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.

mrteeves03-29-2022 6:30pm

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ja_kub_sz Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 273 posts 03-30-2022 at 06:28pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Or a Peachtree GaN400 ($3,000), but it’ll be a much different sound then your beloved Parasound amps. • 400 watts per channel • Fully balanced topology • Balanced and unbalanced inputs I was also thinking and the A21+ to JC5 sound jump is equally notable as the JC5 to JC1+, but at a fraction of the cost. I'm a big JC5 fan!
2psyop Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,557 posts 03-30-2022 at 08:41pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Musical Fidelity M6si500 as mentioned earlier.
mrteeves OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 36 posts 03-30-2022 at 08:49pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Thanks for all the good input. Lots to think about here. When I land on something I will follow up. :)
larry5729 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,008 posts 03-30-2022 at 11:36pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Luxman is the way to go.
bassdude Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 489 posts 03-31-2022 at 01:38am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Lots of options - but the JC5 would prolly be my choice. It operates in class A up to about 20 watts - which you may never / rarely exceed. And you have all the power you will ever need no matter what speakers you may have in future. Ive got 2 or 3 A-21’s snd a pair of JC-1’s. They all sound great with any of my speakers, in including my Magnestand Maggies - which is why I bought them all. Few amps sound better - especially at their prices. You might want to get a used A-21 for a couple of years for $1500+ and upgrade to the JC-5 in a couple of years. You can always sell your A-21 then.