Rotel RB-1582 MK II vs Parasound A23+

[Hypersonic]

Hi all. This is my first post and let me first say thank you to everyone who contributes to this forum. Buying audio equipment isn't easy nowadays and the vast amount of information here has been invaluable.

I'm looking to upgrade my current Parasound 275 V2 amp and, after pouring through forums and reviews for more hours than I care to admit, am looking hard at the Rotel RB-1582 Mk II and Parasound A23+. I'm a little surprised there aren't more direct comparisons considering they are two fairly equally priced amps from two well known manufacturers. I currently have the RB-1582 MK II in my possession (within the return period). I find that the RB-1582 is leaps and bounds ahead of the 275 V2 in bass and mids, with less pronounced treble. Most reviews describe the RB-1582 as "musical" and "warm" and that seems accurate. It's very different from the 275 V2 which seems to me to accentuate the treble in a way that gives the illusion of detail but becomes fatiguing with my B&W speakers. I wonder how the A23+ compares to both? Has anyone heard both? What are your experiences?

Thanks

 

[JeremyFife]

Hi, and welcome

If you have read a few threads here you won't be surprised by what I say.
Firstly, stop reading reviews that use meaningless subjective terms (like musical or warm) that have nothing to do with amplifiers.

The Rotels look pretty good actually;
Thread 'Rotel RB-1552 mk2 vs Rotel RB-1582 mk2' https://audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/rotel-rb-1552-mk2-vs-rotel-rb-1582-mk2.22092/

See if you can find a measurement based review for the Paramount and compare.

If you have questions then bring them back here, that's fine.

Good amplifiers just amplify what's on the recording. They need enough power and they need the features that you want. They should not add audible noise or distortion.

What is the rest of your system? How far from your speakers do you sit and how loud do you listen? Knowing that can help with suggestions.
You might not even need a new Amp.

 

[Hypersonic]

Hello. The rest of my system is a Parasound 200 Pre, Project Debut Pro turntable with a Parasound JC3 Jr phono pre-amp, Rotel CD14 and a WiiM mini streamer. I mainly listen to CDs or steaming and rarely the turntable. Speakers are B&W 607 S3. I started with Parasound, obviously, but am considering Rotel because I am so impressed with the Rotel CD player. The listening area is fairly small former bedroom that serves as a home office. I listen at low to moderate volumes. I doubt I ever get north of 70-75 dB. I am well aware that the RB-1582 and A23+ are overkill and I'm fine with that. If I were buying new I'd opt for the smaller RB-1552 (still overkill) but I got the 1582 as a killer deal open box. I have a goal of someday relocating the stack to a dedicated larger listening area in my basement hence why I am ok with an amp that is larger than my current needs.

 

[JeremyFife]

Hi,
A quick look for the Paramount came up with this discussion
Thread 'Parasound 23+' https://audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/parasound-23.19587/

I'm not personally familiar, but indications are that both amps are pretty good - old school, well made and (as you say) total overkill

I'm sure you can buy better measuring amps for your budget, or below.
It's also unlikely that changing your current Amp to either one of your choices or an alternative will give you any improvement in the sound.

How big is the new space, what makes you think you will need more power?

B&Ws are known for a house colouration that many people like to correct with DSP/PEQ so it would be interesting to look at ways of adding that.

Both of the amps you are considering look decent, you won't go wrong. Having said that, if you want an improvement in sound then a change won't do much good either.