Parasound Halo A21 Listening Impressions

Mike Reeter

For many years I've had Tube Power Amps in the Stereo. Once I heard that 3D, Holographic Presentation, I was hooked.

My last Solid State Amp was a Parasound HCA 1500A. This was my introduction to a 'Quality' Two Channel Amplifier.

Even though I was quite happy with the Tube Amps I had in place, when Parasound announced the release of the new Halo Line, I was taken aback by the Striking Appearance of the Amplifiers, and the reviews that followed. I knew immediately that one day, I would have to own one of the A21's.

But, there were two issues, the price was more than I could afford, and they only offered the Halo Line in Silver. I'm a fan of Black Gear (I know, it shouldn't matter, but it does).

Years go by and one day Parasound announces the updated Black Version...know I've got it bad. Still can't afford a new model, but one day maybe a nice used one.

That day finally came a couple of weeks ago, when I purchased a VERY nice A21 from Forum Member, Patrick aka 'sgmsmg'. The Amp arrived quickly and in Pristine condition, better that Patrick had described.

With the aid of my Son, we packed this Big, HEAVY thing downstairs into my listening room. Nothing can really prepare you for just how freaking big the A21 really is. The sheer size and heft of this thing is 'almost' too much

Once I set the A21 on top of the Rack and started hooking everything up, I had a feeling that I was in for a treat. The appearance of the A21 is Bold and Muscular, yet Classy. For me, a piece of gear has to look good in order to sound good (I know...)

With my Son and Wife both working from home, I have to respect their need for peace and quiet, as both are continually on Conference Calls. I haven't been able to really 'Turn the Dogs loose' until last evening.

The most notable change in the SDA's was the Iron Fisted grasp the A21 had on the Mid-Drivers, everything snapped into a clear image, revealing every nuance the Music had to offer...in great detail, yet very smooth in the same breath. A sound picture I've always strived for, 'Detailed, yet Smooth' a combination that can be difficult to achieve.

I played several CD's and Streamed a few cuts as well, all of which told me that the A21 and the SDA's were a PERFECT match for each other. I've read this comment from several different owners over the years, now I know what you all have experienced as well, and also wonder why I waited so long to make this happen.

The SDA's were spreading the Soundstage Wall to Wall, and the placement and 'Air' around the performers and instruments was an experience I've heard many times, but not at this level of Timbre, Accuracy, and Authority.

Although I love that rich Tube Tone, the A21 has shown me what a Good Solid State addition can provide. The match between the Tube Preamp and the A21 is exceptionally good.

The Stereo has never sounded so "Right".

SIHAB

Classy setup. Rock on!

jumpindick

Nice setup. A21 is great amp. You will see that it has plenty of power. I had one a few years back and really enjoyed it. It drove the RTiA9s with ease. What power cable do you have on it?

Mike Reeter

jumpindick wrote: »

Nice setup. A21 is great amp. You will see that it has plenty of power. I had one a few years back and really enjoyed it. It drove the RTiA9s with ease. What power cable do you have on it?

Just an entry level PS Audio Prelude for the moment.

Mikey081057

Great review Mike... I too am a Parasound believer. I find them to be quiet and strong without presenting any color very much on the neutral side. It's been said before that these amps punch way beyond their price point and I couldn't agree more. I originally purchased mine to accompany my SDA 2.3's and they did an outstanding job. They are now driving my new Usher MiniDancer-2's which are 4 ohm and it still runs cool. If I ever upgrade this amp I know it will take $$$$$ to hear a sonic difference.

Enjoy!

gudnoyez

Glad your enjoying your new A21 I agree that amp being a perfect fit for your SDA's. I have had my 2.3tls 2Bs and Crs+s hooked up to my A31 with my Vincent preamp very good combination. The A31 is now powering the front 3 of my HT, A9s and a CSIA6 and with authority. I so wanted to buy the one you now own, but just couldn't at the time enjoy your new A21 nice amp and great deal.

gyosa

Great review !
It mirrors my experience as well with my 1c’s ....
It really is a huge bargain , especially if bought used ....
I only wish it would fit in my cabinet so I could drive the Salks with it ..

Like you , I was ‘freakin SHOCKED at how big it is when I first got it ...

👍

Bk

Clipdat

Nice review, Mike!

I shared it with Phil Jackson from Parasound and he said it was a good read and appreciated me sending it over.

Mike Reeter

Clipdat wrote: »

Nice review, Mike!

I shared it with Phil Jackson from Parasound and he said it was a good read and appreciated me sending it over.

Thanks Drew, but if I had known I was going to be published, I would have used Spell Ck

voltz

I couldn't be happier for you Mike! Glad your rocking the House

Mike Reeter

voltz wrote: »

I couldn't be happier for you Mike! Glad your rocking the House

Thanks man, I couldn't hold out any longer for a KWA 100SE to show up!

voltz

The 100 is only like 100 to 120 maybe in watts for the bigger SDA's maybe the Parasound 21 works best..heard the parasound integrated with Russ's 3.1's and they sang so wonderfully and me and Doug both were smiling & saying we like this combo best at Skips get together that night

skrol

I also have become a Parasound fan through humble beginnings with dreams of moving up the chain. I started with an HCA-800ii and then the HCA-1000A. My next move I want an HCA-1500A.

JayCee

Another 1500A lover. Still have 2 that were upgraded by Big Sky Audio w/some of the compatible parts from the Halo line. Won't get rid of them...one in use on my living room 3.1tl setup and another in storage as backup. When I started contemplating another amp I was also on the prowl for an A21 but took a left turn in Albuquerque.

Tubed pre and Parasound are quite the nice match with SDA's! Used to run the Anthem Pre-2L w/my 1500. I'm sure your Lamp is icing on the cake.

Congrats and happy listening.

Mike Reeter

skrol wrote: »

I also have become a Parasound fan through humble beginnings with dreams of moving up the chain. I started with an HCA-800ii and then the HCA-1000A. My next move I want an HCA-1500A.

The 1500A is an excellent Amplifier. The last time I checked, a nice condition one had actually gone up in price from years ago.

Not many used Amps appreciate in value over time.

steveinaz

Great review, my A21 isn't going anywhere! Powerful, dead quiet, clean.

Mikey081057

So if you move to FL you are leaving it in AZ? It's not that heavy... But if you did want to replace it, what would you go for? I have a hard time imagining what I would replace it with...

Maybe one of these

https://www.stereophile.com/content/mcintosh-laboratory-mc462-power-amplifier

Mike Reeter

Thanks for all the Positive and kind remarks everyone.

This Forum is where I first heard of the Parasound Brand many years ago. My first 'real' Two Channel Preamp and Amp was a Parasound P/HP-850, coupled with an HCA 1000A.

I've had a few pieces of their gear since then. I really don't know why I strayed from the brand, but I'm back and enjoying what the A21 brings to the Party

steveinaz

I haven't really thought about a replacement...always wanted a Pass Labs

Mike Reeter

Mikey081057 wrote: »

So if you move to FL you are leaving it in AZ? It's not that heavy... But if you did want to replace it, what would you go for? I have a hard time imagining what I would replace it with...

Maybe one of these

https://www.stereophile.com/content/mcintosh-laboratory-mc462-power-amplifier

steveinaz wrote: »

I haven't really thought about a replacement...always wanted a Pass Labs

I think this would be a 'suitable' replacement for the A21

https://parasound.com/product-images/jc5_front_black.jpg