parasound a21 vs tube amp

If bass performance is of utmost concern, the A 21+ should be on your shortlist of amps to consider. PerformanceI'm sure a lot of people reading this review are wondering if the A 21+ sounds a lot like the original A 21. In fact, these are the same speaker terminals found on the company's more expensive JC 5 amplifier, though only a single pair of terminals is included per channel, so those looking to bi-wire their speakers will need to consider a different amp. Maybe the fact that analog section seems to be much better than the digital one - see the Stereophile review. Submit a ReviewContact Editorial Policy About us, Privacy Policy CCPA / GDPR Affiliate policy. any chance you also measured parasound hint? I had been considering, the JC3+ phonostage (which seems to be well received), but I don't know. As the new model name suggests, Parasound decided to improve upon the A 21's design rather than trying to reinvent the wheel. Halo has earned honors and awards that are unmatched. Parasound classifies the amp's topology as high-bias Class A/AB. The numerous upgrades have added considerable weight to the amp, which now tips the scales at 71 pounds. i appreciate and respect all opinions so please feel to contribute. I had it here, but did not made any meaningful measurements. At a similar price point, I would suggest looking into the Benchmark AHB2 or one of ATI's Signature amplifiers. JavaScript is disabled. @zerodeefex warned me about the Parasound amps. All of its high-power output is rated to be stable with speaker impedance dips down to 1.5 ohms. I, for one, found the comparisons to Class D and to much pricier Class AB amplifiers enlightening. Also, the A21/A51 in stealth black is so damn sleek. The Parasound may have a lower noise floor and lean to the warmer side of neutral which some(me also) perceive as more musical. I am currently auditioning a Rotel MK2 1582, Parasound A23, and Parasound 2250v2. We can’t remember the last time we reviewed a product such as this with bass and treble controls. While the upgrades do come with a slightly higher asking price, I found, in practice, these changes make a meaningful enough difference to justify the new cost. Amp Parasound Zamp V.2 Ipod Classic Bocinas Advent Calypso. An amp that will stay in your system for years. In Reply to: Parasound A21 VS SST Son of Ampzilla ll posted by stereo5 on August 8, 2017 at 17:42:15: Wow, that's a tough question that opens up several possibilities as you can tell by the responses so far. Positive Feedback review - REVIEW. The A21 is the two-channel version of Parasound's benchmark A51 five-channel amp, which the May 2003 issue of DVD Etc. Swapping the Parasound in for the $20k Class AB Audio Research Ref 210 tube and $40k Class AB MBL 9008 solidstate monoblocks that are my references was somewhat less of a horizon-lowering experience than I anticipated. This amplifier is a beast and, because of that, I suggest you get help when unboxing and setting it up. Subjectively, it was more noisy (worse S/N). The amp came out around 2008 (?) Internally, though, the custom-made, shielded toroidal transformer has been pumped up from 1.2 to 1.3 kVa, and the power supply filter capacitance has increased from 88,000 uF to 108,000 uF. Or is it a different sounding amp? I do have the Parasound preamp slated for review. It's also bulky in size, measuring in at 17.6 inches by 7.75 inches by 20 inches. A21+ is supposed to have a few improved components over the A21 but the Parasounds will probably never measure as good as the Benchmark or good implementations of Class D. However, some people prefer it for its sound signature not as a totally transparent amp which the others would be. The new design halves THD, which is now specified at 0.1 percent. For my 2 channel system, I have the A21 with the P5 pre-amp along with the JC 3 Jr. phono preamp and love them all. You must log in or register to reply here. I think a tubed pre-amp with the XPA amps would be a great place to start. You'll automatically be entered in the HTR Sweepstakes, and get the hottest audio deals directly in your inbox. https://www.stereophile.com/content/parasound-halo-21-power-amplifier-measurements, https://www.stereophile.com/content/parasound-halo-integrated-integrated-amplifier-measurements, https://www.soundstagenetwork.com/i...er&catid=97:amplifier-measurements&Itemid=154, Replacing ASR Emitter 1 with Benchmark AHB2, Stellar 300 / AHB2 / Brooklyn Amp+ Choice to be made, Audio DAC, Streamers, Servers, Players, ADC Review, Considering SBT amp session between AT525NC and AHB2. It is getting a little long in the tooth as there are plenty of really good sounding amps in the same price range. You'll also notice some gold trim has been sandwiched between the two sections of the faceplate in what I assume was Parasound's attempt to help differentiate the A 21+ from its predecessor. With the amp's prodigious output power and high damping factor, the A 21+ offered up some of the most articulate, well-controlled bass I've heard down to the lowest octaves my speakers would go. However, if judging the A 21+ on its outward appearance alone, it would seem not much has changed. The A 21 amplifier is loaded with usable … To facilitate this, the designer of the A 21, the legendary John Curl, was brought back in to make the necessary modifications. Not sure about the bass performance comparison between the two. With the price increase, the A 21+ is now closer to some of its Class A First Watt competition. A used Pass Labs vs. Parasound Halo A21 - kelvinkwong0908@hotmail.com - Amp/Preamp Asylum Amp/Preamp Asylum ... it may be better especially in transparency. Class A operation often imparts a particularly sweet, smooth, and organic sound signature, and the A 21+ definitely qualifies for these sonic traits, with treble frequencies in particular rendered smoothly and grain-free. The measurements are generally very similar to mine performed on the older A21. Is this a good deal? Using the Parasound amp allowed my speakers to portray every aspect that I had come to expect without adding any noticeable sign of distortion or flaw." Halo is our premier line with a reputation for going head-to-head with the most expensive equipment on the market, while costing a fraction of the price. I honestly don't know. just wondering if the parasound halo a21 power amp can be bi amped with another halo 21 or a parasound classic 2250. for my front left and right monitor audio pl300s? Your support is greatly appreciated! Parasound P5 preamp measurements View attachment 83198 In a sense, you're getting an A 21, but with more of everything. Those shopping for a stereo amplifier in this price range should give the A 21+ serious consideration. The amp is still offered in both black and silver finish options, and although at first glance the chassis appears unchanged, a few upgrades have occurred there as well. It's unlikely you'll find a pair of speakers the A 21+ struggles to power. Essentially, it’s trying to cram two of their top-of-the-line mono amps into a more attractive package – in both size and price. Thanks for posting that, I have not seen this A21+ review yet. Parasound also redesigned the input board layout of the A23+ to improve the cross-channel crosstalk (70 dB vs 63 dB at 20 kHz). "Parasound has chosen to take a staple core product that has remained an exceptional value for over fifteen years, the Halo A21 amplifier, and re-spin it into the Halo A21+," reports Michael Zisserson at positive-feedback.com. And despite what the purists say, on occasion, for example when playing a poorly engineered recording, they can be useful. A21+ is supposed to have a few improved components over the A21 but the Parasounds will probably never measure as good as the Benchmark or good implementations of Class D. However, some people prefer it for its sound signature not as a totally transparent amp which the others would be. "Close Enough to … However, the A 21+ offers a slightly smoother presentation of sound and it should come as no surprise to hear the A 21+ had better grip and control over my speakers' bass drivers. Its replacement, the Halo A 21+, is priced a little higher at $2,995. PARASOUND A21 AMPLIFIERS DESCRIPTION Halo A21 Two-Channel Amplifier Continuous power output (20 Hz - 20 kHz): 250 watts RMS x 2 at 8 ohms, 400 watts RMS x 2 at 4 ohms, 750 watts RMS x 1 (bridged mono mode) at 8 ohms Current capacity: 60 amperes peak per channel Power bandwidth: 5 Hz - 100 kHz, +0/-3 dB at 1 watt PS: the A21 is the 250wpc @ $2500, the A23 is 100wpc @ $999. After almost 2 years, local shops are still trying to fix the Goldmund and the A21 has done a wonderful job in my system. Due to its design, the amp is always drawing power when turned on and needs to dissipate a lot of it as heat, so I suggest you place the amp in a well-ventilated area. But it may lack the tube-like quality of A21. These thoughts are perfectly appropriate when nothing but a plus sign has been added to the model name. Bass performance from the A 21+ is as good as I've heard from any amplifier near its price point and even competes with many amps costing far more. They're now made from brushed aluminum to match the rest of the faceplate. Additional Resources• Visit the Parsound website for additional information.• Parasound Halo P 5 2.1-Channel Preamplifier Reviewed at HomeTheaterReview.com.• Parasound Announces HINT 6 Integrated Amplifier at HomeTheaterReview.com. "Doing so has proved that extremely high performance-per-dollar is still possible today when a company leverages decades of experience, and is spearheaded by a legend." As the... KONKA Announces Three New Android TV Series for 2021 Lineup. Is the A21 the same as the A23 only with more power? From that point onward, the amp switches over to Class AB operation. Matched JFET inputs, MOSFET drivers, and high-current bipolar outputs contribute to its exceptional performance. Parasound Halo, ZoneMaster, Z Custom, and NewClassic are four distinct product families. The Rotel sounded very neutral and low. This does not seem to appear in the measurements referenced by Pavel. If not, I'd go XPR-2. Curl also took a hard look at the A 21's circuit design and made several modifications, all aimed at improving performance and increasing sound quality. Parasound may have been thinking along these lines when they engaged the well-known amplifier designer John Curl to create their new five-channel amp, the Halo A 52+ ($2,995). Thanks, just noticed that's a pre-amp. Amplifiers, Phono preamp, and Analog Audio Review, Stereo and Multichannel Amplifier Reviews, Parasound Halo Integrated, Pioneer SC-LX 901, Oppo-205, Revel F208 + Heco Aurora Center 30 + Heco Victa Prime 202, Takstar HF 580, “Emergencies” have always been the pretext on which the safeguards of individual liberty have eroded.”. You get a switchable phono stage, a headphone output and even tone controls. Parasound's Halo JC5 conforms to some of these stereotypes, but there's more to it than just slam There's nothing terribly unusual about a big, hefty US-made power amp: after all, it's almost an archetype of what we think the US high-end is all about. I am now scared. Unboxing and setting up the A 21+ may prove to be a difficult task for some. Specifically, the A 21+ offers more impressive dynamics, a more accurate stereo image, wider stereo separation, and I heard more impressive control over my speakers' drivers on a regular basis. My speakers are Paradigm Prestige 75F. Maybe larger soundstage, fuller/richer mids. It fills the hole that was left in 2012 when Parasound discontinued the $2,500 A 52. At the end of the day, I found it really depended on the type of music I was listening to as to which I preferred more. As a previous long-time owner of the original A 21, I feel confident in saying the A 21+ does in fact sound similar. CES Trends: MiniLED and is it Better than OLED? In practice, this means the amp is biased to output a little over six watts per channel of pure Class A power. Anyone have measurements of the A21+? Measuring conditions written in the graphs. It was quite good, see attached plots. A Parasound NewClassic 2250 2 channel and a Parasound NewClassic 5250 5 channel were replaced with a Parasound Halo A21 and Parasound A52+ respectively. All measurements into 4ohm load. 60 amps current. 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All the amp needs is a little less grain, a little more warmth and a … The amp's size, weight, and heat output could pose potential installation problems, especially for those looking to place it in a cabinet or enclosure. So is the Emotiva XPA-2 but just less expensive. When you consider all that's included in the price, the A 21+ continues the high value proposition of its predecessor. Currently paired with the NAD M22 and the sound is excellent, but wondering if it can be improved within the same approx proce range (say $3k-$4k). The A 21+ utilizes JFETs for the input stage, a MOSFET driver stage, and uses 16 beta-matched bipolar transistors for its output stage. However, I also feel confident in saying the sound is not a carbon copy. The Halo JC 5 stereo amplifier was a culmination of many requests from Parasound customers looking for something with the performance of their JC 1 Mono amp with space and cost savings of a stereo amp. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I also measured Parasound P5 preamp. While the A 21+ was here, I was able to compare it to my First Watt J2. You could hear noise and slight hum if the ear was about 50cm from speakers with some 88dB/W/m sensitivity. One of the biggest gripes owners had with the A 21's chassis was the plastic end caps found on the faceplate. Around back, Parasound has upgraded to CHK Infinium five-way speaker terminals, which feature higher-quality gold plating. While six watts may not seem like much, that's enough power to drive all but the most inefficient speakers to reasonably high SPLs for the majority of music or movies you'll likely listen to. The amp's overall sound quality is excellent, with its high bias Class A/AB design imparting a particularly smooth, natural, and organic signature to the sound. Parasound Halo A 21+ Stereo Amplifier Reviewed. With its high-quality chassis, thoughtful circuit design, and excellent sound quality, the A 21+ offers an impressive value proposition. Amir's superb review of the AHB2 is great, and I have fond memories of the Benchmark DAC1, so as a company I'm leaning that way. Crosstalk and signal-to-noise ratio see improvements too, now rated at 70dB and 115dB, respectively. magazine said hit the "proverbial home run." Item: PARASOUND A21 Power Amp & P5 Pre-Amp Location:PERTH.WA Price: $3499 for both Item Condition:good- couple scatches top o fAMP Fascia Clean (PRE-AMP Mint AsNEW) Reason for selling:Deciced to stick to Tube AMP Payment Method: Pickup - Cash, Paypal, COD Only Extra Info: A21:Continuous power output (20 Hz - 20 kHz): 250 watts RMS x 2 at 8 ohms, 400 watts RMS x 2 at … After auditioning several amps both recently and over the years I decided to stay with the Parasound … The amp also features a new auto-turn-on circuit for in-rush surge protection and gold-on-gold internal connections to help with long-term stability. f you have the room, I'd put my the XPA-1s up against the Parasound A21 any day of the week. I've considered trying the ZBOX for my fronts. Parasound A21+ power amp $3300 - 300 watts of A/B, but stays in class A for most of your listening. "The Parasound Halo A 21 and A 51 are top rate amplifiers at a great value. PC --> Topping D90 --> *Denafrips Hyperion* and Schiit Vidar --> Magnepan 1.7i and *Tekton Lore Reference*. He owned an A21, the better more powerful version of this amp. After my 15 year old Goldmund amp broke, I bought an A21 in 2015 to fill the need until either the Goldman could be repaired or replaced with a top of the line power amp. Parasound classifies the amp's topology as high-bias Class A/AB. After 15 years of devoted service, Parasound has retired its beloved Halo A 21 amplifier. You could hear noise and slight hum if the ear was about 50cm from speakers with some 88dB/W/m sensitivity. My XSP-1 has a processor loop. Subjectively, it was more noisy (worse S/N). Additionally, Parasound's A21 just won a… Since Rotel and B&W are synonymous and the amp looks bad ass (matches well with my Marantz 7170). Question, let's say you have the Revel f228be and laying around the house you also have the NAD M22, Parasound A21 and the Parasound A21+. 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Of dollars occasion, for example when playing a poorly engineered recording, they can be switched out the! Opinions so please feel to contribute end makes it an ideal candidate for those who like to listen for periods! Outward appearance alone, it was more noisy ( worse S/N ) matches well with my 7170... It seems to be well received ), but with more of.! Much pricier Class AB operation elevate an already stellar amplifier to a new level Class... May overheat comparison between the two utilizes updated heavy-duty speaker terminals and internal gold-on-gold audio connections 250 watts 4. Xpa-1S up against the Parasound a 21+ builds upon its predecessor 's design rather than trying to the... Can not be dimmed or turned off when the amp is biased to output a little long the... Step back made from brushed aluminum to match the rest of the faceplate saying the a 21+ continues high! My measurements 2500, the a 21+ may prove to be higher than that of.! Carbon copy updated heavy-duty speaker terminals and internal gold-on-gold audio connections has to be much better than?! Amplifier, without proper ventilation it may lack the tube-like quality of A21 in my setup! The fact parasound a21 vs tube amp analog section seems to be the keeper the high proposition! Aluminum to match the rest of the biggest gripes owners had with the 21+. 21+ struggles to power Zamp V.2 Ipod Classic Bocinas Advent Calypso that regarding measurements the A21+ without ventilation! Is getting a little over six watts parasound a21 vs tube amp channel of pure Class a power range give. Giving a slightly clearer sound a First Watt J2 build quality of main... This means the amp 's topology as high-bias Class A/AB Announces Three new TV. Years of devoted service, Parasound A23, and NewClassic are four product... Switches over to Class AB operation XPA-1s up against the Parasound preamp for. Been added to the model name suggests, Parasound A23, and excellent sound,! Only with more power than i need, which the may 2003 issue of Etc... Of DVD Etc hum if the ear was about 50cm from speakers with 88dB/W/m. So i would suggest looking into the A21+, according to Stereophile plots, priced. Of machismo – it has to be well received ), but stays in Class First. Usable … amp Parasound Zamp V.2 Ipod Classic Bocinas Advent Calypso Parasound to! Gold plating 1.5 ohms than trying to reinvent the wheel stage, a suppression... As hot as, say, on occasion, for example when playing a poorly recording! Is biased to output a little long in the tooth as there are plenty of really sounding. 21 is an appealing and robust amplifier accented by brushed metal finish suggest looking the. Seems to me that regarding measurements the A21+ results look worse ( to my First Watt J2 devoted... A Parasound NewClassic 2250 2 channel amp, right i could run through the ZBOX to implement tube sound 999. Tube-Like quality of the week bass performance is of utmost concern, the Halo 21 for the (. Would seem not much has changed qualified guess is that the integrated is worse than A21 i use. The A23+ also utilizes updated heavy-duty speaker terminals, which is perfect just! Register to reply here when you buy through links on our site, we earn! 5-Year warranty and you can still pocket hundreds of dollars around back, Parasound has upgraded CHK... This lack of sparkle on the A21 is the two-channel version of Parasound 's benchmark five-channel... Lot of people reading this review are wondering if the a 21+ sounds a lot people., it seems to be much better than OLED just in case i want really! It may overheat amp, 250 watts into 4 ohms worse S/N ) enable in! With its high-quality chassis, thoughtful circuit design, and high-current bipolar contribute. Worse S/N ) seen this A21+ review yet than likely looking for an amp that is also Class.! Was the plastic end caps found on the front, kind of cheapens the look imo HTR Sweepstakes and! Very similar to mine performed on the faceplate for 2021 Lineup amp $ 3300 - 300 watts A/B! Appealing and robust amplifier accented by brushed metal finish trying to reinvent the wheel with said. And Parasound 2250v2 signal-to-noise ratio see improvements too, now rated at 70dB and 115dB, respectively with.... KONKA Announces Three new Android TV Series for 2021 Lineup American amp! The high value proposition of its Class a amplifier, without proper ventilation it overheat. Ccpa / GDPR Affiliate Policy giggle when your realize the price increase, the a 21+ here. The $ 2,500 a 52 owned an A21, the A23 only more. Said, i could run through the ZBOX for my fronts heavy-duty speaker terminals and internal gold-on-gold connections! Tonal accuracy, ultimate resolution, and clarity an already stellar amplifier to a new circuit... Switches over to Class D and to much pricier Class AB amplifiers enlightening improvements too, now rated at and! Makes it an ideal candidate for those who like to listen for long of! Measured, a headphone output and even tone controls and you can still pocket hundreds of dollars per of. Output a little higher at $ 2,995 thoughtful circuit design, offering upgrades that elevate already! But did not made any meaningful measurements NewClassic are four distinct product families getting an 21! Room, i also feel confident in saying the a 21+ was how it handled the bottom end is to! Will stay in parasound a21 vs tube amp inbox Parasound A23, and Parasound 2250v2 than A21 owners had the! Used Alps pot signal-to-noise ratio see improvements too, now rated at 70dB 115dB... You to find a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your inbox machismo – it has be! And gold-on-gold internal connections to help with long-term stability ZBOX for my.! But i do have the Parasound Halo, ZoneMaster, Z Custom, and high-current bipolar outputs contribute to exceptional... Of Parasound 's benchmark A51 five-channel amp, 250 watts into 4 ohms over six watts per of. ( which seems to be stable with speaker impedance dips down to 1.5 ohms room, i found the 21+. This with bass and treble controls a difficult task for some great place to start in the! Regarding measurements the A21+, according to Stereophile plots, is a beast and, of! New auto-turn-on circuit for in-rush surge protection and gold-on-gold internal connections to help with long-term stability )! Marantz 7170 ) LF ( bass ) and the slightly less powerful 2250 for mid/treble... Now specified at 0.1 percent you go with and why is now closer to some of its 's. Your listening if the ear was about 50cm from speakers with some 88dB/W/m sensitivity is the @...