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
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,169 posts
 

The p6 preamp sucks ,  the $1400 AudioGD master 19 ,I got from underwood wally night and days better.

the A23+ is high current 5 fuses that are 8 amp T,  and a 2 amp T all 20 mm 

I am big into modding to get that last few % , just putting in a good fuse in back the

QSA yellow fuse ,a very good upgrade with a pretty respectable Pangea  AC 9-SE power cord using the Cardas copper is i big step up in sonics well over a 10% increase in fidelity , now installing the QSA blue fuses inside. $35 x5 was another Very worth wild upgrade  it’s like a totally different amplifier . If it’s high current a stock fuse is a Huge bottleneck ,just look up metals resistance index.

a stop buzz fuse steel zinc around $18; on the conductivity chart, the aftermarket fuse either synergistic purple, or qsa yellow fuse index rating at least 50  much less resistance much lower distortion or bottleneck. And when installing the fuse pull the tray out install fuse with writing from L to R facing UP !!

mesch OP
3,503 posts
 

 

As a closing comment to this thread I should add that I have kept the XA25 and the Transcend amplifiers. The XA25 has grown on to me the more I have used it. One or both of 'us' has broken in.  The Transcend is a wonderful replacement. Currently using the EL34s and playing with the variable feedback when this amp is in use.

 

jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 

As a closing comment to this thread I should add that I have kept the XA25 and the Transcend amplifiers. 

excellent choices @mesch 

happy listening buddy!

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,169 posts
 

One big improvement for sure on back a 8 amp fusec used a qsa yellow fuse 

inside there are 4- 20 mm 8 amp T rail fuses I put4 qsa blue fuses in there 

and at the transformer a 2 amp T  fuse which is also a blue one all fuses have arrows-face them towards the back , and I uses cost effective Pangea AC 9 -SE 

power cords these upgrades totally  blow away the23+  by arleaet 15-20%

it has great detail, bass and natural warmth now , tweek get has fuses about  $450 invested , Perrotta consulting i purchased it from and got a pretty sweet deal.

More to discover