Parasound Halo A21 or Rotel RB-1090?

Angela - frankly, if must, I would sell the Halo A21, perhaps because Parasound has another better model (JC-1) on the list, so Halo A21 isn't the Parasound best.

From the other side, in my ears Rotel RB-1090 remains Rotel's statement amp. I cannot live with their newer ICE powered hermafrodits... 500W in 10 kilos is simply not my cup of tea...

In my opinion both amps have approximately the same quality/compromise ratio - differences soundwise between these two amps may be welcomed when one combine elements in the chain... I would always mate the Rotel 1090's calm nature with somewhat "spicier" preamps, sources or speakers. On the other hand, Halo A21 may be better choice with somewhat laid-back preamps (like Primare PRE30 i own).

Thanks for all of your help and information, guys.
I appreciate all of it very much.

Dalton,

I've owned the RB1090 and gone up the Rotel ladder prior to that. I had Rotel preamps as well... so I am quite familiar with the Rotel sound.

The 1090 tightens up the image quite a bit more than any the other lower Rotel amps. Not as tight as a full class A like my current Plinius 102 or even a good a/b amp like a mid-end Classe. However, the 1090 is good for what you pay for, especially at used prices!

I would refrain from the Rotel preamps... you can get a better sounding 2 channel preamp for the same price.

IF I WERE YOU, I would get the 1090 and pair it with a Rogue Metis preamp for $550 used. Call it a day.

There's something to be said about a tube preamp and a good ss amp.

OOPS, WRONG THREAD!
I got this thread mixed up with my recent thread about the Parasound Halo A21 vs Parasound HCA-3500.
Sorry to intrude in your thread, audio_girl.

No Problamo, daltonlanny!