still too lean. From what I’ve read of listeners who I felt had good critical listening skills and weren’t just total Pass fanboys, they may perform at theri best with big cabinet speakers like Tannoys and Klipsch or big JBLs.
jetter
3,033 posts
 
@avanti1960

Very interested in the results of your comparison after the XA25 has a chance to settle in.  
testrun
232 posts
 
If you haven't done so reach out to Taylor at GoldPrint Audio in North Carolina.  He carries Joseph Audio and I believe Parasound and beyond being a get dealer takes in JA trades frequently as pass past customers move up the JA line.  I have no relationship to Taylor except being a very happy customer for a number of years.  
swede58's avatar
swede58
125 posts
 
erik_squires
”From what I’ve read of listeners who I felt had good critical listening skills and weren’t just total Pass fanboys, they may perform at theri best with big cabinet speakers like Tannoys and Klipsch or big JBLs.”
Strange. I have seen a lot of Magnepan owners using (bigger) Pass amps. I’ve often seen them described as being warm and full, not lean and sterile??? 🤔
Hopefully I will find out soon.
avanti1960
1,476 posts
 
FYI the overall tone of the XA25 is neutral, not lean.  Bass is excellent.  My issue is that it does not sound as refined in the upper midrange lower trebpe as i think it should, or as the a21+ does.
this is with my 86db 6 ohm Harbeths.  
If it smoothes out  as it burns in it will be a winner.  
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