Parasound A 21 manual Congratulations and Thank You for Choosing Parasound

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THANK YOU!

Congratulations and Thank You for Choosing Parasound

Your new Parasound Halo Series A 21 power amplifier presents the latest advancements in amplifier technology. The A 21 is built to the strict quality and performance standards set by Parasound. We’re proud to offer you this exceptional audio component that will bring you many years of enjoyment and dependability.

Here at Parasound, we design our products to perform at a higher level of flexibility and sonic performance than you may have expected. We encourage you to read this entire manual to learn all the features and capabilities of your new Halo Series A 21 Amplifier.

If you’re eager to get up and running right away, simply follow the basic step-by-step instructions to connect and operate the A 21. If you want to learn about some of the technical and design aspects of your A 21, refer to the Technically Speaking and Parasound A 21 Design Overview sections in the back of the manual. If you run into difficulties, the Troubleshooting Guide should help you quickly remedy the problem.

We appreciate you taking the time to read these instructions and thank you for selecting Parasound for your listening pleasure.

The Parasound Staff

Unpacking Your A 21

Unpack your A 21 from the shipping carton, remove the enclosed rack mounts, AC power cord, and the control wire with 2.5 mm sub-mini plugs on each end. (This is the trigger connection wire). While you are unpacking your new amplifier, inspect it thoroughly for possible shipping damage. If you see any, contact your Parasound dealer right away. Be sure to save and store both the inner and outer cartons and the packing inserts for possible future transport. To save room for storage, you can cut the seams on the bottom of the cartons and flatten them.

Keeping Records for Future Reference

Record the serial number located on the bottom of your A 21 in the space below. Also note your Parasound Dealer’s name and phone number. We recommend that you keep your purchase receipt with this manual and store them both in a safe place. You may need to refer to this information sometime in the future.

Parasound A 21 Amplifier Serial #: ____________________

Parasound Dealer: ____________________________________

Phone Number:_______________________________________

Date of Purchase: _____________________________________

YOU SHOULD KNOW

There is no Parasound warranty for this unit if it was not purchased from an Authorized Parasound Dealer. Investigate any warranty claims made by unauthorized dealers very carefully as you will need to depend entirely upon the dealer, and NOT upon Parasound. Unauthorized dealers may lack the capability to arrange repairs of Parasound equipment. Authorized Parasound Dealers are listed at www.parasound.com or you can call 415-397-7100 between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm Pacific time.

A missing or tampered serial number could indicate that this unit was stolen or sold by an unauthorized dealer. If this unit is missing its serial number, you should return it to your dealer immediately for a full refund.

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Contents Amplifier Keeping Records for Future Reference Congratulations and Thank You for Choosing ParasoundParasound Staff Unpacking Your a Amplifier Placement Guidelines for Your a Rack Mounting Your Parasound aLeft and Right Balanced Input Jacks Before ConnectingBalanced XLR Jacks and Their Pin Configuration What You’ll NeedLeft and Right Unbalanced Inputs Interconnect Cables and Their Color CodesLoop Out Connector Correct Speaker Polarity is Important Speaker Wire Length and Gauge thicknessSpeaker Terminals Configuring the a 21 for Bridged Mono Operation IMPORTANT! Before Trying Bridged MonoManual On-Off from the Front Panel Connecting an Active Audio Source for Automatic On-OffTurn Off Delay in the Audio Mode Mm sub-mini plug Connecting the a 21 to Trigger Another Component High-Temp Indicator On, Off and Fault/Protection Status IndicatorsLeft and Right Channel Status Indicators Ground SwitchAC Power Connections 120 V or 220 V 240 V OperationMain Power Fuse Maintaining Your aTroubleshooting Guide Trouble Probable Cause RemedyIf All Else Fails -Call Us for Help Procedure for Returning Your a 21 to Parasound for ServiceServicing Your a Important Notice Shipping the aTechnically Speaking Audio Trigger Sensitivity AdjustmentBare Speaker Wire Ends Balanced and Unbalanced LinesLoop Out Jacks Choosing Interconnect Cables and Speaker WireGround Loops Eliminating Hum and Buzz Gain ControlsParasound a 21 Design Overview Class A-A/B Operation Driver StageOutput Stage Total Protection DC ServosParasound a 21 Specifications Parasound Products, Inc Battery Street, San Francisco, CA

A 21 specifications

The Parasound A 21 is a high-performance power amplifier renowned for its exceptional audio quality and build integrity. It is designed to meet the demands of audiophiles and music enthusiasts, aiming to deliver an unparalleled listening experience. This amplifier stands out with a robust power output, delivering 250 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 400 watts into 4 ohms, providing ample power to drive a wide range of loudspeakers.

One of the key features of the Parasound A 21 is its ultra-linear Class AB amplification. This technology allows the amplifier to achieve high power without compromising on sound quality. The Class AB design is known for its low distortion and high efficiency, making it capable of reproducing dynamic music with clarity and precision. The A 21 also incorporates a toroidal transformer, which helps in producing clean power and minimizes electrical interference, ensuring that the sound remains unaffected by fluctuating power conditions.

The build quality of the A 21 is exceptional, with a sturdy chassis designed to minimize vibrations and enhance performance. The amplifier is housed in a sleek, attractive enclosure that not only looks elegant but also provides adequate heat dissipation. This is a crucial aspect, as it ensures the amplifier operates efficiently without overheating during extended listening sessions.

In terms of connectivity, the Parasound A 21 features balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs, allowing users to integrate it seamlessly into various audio systems. The amplifier also has a 12V trigger input, enabling remote operation which can be a significant convenience for users with complex audio setups.

The A 21 is built with high-quality components, including high-current power supply capacitors and output transistors, further enhancing its reliability and performance. Its sound signature is characterized by an expansive soundstage, detailed mids, and deep, controlled bass, making it suitable for a diverse range of music genres.

For those seeking an amplifier that combines power, precision, and aesthetic appeal, the Parasound A 21 is a standout choice. It delivers an impressive blend of technological advancements and user-friendly features, ensuring that audiophiles can enjoy their favorite music as it was meant to be heard. Overall, the A 21 exemplifies Parasound’s commitment to excellence and remains a trusted option in high-fidelity audio systems.