Parasound a21 vs Vincent SP 331 vs Krell s300i

default -- Tue, 11/17/2009 - 19:26

I am considering upgrading my amp.
Any comments on the relative sound of the three mentioned above? They are all plenty powerful, so even though the Parasound has twice the watts, to me it is not worth twice the price of the Vincent unless the sound quality was also better. The preamp functions of the Krell would be nice if the sound was as as good as the other two.
Right now I am driving my Polk LSI-9's with a 1982 Carver M-300t amp (the black cube). While I think it sounds great considering it's age, I expect a modern amp would do a better job.
The rest of my system for CD playback is; HK DVD37 as a transport > Lavry DA10 DAC > Carver > Polk.
The electronics are plugged into an Audience AR6T power conditioner.

paulwelch250 -- Sun, 09/12/2010 - 17:07

I have similiar question
borrowing a friend's Halfer trans-nova as my NAD2200, started to sound bad/scratchy
the Halfer has MUCH better bass but seems harsher highs, not as musical, not as pleasant.
Should I consider the 150W by 2, NAD, Vincent, sam e power but has tube, or Parasound, or other?

JKStraw -- Sat, 12/18/2010 - 20:13

I have been running an parasound A21 for a year powering my magnepan 12's and now 1.6's. I have to say I have been very happy with the low and mids it has brought out in my maggies - they really sing - albeit not the JC1's but the A21 does a great job at bringin in speed and clarity where I was relying on an 80wpc integrated until I could afford the power amp. I tried the BAT VK55 Tubes but not enough power there. I also had the mono ref 1kW Bel Cantos. There was something there I just couldnt put my finger on but the sound just want right. I brought home the A221 and I was sold. In fact, if you are still in the market my deal has two brand new A21's he needs to get rid of. If you are willing to spend $1,950 factory sealed plus shipping let me know at audioeuipsales [at] gmail [dot] com it will reach him and copy me at the same time. I talked to him this morning and he had them so if this is in your price range let me know if you're still interested

Ded Frag -- Sun, 12/19/2010 - 00:23

Any comments on the Parasound a21, Vincent SP 331 Vs Krell s 3001? Yes, save yourself a lot of money and buy a Creek 'Evolution 5350'.

paulwelch250 -- Sat, 08/20/2011 - 09:38

I have since discovered tube amps. The Jolida JD801 in partilcular. While rated at 70 W RmS per channel it will easily play lounder and cleaner than solid state amps rated at 150 W RmS per channel. It is much more muisical an detaled especially the highs sound more real. The Jolida (American Jolida) 40 W and 100 W amp are alos fantatisical. They are a little noisier than solid state but that only is noticiable between tracks not while the music is playing. The bass is actually stronger and tigher than than the latest 150 to 250 W NAD, Rotel, Parasound, Cambridge amps only the Bryston 300W sounds tigher with the bass and that is way more the twice the price. Don't worry that the Jolida's are integrated amps, they can be used as power only amps and you may find that there simple straight line preamp is better than your current pre. Paul

Ken -- Sat, 08/27/2011 - 08:53

I used a Vincent SP-331 with 1.6s. This combo was recommended by a local dealer. For the money, I thought the sound was excellent. Solid bass, very good mid-range and wide and reasonably deep and sound stage. Imaging was very good also. The highs are a bit soft when compared to more expensive amps. Would make a good pairing especially if anything in chain tends to be on the lean or bright side. Don't take my comments wrong. When I say soft, I don't mean dull. The highs just lacked that last tiny bit of air and sparkle that you here with amps way over its price range. I've had NAD integrated amps, Cambridge amps, and used to sell Carver equipment back in the day. The Vincent will be a nice upgrade to the Carver (given its age) and in my opinion, much better than NAD.