Nad m25 vs ParaSound Halo A21

[G9logitech]

Hello Guys -

I am about to take the plunge and get an external amplifier, but have a dilema on choosing between two models; Either the NAD M25 or the Parasound A21.

NAD M25 - what I really like about this amplifier is its got a electronic ground isolation circuit to prevent ground loop noise. Also the fact that it has a .03% THD. And for the fact that it has balanced junction FET input stages to eliminate cross-talk. The things I dont know about this amp is how much RMS power (continoius power) this thing outputs @ 6 ohms. My fronts are Dali Ikon 7's. It has poor damping factor though and the ParaSound Halo has 1100.

ParaSound Halo A21 - What I like about this amplifier is the fact it is cheaper and has 2 channels only. As I only need and want to drive 2 fronts with this and have my denon 4308 a/v do the surrounds. Although Im not sure if setting the Halo A21 up like will work if I want to listen to a BD; I am not sure how to do this exactly. Another fact of this amp I like is the fact it has more power to it. Not sure about the THD and distortion of this is like however.

My guess is the ParaSound and Nad will sound similiar, but the Parasound Halo will prevail.

What I am looking for is cleaner sounds. Better seperation of bass so its not so muddy. The Denon 4308 does a fine job, I just know its being taxed as it gets really hot to the touch really fast. Im not sure what Nad m25 ground loop isolation circuitry is really going to be audible in making the music sound that much better, as im not sure what this actually does

Any recommendations or more information on this matter would be very helpful to me.

Thanks and I know ive been a nuisance asking so many questions but this music stuff can be so addicting. I thought I had such great gear, now im wanting the next best thing, such as the esoteric cd/sacd players!!!

[Ryan Peddle]

I cannot speaker for the Parasound, though I always have loved their products. But I don own the M25 and it is simply the best sounding amp I have ever tested, owned or used. Compared to Rotel, Anthem, regular line NAD.

It's a brute for power, never struggles at all with demanding music or movies, and has so much dynamic headroom I have yet to hear a hint of distortion.

I think the real dilema here is 2ch vs 7ch.

The M25 would allow you to biamp if you are able to.

my 2cents

[SeanMF]

Might throw this in the mix also:

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo...umber=NACI9060

I got one a month ago for my mirage speakers and thinking of getting another.

[ryan4blu]

Originally Posted by SeanMF

Might throw this in the mix also:

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo...umber=NACI9060

I got one a month ago for my mirage speakers and thinking of getting another.

80 watts per channel need more power......

[Ryan Peddle]

I finally upgraded my speakers to Paradigm Reference Studio 100s. Althought they are fully broken in yet, but sound being provided to my speaker from the M25 is better than I expected. I have been really pushing my system this week to listen for possible distortion at high volume...NOTHING. Effortless and powerful with larger hungry speakers.

I love my M25.

[jlafrenz]

You won't have any problems running the Parasound for just your mains. Just connect the preouts on the Denon to the Parasound and then use the regular amp connections from the AVR to the rest of your speakers. There are lots of people who use amps for their front sound stage and the AVR for surround duty.