Move from Parasound A23 to A21/A21+ or Something Else?


Hello, looking for some advice on an amplifier upgrade. Some years ago I was able to get an original Parasound A23 for a really great deal. I like the amp quite a bit and it was a wonderful upgrade from a class d amplifier I was using. I am mostly happy with the amp but I have noticed on loud or complex passages that the music can become strained sounding. It will shift from a nice layered and smooth sound to a more brittle and flat sound. It’s like the soundstage collapses to one dimension right between the speakers and music gains a hardness to it. It’s hard for me to explain exactly as I not that great at descriptors for audio.

Anyway, it doesn’t happen all the time only when listening to dynamic and busy music at higher volumes like 85+ db average at the listening position; about 3 meters from the speakers. The room is around 4500 cubic feet and semi open to other rooms. The speakers are Focal Kanta 2s. When I calculate the actual needs for wattage based upon distance and sensitivity, I "should" be fine with the A23. However, I wonder if a more powerful amp would help with the issue?

I like the signature of the Parasound so I am thinking of a used A21 or maybe even the A21+ if I could snag one at a good price. Is there anything else that should be on my radar? Looking to spend up to $3K max, less is better. Or, I could save up and maybe get a JC5 in 9-12 months if it was really worth it.

Open to thoughts and ideas.

mrteeves

Probably the amp going from class A to class AB. The A21+ is a much better and stronger amp than the A23, you will be happy with that one. 

I would say, as a past Parasound owner, you should listen to contrasting gear before staying.  yes, the A21 is a bigger amp, but listen to Ayre, Luxman, Pass and McIntosh.  You'll either love the Parasound more or you'll realize you want to move in a different direction.

The A21 is much, much better that the A23 and will drive your speakers... no problem. The A21+ is an upgrade for sure but not worth the extra cash IMO. The JC5 is in another league but still not dual mono . I like the advice by erik to try other amps too. I listened to an integrated dual mono design by Musical Fidelity, M6500i and it was very organic, effortless power. Not even a hint of strain with Vandersteen 2CE Sig II speakers. BTW I own an A21 and pair it with Schiit Freya Plus tube preamp. If I didn’t have it... I would get the MF integrated.