Parasound A23 Integrated Amplifier
John Curl designed the A23’s circuit. That matters more than the price tag suggests.
Curl’s work shows up in amplifiers that cost multiples of what Parasound charges. The A23 is that same engineering applied to a product built to be accessible — 125 watts per channel into 8 ohms, 200 into 4, measured conservatively in Parasound’s tradition. The output stage runs in Class A for the first few watts before transitioning to AB, which covers most of what happens at normal listening levels. Fully complementary topology, zero feedback in the gain stage, high current capability throughout.
Sonically it is honest and direct. No added warmth, no flattering brightness — what you put in comes out accurately, with enough power that speakers rarely catch the amplifier working hard. Low end controlled, midrange clean, top end extended without drawing attention to itself.
At the price Parasound sells this, there is very little in the integrated market that offers the same engineering pedigree. If your speakers can use the current, the A23 will not be the piece you replace first.
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Return Policy
Return Policy
We offer a 3-day return window on all purchases. Returns made to a credit or debit card will incur a 5 percent processing fee. Shipping costs, both to and from, are the responsibility of the customer if applicable.
After the 3-day window and up to 3 weeks from the date of purchase, items may still be returned, subject to a 20 percent restocking fee.
For shipped orders, customers must notify us within 3 days of receiving the item to initiate a return. Once the item is received back in the same condition it was sent, we will issue a refund minus all shipping charges and a 5 percent credit card processing fee.
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John Curl designed the A23’s circuit. That matters more than the price tag suggests.
Curl’s work shows up in amplifiers that cost multiples of what Parasound charges. The A23 is that same engineering applied to a product built to be accessible — 125 watts per channel into 8 ohms, 200 into 4, measured conservatively in Parasound’s tradition. The output stage runs in Class A for the first few watts before transitioning to AB, which covers most of what happens at normal listening levels. Fully complementary topology, zero feedback in the gain stage, high current capability throughout.
Sonically it is honest and direct. No added warmth, no flattering brightness — what you put in comes out accurately, with enough power that speakers rarely catch the amplifier working hard. Low end controlled, midrange clean, top end extended without drawing attention to itself.
At the price Parasound sells this, there is very little in the integrated market that offers the same engineering pedigree. If your speakers can use the current, the A23 will not be the piece you replace first.
7/10 - Some visible scratches, however performance is not affected.