Will there be a dramatic difference?

You'll really enjoy the A21, which on its own is great. Of course the JC5 in my experience is a major step up in every way, but comes at a higher price.

I've seen a few JC5s used for sale for really good prices lately so you could keep an eye out for a good deal that way.

If you are considering a used JC5 then you should also consider a used CODA #8. It's just as good or better than the JC5 and has a transferable 5-year warranty. This amp has massive current reserves.

Well, she’s all hooked up and been running music through it for the last couple of hours. Obviously needs to break in. I’m sure it sounds great but I’m starting to think all this audio file stuff as a joke. It’s like saying one kind of marijuana is so much better than the other kind for pain. I don’t smoke anything anymore maybe I should but I could never tell the difference from one strain to the next they both just got me high. this amplifier doesn’t sound noticeably better than my Carber. And I don’t think the JC5 would sound noticeably better than the A21 not enough to justify the price difference. My whole set up has always sounded damn good and it still does. I’m not unhappy with this purchase however, I think all of this technical ultimate sound stuff is a bunch of opinions. That’s all nothing else. It is fun to try to get to that ultimate sound, however, I don’t think it should require the thousands of dollars people try to spend to make stuff so much better and so much better.

@rossgordon ....

Hold that thought.

Stay happy.

Live long, and Happy Listening. ;)

@rossgordon

You’re a few hours into the breakin. Things will sound better. Probably by the end of the day today.

There’s a difference between a pragmatic rationalist who desires to get to the end result with the minimal investment in time (and, money), and a hobbyist. Neither approach is "right" or "wrong." They’re just different.

Hope the A21 lights you up soon. Hopefully, no drugs required.