Parasound Halo A23+ Transformer

[Fastfwd]

I bought one of these recently and right as I pulled the trigger on the order I noticed a forum post that pointed something out that sort of rubbed me the wrong way. Somebody in another forum discussion who owns the A21 said in paraphrase that they basically wrote to Parasound to ask them directly what the story is with the specifications on the A23+ transformer size.

If the A21 and/or A21+ has a claimed 1.3kVA transformer and it weighs in at like 71lbs how could the A23+ have a 1.1kVA transformer and weigh 27lbs (1lb LESS than the old A23)? There's really no way for that to be accurate, right?

I've seen a video review of the A21 with the cover off and one of the guys from Parasound detailing the construction of the amp. I believe he noted that the transformer alone weighed like 28lbs?

The guy in the other forum says he got a response from Parasound that he was correct that the actual spec on the transformer was something less than advertised. Is that something that can be measured perhaps?

I know you guys over here are big advocates for holding manufactures accountable for their specifications and I'm curious if this has possibly already been discussed? I mean, that's basically false advertising, huh?

I do like how my A23+ performs in my system. It has far greater control over my Revel F35s in lower frequencies. The bass is much less 'boomy/muddy' than just running them with the Denon 4500. The damping factor has to be next level there's just no denying that. With even harder to drive speakers it would likely make an even bigger difference.

I am just a little unsure if some testing that I've seen depicting the A23+ to be a little more noisy in the higher frequencies isn't something that I can actually hear when playing back SACD discs that I know have a pitch black noise level with even the Denon internal amps. It might be a worthwhile tradeoff to keep the class a/b sound or maybe I would be happier with a class D amp like the PS Audio Stellar S300.

 

[kmidst]

Hey there I realize this is an old thread, but what did you end up going with? I just got a A23+ myself and am using it to power Revel F206's pre-outed from Marantz Cinema 50. Happy with the sound, but I have not gotten a chance to crank them.

 

[Cos]

I had the older A23 and had no problems pushing it when I had either my Studio 100v5s or the GE Triton Ones. I don't think you would have any concerns. Granted the the sensitivity on the F206s is a little lower than either of the ones above, but the + moves from 125 to 160w per channel.

 

[kmidst]

Here's a couple review threads about the A23+. It generally seems to be regarded as a relatively transparent amp and very capable, and has a 6W bias before switching out of class A:

Mini-review: Parasound A23+ poweramp

After receiving a broken Parasound A23+ (power supply issue) I finally got a new replacement a few days ago. It has been a great amp so far. I thought...

forums.stevehoffman.tv

Parasound 23+

Anyone have experience with the Parasound 23+? Was looking at the 2125 v2 and 2250 v.2, and someone suggested the P23+ to improve an AVR system. I am not familiar with what an A/AB amp is. Also, do these run real hot? Goal is to replace the AVR eventually with separate components...one step...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Seems perfect for me, I want gear that lets the original mix come through as faithfully as possible and then I can use adjustments to color it if I want. Also I listen at moderate volume and sit relatively close, so I think I'd be falling in that class A region most of time. I'm sure the distortion in the AB region is indistinguishable though anyway.

 

[PENG]

Here's a couple review threads about the A23+. It generally seems to be regarded as a relatively transparent amp and very capable, and has a 6W bias before switching out of class A:

Mini-review: Parasound A23+ poweramp

After receiving a broken Parasound A23+ (power supply issue) I finally got a new replacement a few days ago. It has been a great amp so far. I thought...

forums.stevehoffman.tv

Parasound 23+

Anyone have experience with the Parasound 23+? Was looking at the 2125 v2 and 2250 v.2, and someone suggested the P23+ to improve an AVR system. I am not familiar with what an A/AB amp is. Also, do these run real hot? Goal is to replace the AVR eventually with separate components...one step...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Seems perfect for me, I want gear that lets the original mix come through as faithfully as possible and then I can use adjustments to color it if I want. Also I listen at moderate volume and sit relatively close, so I think I'd be falling in that class A region most of time. I'm sure the distortion in the AB region is indistinguishable though anyway.

You won't notice the transition from A to AB unless you have the real golden ears.