Rotel RB1090 vs Parasound A21

[Joey_V]

I posted this on both forums so as to get a better consensus on opinions...

What do you guys think of this match? Which is the overall better pick?

Both can be had for almost the same on the used market and both seem like solid amps. I like the fact that the 1090 is a dual mono design but I know that the A21 has some meat under that sleek exterior.

I'm trying to power a pair of Martin Logan Vantage speakers.

Thanks!

[tboooe]

before i got the a21 i had the rotel 1080. i dont think it would be fair to compare the two. what i like about the a21 is its slight midrange hump. this slight "warmth" suits my listening preferences and matches well with the resolution and detail of the b&w. i imagine that the same could be true of the logans, maybe even more so because of its awesome clarity, detail, and imaging. i have heard great things about the 1090 but i have never actually used it.

[kfr01]

I was able to get a 1090 in my house after I received my HCA3500. They sounded pretty darn similar. Slightly smoother highs on the 1090, slightly warmer mids on the Parasound.

The highs on my speakers are slightly soft, so the harder highs of the Parasound were fine. My midrange is very detailed, so the warmer mids also provided more musical synergy.

You need to demo with -your- speakers. :-)