parasound A21 vs emotiva UPA-1

[cutter]

Ok, I've been playing with my bedroom system a bit recently, went from a Yamaha RX-659 receiver powering my RBH 1044-SE speakers to Emotiva UPA-1 monoblocks, and now to Parasound A21.

I noticed a big difference between the receiver and the emotiva monoblocks. volume (obviously), but also detail. Seemed a bit thin on the bass side though, even after about 50 hours of "break in" (I dunno if this is necessary or not, but...).

I decided to try a used Parasound A21 to see if there would be any difference. I have to say, I was surprised at how different everything sounded. Not a double blind A/B comparison, I know I know- BUT. Geesh everything sounded more full, detailed, bass was more pronounced and tight- this is at normal listening levels.
I'm not an audiophile by any means, but I didn't expect that much of a difference-

I'm tickled pink, just thought I'd share and see if anyone else has had a similar experience?


thanks in advance!

 

[DD66000]

I'm using a Parasound P7 pre-amp w/Parasound HCA2205A power amp. Parasound has some of the best electronics around. Plus their gear is reliable, something I would not call Emotiva gear.
Parasound Halo amps operate Class A at low output, Emotiva is strictly class AB.

If I ever wanted to upgrade from the 2205A, I'd get a pair of Parasound JC-1 mono blocks.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I'm a little bit surprised with your finding, but I suppose it's possible.

I always thought the Parasound P7 was extremely cool.

If I only had analog stuff, I would have gotten that P7 too.

Yeah, if I had a choice between Emotiva vs Parasound, I would pick Parasound too.

Too bad Parsound hasn't come out with any new Pre-pro.

Damn economy!

 

[GranteedEV]

IIRC the parasound is stable down to 2 ohms with 60 degree phase angles based on power cube tests.

THe RBH is rated as a 4 ohm speaker, but it's probably closer to a 2.5 ohm load like most 4-ohm speakers.

 

[DD66000]

The reason Parasound doesn't have a new pre/pro has nothing to do with the economy. They were set to release one last summer, but there were too many problems with the platform they were going to use. So they scrapped the entire project.

It was the same platform Emotiva was using, as I remember, and I've heard all kinds of problems with those pre/pros.

Unlike many other companies, Parasound won't put out a piece of junk.
I've got the P7 pre for my TT and multi-disc player. Use the P7 bass management for stereo and let the Denon player set the BM for MCM.

 

[jinjuku]

Ok, I've been playing with my bedroom system a bit recently, went from a Yamaha RX-659 receiver powering my RBH 1044-SE speakers to Emotiva UPA-1 monoblocks, and now to Parasound A21.

I noticed a big difference between the receiver and the emotiva monoblocks. volume (obviously), but also detail. Seemed a bit thin on the bass side though, even after about 50 hours of "break in" (I dunno if this is necessary or not, but...).

Did you do any level matching to make sure that there wasn't a volume difference throwing your perception.

The A21 is a nice, nice amp.

Now I don't know what you paid for stuff but the RBH's went for about $1500 street. And you are powering it with an amp that is ~$2K. I think you could go back and do it again you could have spent $3K on speakers and $500 on amplification and been better off. But that is hindsight and you have a killer amp section for future upgrades.

 

[Boerd]

I owned a Parasound P3 - super silent and nice. Loved it. Parasound is top notch. I also have an XDA1 - so far so good.
Speaking for parasound A21 vs 2 UPA-1 - I think it is a win-win.
Since I am a new owner for Emotiva I can't speak of their durability but the Parasound stuff is forever.

 

[cutter]

Did you do any level matching to make sure that there wasn't a volume difference throwing your perception.

The A21 is a nice, nice amp.

Now I don't know what you paid for stuff but the RBH's went for about $1500 street. And you are powering it with an amp that is ~$2K. I think you could go back and do it again you could have spent $3K on speakers and $500 on amplification and been better off. But that is hindsight and you have a killer amp section for future upgrades.

I paid much less for the RBH's. and much less for the amp. I paid $600 for the emotiva mono amps, which I considered an OK amount to pay to power the RBH speakers. And I love this pair of RBH's. I only added a sub recently, when I got a new TV in my bedroom and wanted to watch some movies...The Parasound purchase was on a whim...

I have noticed the amp runs pretty warm when it is on, even if not being used.

 

[DD66000]

I have noticed the amp runs pretty warm when it is on, even if not being used.

What amp are you talking about, EMO, Parasound?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

The Parasound purchase was on a whim...

I have noticed the amp runs pretty warm when it is on, even if not being used.

Per English grammar, the amp is in reference to the Parasound, which is closest to the word "amp".

Just having a little fun.

Don't you miss school...NOT.

Fair question though, since most people don't go by English grammar 100% of the time.

 

[DD66000]

When two different brands of amps are mentioned in the same paragraph and and it is said 'the amp runs pretty warm when its on' a person could take it to mean either/or brand.

The only amps that don't get warm, are ones that are DOA. My 5 channel Parasound only gets to warm, as it has huge heat sinks. I've had sat. receivers get quite a bit hotter than any amp I ever owned.

 

[jinjuku]

Per English grammar, the amp is in reference to the Parasound, which is closest to the word "amp".

Just having a little fun.

Don't you miss school...NOT.

Fair question though, since most people don't go by English grammar 100% of the time.

May be a non-native English speaker...

 

[cutter]

"What amp are you talking about, EMO, Parasound?"


The Parasound runs hot when in use, and really warm when "on" but not being used. It's on a TV stand, not enclosed- I also have a Parasound New Classic 5250 that runs much much cooler than the A21. I wonder what the difference is?

FYI The Emotiva was hardly warm, even when using it for hours.

Hope everyone has a happy Memorial Day!

 

[Alex2507]

May be a non-native English speaker...

Like me ... that's why I'm so misunderestimated.
I have only been in this country a short distance.

 

[ski2xblack]

The Parasound runs hot when in use, and really warm when "on" but not being used. It's on a TV stand, not enclosed- I also have a Parasound New Classic 5250 that runs much much cooler than the A21. I wonder what the difference is?

FYI The Emotiva was hardly warm...

Is the Parasound biased into class A operation for the first several watts? That would certainly produce more heat. The 5250 and the Emo are more typical class AB amps, but I seem to recall the top shelf Paradigms operate in class A to a higher output.

 

[PENG]

Is the Parasound biased into class A operation for the first several watts? That would certainly produce more heat. The 5250 and the Emo are more typical class AB amps, but I seem to recall the top shelf Paradigms operate in class A to a higher output.

I think you are right but I am going by memory. You should be able to get confirmation from their website.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

The Parasound runs hot when in use

See, I knew exactly what you were talking about.

Darn, I still remember my English grammar from high-school.