System Synergy ???

JayCee

Emlyn wrote: »

The A21+ for sure is a good option. The plain Jane A21 would also save you some money. I used a Pre-2L with the earlier A21 and it has good synergy with adjustable gain on the amp if you want that. If possible look around for a demo JC5 model. I got one and its the last stereo amp I'll be buying. It's way better than the A21.

^^^Agree.

@CH46E, I'm sure you remember the history of your 2L but JIC I'll throw it out there that my Parasound 1500A was a great combo w/it. Rick (Big Sky Audio, as of 2012) told me he was using compatible Halo parts in his rebuilds. He was an authorized Parasound repair facility and had also spoken w/Curl re. upgrade path w/them. Rick estimated I was getting 85-90% (or more) of the Halo sound. Also said, across the board, Parasound's power/current ratings are conservative and, although he'd not confirmed in tests, are a decent margin more.

I'm sure you've checked out TMR but they have a trade-in program that might take the $$$ sting out. No experience w/their trades but that, and hopefully a bench check prior to their sales, could be enough to avoid the hassle of Craigslist or similar. Just looked this up:
https://tmraudio.com/components/power-amplifiers/parasound-halo-a-21-stereo-power-amplifier-1/

Also, my son is stationed in CA, so I took a road trip to George Meyer AV during a visit to the LA area and hand delivered my Genesis Gen II beast of an amp to have the power supply (and other parts) rebuilt/refreshed. Meyer is the only known company to have hand traced and re-documented schematics to repair it. Spoke w/their head tech several times.

Dude, when I walked in to their operation I about fell over. Went to the bathroom, past the repair area, and slow rolled as I gawked at the amount of gear crammed in their facility. It's a beat-up warehouse in a pretty sketchy area. BUT, I saw legendary gear that, in some cases, I've only heard of. Floor to ceiling. They repair top tier gear and often the price to repair is too much for customers, so they just abandon the gear vs. paying for return shipping. As time permits, they repair and flip it. Meyer doesn't do upgrades but each piece is brought up to factory spec.

Worth checking out their offerings and, based on what I saw, would be surprised if they wouldn't be willing to wheel and deal over the phone. https://www.georgemeyer-av.com/category/products/ I'd buy w/confidence that all gear is back to factory spec.

Received the The Gen II amp back from Meyer in July and it's in my basement, powered up, breaking in...my new year resolution is to get the Gen II's running. You, with your Infinities, and me w/my Genesis, have waited waaaaayyyyy too long. Arnie's children deserve to be back in the game creating beautiful music.

It's been a while....glad to see you've landed on your feet and are on the prowl!!!

....forgot to add, I have a second 1500A that Rick rebuilt and I'll use it to run the wings, along w/the Gen II woofer towers servo amp, when I tackle them.

invalid

msg wrote: »

invalid wrote: »

He had a long running thread on audiogon titled my long list of amplifiers and my personal review of each. He does live in Florida, has a YouTube channel now reviewing ultra expensive gear. He has sold a lot of gear over the last 4 or so years, I think he's been through over 100 or more amplifiers in that time. He was using top of the line Boulder monoblocks last time I seen his channel.

Wow, yeah, sounds like the same person. I guess he's legit and I just had a weird experience.

How long ago? May have been when he first started.

msg

2014.

SCompRacer

Toolfan66 wrote: »

I am happy not having gear go in and out of here like i did many years ago.

IMO sometimes we just chase different and call it better.

CH46E

daddyjt wrote: »

Toolfan66 wrote: »

…I am happy not having gear go in and out of here like i did many years ago…

I am with you 100% here. I spent years buying, selling, searching and swapping gear. I couldn’t help thinking there was always something better just over the horizon. I suffered through phases of mediocre sound because I was convinced that price, brand or reviews were guarantees of superior sound. I realized that I was listening to gear, and not music. So I just stopped, and went with the combination that sounded the best to me. High end “audiophiles” undoubtedly scoff at my rag-tag system, but I really don’t give a chit - it’s amazing how freeing it is to stop caring about the opinions of anonymous strangers, and just sit back and enjoy the music…

"I realized that I was listening to gear, and not music"....
Man that hit hard for me. I think you are absolutely right.

nooshinjohn

CH46E wrote: »

daddyjt wrote: »

Toolfan66 wrote: »

…I am happy not having gear go in and out of here like i did many years ago…

I am with you 100% here. I spent years buying, selling, searching and swapping gear. I couldn’t help thinking there was always something better just over the horizon. I suffered through phases of mediocre sound because I was convinced that price, brand or reviews were guarantees of superior sound. I realized that I was listening to gear, and not music. So I just stopped, and went with the combination that sounded the best to me. High end “audiophiles” undoubtedly scoff at my rag-tag system, but I really don’t give a chit - it’s amazing how freeing it is to stop caring about the opinions of anonymous strangers, and just sit back and enjoy the music…

"I realized that I was listening to gear, and not music"....
Man that hit hard for me. I think you are absolutely right.

Talked me out of pulling the trigger on that D'Agostino Progression preamp I am lusting over...

heiney9

Yep, I'm about done building the final system. I'll still reserve the right to do some tweaks. I never was as much of a gear chaser as some on here. Last amp was with me for 13 years...lol. SDA 1C's were even longer. Nothing wrong with that, sometimes that's the fun part. I loath selling gear I've replaced. I'm always leery outside the forum to sell anything. I worry about shipping damage and the buyer. Audiogon seems to have a better group of people vs. Ebay, etc. I have had some good experiences on US Audiomart and Canadian Audimart.

That said, I will be selling off a few things in the near future. I am at a point where I don't need to sell the old gear to fund the new gear. But, having it sit around unused is also a shame.

I am not sure what to do with my SDA's. Reality says I'll probably never use them in a dedicated system again. They are too cumbersome to swap in and out (as are the L600's). But, nostalgia just won't let me get rid of them just yet.

I am planning to move to a larger house in the next few years once rates and the market settle a little bit. Big thing is to have a dedicated listening room. Will I regret getting rid of the SDA 1C's? Hmmm....don't know.

I have a newer version of my DAC on the way, that's the final piece. Except I need to address power conditioning in the future.

Right now the system sounds fantastic, best it ever has. I don't see changing main components for a long time. I may eventually set up a music server, but streaming Quobuz had been really great and convenient as well as having access to many more artists than I own.

The next listening tweak will be a new house.

H9

Toolfan66

heiney9 wrote: »

I loath selling gear I've replaced. I'm always leery outside the forum to sell anything. I worry about shipping damage and the buyer. Audiogon seems to have a better group of people vs. Ebay, etc.

I am at a point where I don't need to sell the old gear to fund the new gear. But, having it sit around unused is also a shame.

THIS^^^ I need to thin the heard as well, I just hate the thought of going through the process..

I am even contiplating letting the 1.2TL's go as well, they have been sitting in a corner for over a year now, and I just don't see them going back in..

heiney9 wrote: »

I am planning to move to a larger house in the next few years once rates and the market settle a little bit. Big thing is to have a dedicated listening room. Will I regret getting rid of the SDA 1C's? Hmmm....don't know.

I have a newer version of my DAC on the way, that's the final piece. Except I need to address power conditioning in the future.

Right now the system sounds fantastic, best it ever has. I don't see changing main components for a long time. I may eventually set up a music server, but streaming Quobuz had been really great and convenient as well as having access to many more artists than I own.

The next listening tweak will be a new house.

H9

The wife and I talk about this at least 2-3 times a week. Good luck on a new house..

audioluvr

Wait. We're supposed to get rid of our extra equipment? You guys lied to me!

RamZet

I’ve come across this amp in the field.
Just call the manufacturer and see what a typical repair cost as well as a box and crate to ship it in.

Good to keep that in mind with HiFi gear.

CH46E

Well thanks to @JayCee I've just spent the last 3 hours looking at heat the TMR. Oh and as far as the upgrades you did the the Anthem I did have the new volume control installed.i forget the brand name. But was recommended by Chris that was Sonic Frontier.

I just set my Hafler xl600 back up and was tired of the JBL L1s (great speakers but I don't have a sub hooked up yet) and set the Polk RTA12B back up. One of the movers tried to move the **** thing by the coke can sized Mindorf cap. That's why it's hanging off the side. Still connected luckily. But they sound great. Still using the Yammy HTR as a pre until I get the Anthem tube pre set back up. I missed these speakers. But I think I'm going to sell or part them out. Still ah e yet to get the upgrade install on the record player. I'm waiting until we get the new TV mounted on the wall then I can use the top of the entrainment center for more gear. Unfortunately I found some BAT tube amps. Now I'm thinking I don't need 300 watts. 😂. I'll probably still end up with the Halo A21+.

Would everyone agree that my Pre 2L (upgraded) would be a nice match the A21+?

pearsall001

I have a A21+ looking for a new home. Shoot me a PM if interested. It's one beast of an amp!!

CH46E

pearsall001 wrote: »

I have a A21+ looking for a new home. Shoot me a PM if interested. It's one beast of an amp!!

I really appreciate some of the offers I've gotten the last few days. But after buying a home and buying down the rate from 8 to 7%, plus other things like new TV , fridge, new transmission for my stupid fast explorer (still waiting at the dealership to be finished) I'm cash broke right now. But getting approved for $5,000 Affirm loan with very low apr im going to go that route. So it kind of limits my purchase options.

pearsall001

CH46E wrote: »

pearsall001 wrote: »

I have a A21+ looking for a new home. Shoot me a PM if interested. It's one beast of an amp!!

I really appreciate some of the offers I've gotten the last few days. But after buying a home and buying down the rate from 8 to 7%, plus other things like new TV , fridge, new transmission for my stupid fast explorer (still waiting at the dealership to be finished) I'm cash broke right now. But getting approved for $5,000 Affirm loan with very low apr im going to go that route. So it kind of limits my purchase options.

I totally understand & congratulations on your new home 🏡🏡🏡
I'm in no rush to move the amp... when you're ready to start looking at amps again give me a shout. If it's still available we can certainly talk.

JayCee

CH46E wrote: »

Well thanks to @JayCee I've just spent the last 3 hours looking at heat the TMR.

Sorry.....not sorry

CH46E wrote: »

Oh and as far as the upgrades you did the the Anthem I did have the new volume control installed.i forget the brand name. But was recommended by Chris that was Sonic Frontier.

Sweet. As I recall...Chris recommended the Alps? That would've been done, too, had I kept it. Did it smooth out the wonky stepping when using the remote control?

CH46E wrote: »

Would everyone agree that my Pre 2L (upgraded) would be a nice match the A21+?

I do.

If synergy isn't happening-->wouldn't be cheap but you do have, technically, a trial period. If you haven't seen it...https://tmraudio.com/frequently-asked-questions/
"Every pre-owned product we offer carries a 30-day, satisfaction-guaranteed return policy unless stated otherwise in the product description.** Additionally, every pre-owned product purchased directly at www.tmraudio.com carries a 90-day warranty. During the 30-day return period, a return or exchange can be requested for any reason. If the product is defective in some way, TMR will cover all related shipping costs. Any returns initiated outside of product defects, the customer is responsible for all Shipping and Handling costs, and there will be a 5% restocking fee taken from the refunded amount"

I'd also call. Perhaps you can negotiate at least a 5% discount to offset a possible return. All they can say is "no".

"...not all prices are negotiable. That said, we will usually entertain reasonable offers."

JayCee

pearsall001 wrote: »

when you're ready to start looking at amps again give me a shout. If it's still available we can certainly talk.

@pearsall001, just want to say I was typing my response above and posted as you posted this. Didn't see it. Nice offer and, if possible, encourage CP transactions. I've bought/sold quite a fair amount of gear, here, and am always willing to help a fellow Polkie when I can...as you are. Cheers.

Emlyn

I found my Pre-2L had a warmer sound with the Parasound HCA-1500A than with a Parasound A21. I preferred the A21 with a speaker like the Polk LSiM703. For a brighter speaker like something from Focal the synergy was better with the HCA-1500A.

JayCee

Good points and, IMO, tube rolling can help finesse the sound if needed. The 2L was my first tubed piece and I've done allot more rolling with my BHK. I have a good stash of tubes that would make me happy depending on the sound I needed/wanted to tame. Another +.

@Emlyn, did your 2L have upgraded caps? I did upgrade them and found the 2L more detailed vs. stock.

Edit to add....I've not heard the A21.

Emlyn

The Pre-2L I still have is the Special Edition version so some mild performance upgrades from the original one.

JayCee

I purchased the 2L CH46E has from dpowell. @dpowell, you've been through your fair share of gear. Any thoughts on your time w/the Anthem? As I recall, you were running it with the matching Anthem tubed amp???

CH46E

@JayCee , yes it was the Alps volume control. Much nicer when using the remote control. Easier to control. A little up is a little up, not 5 steps up like before.

I've been looking at 2 BAT amps all day at work. 😆. They really have me intrigued. I sent off some emails and Victor himself responded and answered all my questions I had. Seem like this customer support is outstanding!

CH46E

https://summithifiusa.com/products/i-v1-ultra

This looks like Class D yes?

txcoastal1

YES

CH46E

txcoastal1 wrote: »

YES

Scratch that **** then.

CH46E

Picked up a 86 inch TV today. Sheesh, this thing is way bigger in the house than I expected. I'm shocked! Good thing I had a trailer.

CH46E

I feel so defeated right now. **** day at work. Come home and stare at my equipment that I have set out but not set up yet. Was waiting untill I had all the new cables I ordered and the new 4k fire stick. Well, I got tired of waiting so I hooked up the Marantz UDP7007 and the Anthem pre 2L. Put on Elton John YBR SACD. The sound was very anemic . Very little bass. Vocal and highs were absolutely outstanding, especially since I've been listening to Pandora 44khz streaming for the last 2 years. I touched the AQ RCA from the Marantz to the anthem at the Anthem end and it would cause the sound to cut in and out with just the slightest wiggle. Then I hit the power button (to turn it off) on the Anthem and got a horrifically loud high pitch snap from the right speaker. Scared the hell out of me and my wife. I unplugged it from the amp and Marantz. I will take it to the local repair guy to check it out. Audiotronics in Melbourne. He did the work on my Hafler amp. Very reasonable prices. He also is the one who did the Alps volume upgrade. I'm so bummed. Have been looking forward to using the gear again. I think I'll take some of my silver wire I was using in the crossovers for the Infinity RSII to him to replace the wire from the main board to the output/RCA board.

Is there anything specific I should ask him to check or service? Is it possible a tube has gone bad? I have the tubes it came with in the boxes. Right now there is NOS Nationals from Upscale Audio. I don't know much about tubes.

On another note, The Music Room got back to me. If I buy the Parasound A21+ they will give me $200.00 trade for my Hafler xl600. I'd just assume keep it.

JayCee

Dude, sorry to see this. Fortunately, for me, I haven't had much experience w/tubes going out but yes, tube(s) could've been affected when you moved the RCA. Maybe someone w/more tube t/s'ing experience can chime in.

CH46E wrote: »

I touched the AQ RCA from the Marantz to the anthem at the Anthem end and it would cause the sound to cut in and out with just the slightest wiggle.

Considering you heard what appears to be a short I'd pop the hood and look at the internal side of the RCA inputs. Just looked at the pics I posted when you purchased this and it's possible the input/output board might have an issue where the RCA's attach. Multiple solder points to the board (5? per channel). Perhaps, when you moved to the new house, the pre took a bump in-transit?? Or, the stress from plugging/unplugging through the years stressed the female RCA's? Or, the AQ cable's bad?

Here are the pics from the FS thread:

Assume you had it connected to the CD input? Top right in this pic...



Check for cracked or broken solder points, here...


I'd also check the tubes for obvious internal burn marks or filament changes. Finally, look the board over for caps, resistors, etc. that might have taken a hit.

CH46E wrote: »

On another note, The Music Room got back to me. If I buy the Parasound A21+ they will give me $200.00 trade for my Hafler xl600. I'd just assume keep it.

Agree. Worth more than $200 to you...plus the hassle of packing, shipping, etc.

jbreezy5

CH46E wrote: »

I feel so defeated right now. **** day at work. Come home and stare at my equipment that I have set out but not set up yet. Was waiting untill I had all the new cables I ordered and the new 4k fire stick...”

Would go with 4k Roku stick. Just my $0.02.

Congrats on your upgrades!

audioluvr

What speakers were you running? I wouldn't think anemic sound would be from a bad RCA connection. Could be you have multiple things going on like rectifier tube or power supply related.

CH46E

audioluvr wrote: »

What speakers were you running? I wouldn't think anemic sound would be from a bad RCA connection. Could be you have multiple things going on like rectifier tube or power supply related.

The recapped RTA12B. I think I'll change the tubes, and rca cables and see what happens.