Parasound A21 vs Parasound HCA-3500?

What concerns me about the HCA-3500 is the fact that they have sort of a forceful, forward, and slightly edgy or etched quality to the highs.
I was wondering if the A21 is like this as well, or does it have a somewhat more relaxed sound?
Thanks.

Lanny, I am owner of A21 about three years - paired with Primare PRE30 preamp emerged very nice pair. Assuming you're searching for an amp as much as closer soundwise to the JC-1 (you used to own them, right?), I would vote for A21 - I guess the A21 possesses the same family sound like the JC-1, with some compromises in control and power of course...

It's absolutely accurate that JC-1 is being originated from the HCA-3500, but J. Curl (or B. Crump, cannot recall exactly) once said something like "stock HCA-3500 emerged almost unlistenable, due to some cap choice issue, resulting with very grainy highs.."

Good luck, anyway..!!

The A21 is very smooth, with no apparent grain as far as I can tell. "Etched" is not a word I would use to describe it at all. The HCA-3500 from what I understand improoves quite a bit when modded if done correctly. I'd go with the HCA-3500 if you need/want buttloads of power, and the A21 if you want good power with more refinement. I have heard them both. I own the A21.