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Moving on from Parasound A21 (maybe?)

I'm currently using an A21 amp to power my Focal 1028 BE speakers and I don't quite feel the love anymore with my music. My system is modest, all solid state, and I'd like to keep it that way. I've been exploring stereo amps ($6K is the limit), but don't know how much of an improvement I can make. A used Pass Labs X250.8 would be ideal if it wouldn't double as a space heater (operating temp is way too high), so I'm left dabbling with the unknown. The new Bryston 4B cubed has caught my eye, but it's too new to find any critical owner reviews. I'd greatly appreciate any ideas on a possible direction to take, if any, that would musically be a step up from my A21. Beyond my Focals, my system consists of: Simaudio Moon Neo 310LP phono preamp, Avid Diva II SP TT with SME 309 tonearm, AT-ART 9 MC cartridge, Bryston BCD-3 CD player, Parasound JC 2 BP preamp, and all of my ICs are Silver Resolution from Signal Cable (XLR wherever possible).
professorsvsu
professorsvsu OP
75 posts
 
The X250.8 has shown up for sale recently Audiogon. There were three different listings (all expired) and it was hard for me not to pull the proverbial trigger. I know the reputation of the amp, it's just tough for me to buy used (the only way I could afford it) and it produces so much heat (53 C is roughly 127 F degrees). Even during winter in N Michigan, that's roasting marshmallows over your amp while listening to some old Steely Dan. Decisions, decisions.
nkonor
605 posts
 
I have been living / using a pair of Pass XA 160.8s for over a year now. Yes, they do run warm and don’t sound their best for an hour, really (2) hours. Not unbearable. 
I have felt the heat at my dealers room that is closed off with little air movement.
Get some air moving and you will be fine. Especially in Northern Michigan. 
I am from Chicago; Love Michigan!

We have been in a cold spell. Can turn down the heat. Pass makes things just right.

Get some air moving, Think about Erik’s suggestion re: caps, he usually provides good suggestions. Room treatments.
Get some air moving. Stagnant air is terrible.

Best
professorsvsu OP
75 posts
 
Getting a lot of feedback that I greatly appreciate and pay attention to all of it. One problem: now I'm a bit paranoid about the durability of my speakers regardless of the direction I do or do not take with an amp. When I find that magical piece of music that is well mastered and suits my system, the speakers produce sound that's close to gold. I hate to part with them because my expectations are high, except durability. It would be great to find some one to do new caps, unfortunately the bears and coyotes in my area don't know how to solder.
nkonor
605 posts
 
You just might need to do a road trip. Or you can ship them. Myself, I would do the road trip to a qualified shop and drop them off. Hopefully it’s to a Brick and Mortar place that has gear you can audition. Do another trip when your speakers are ready. Then you will have a better idea of what equipment you would really like to audition. 

Think of of it as an opportunity; instead of a costly, time consuming burden. I have been at this for 45 years. Everything worthwhile takes time, money and effort. Used to live in Juneau, Alaska. Talk about audio nowhere. bears, Bigger Bears, Whales and sea lions are not good at soldering either. Deal with it.

Best on your Journey 
professorsvsu OP
75 posts
 
The speakers are only 9 months old. The warranty work (labor) I took care of myself once Focal freely supplied the parts. Now there's a hint that the internal circuitry could be inferior. If that is indeed the case they'll be shipped, but on a one way trip back to France. I wouldn't pay to replace an engine in a new car and I won't pay to correct what may be an inherent flaw in the speakers. Taking care of things myself is a different issue as long as it's within my ability. Again, I have high expectations for the sound that the Focals can produce when all of my component stars are in alignment, but I'm not married to them. 
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