Parasound A21 vs Bryston 4bsst 2

The Bryston will probably sound better, but the Parasound is the better value. And one reason is it's made in Taiwan, so the low cost production and labor gets passed on the consumer. Bryston used to be a much better value. I think they've priced a number of people out of the game with the price hikes over the last 4-5 years. I got my 4BSST for $2400 in '07. Anyway, you definitely have to listen to both. Or if you can, take Drubin's advice and get both from Audio Advisor or some other outlet...

i don't know anything about the Bryston, but my A21 is neutral, maybe a touch toward the warm side. It's stays in class A for the first 10 watts, and I probably stay within that 10 watts most of the time, running Paradigm Signature S6 from a Parasound p7 in 2 channel mode.

For me, interconnect and speaker cables made a huge improvement in the soundstage. Not sure what the OP has for gear or cables, but by saving some on the A21, I'd suggest getting some good cables, I've purchased from Audio Advisor and they are pretty knowledgeable.

Drubin,

Thanks for your opinion, but purchasing both of them isn't an option. I can get a Parasound A21 and Parasound P7 for about the same cost of the Bryston 4bsst 2.

Dave_72,

I don't have the opportunity to compare them directly, that's the only reason why I posted the question. I agree that Bryston may have raised their prices too much.

Runnin,

What cables and speakers are you using?

"Not sure what the OP has for gear or cables, but by saving some on the A21, I'd suggest getting some good cables, I've purchased from Audio Advisor and they are pretty knowledgeable."

No offense at all, but I really disagree with that statement. Cables make a nice difference, but I would never get lesser active components so I could spend more on cables. Not only that, but if you pick good components and match them well, it makes cable choice a lot easier.

"I listen to contemporary Jazz, and my priorities are soundstaging, imaging(front to back placement), and as close to neutral as possible without brightness."

If that's your main goal (not to say that you don't have others, as well), you need to build a system, not buy an amp. Your source and preamp components are at least as important. They all have to work together.

Zd542,

I understand that I need to build a system. I had one before, but I thought I was done with music and sold everything. After several months I missed listening to music and decided to build a modest system. My prior system consisted of Wilson Sasha's and Densen electronics. I begin my new adventure with Revel F52s and Peachtree electronics. The F52s were great for the money; however I wanted a little more transparency. I listened to a couple of speakers to include Rockport, B&W, higher end Revels, but decided the Aerial 7Ts offered the best value. Now I've decided to slowly build my system...the amp is just the first step. If I get the A21, the P7 will be the next piece, followed by a new source, and finally cables.