Parasound Halo A 23+ 2-Channel 160W Stereo Power Amplifier, John Curl, Bridgeable

The Parasound Halo A 23+ is a stereo power amplifier designed by John Curl, delivering 160 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 240 watts into 4 ohms with both channels driven, and 500 watts bridged into mono. It is the most compact and accessible entry into the Parasound Halo amplifier range, housed in a slim 2U chassis that fits into tight rack spaces or smaller equipment rooms.

The circuit is high-bias Class A/AB with a direct-coupled signal path containing no capacitors or inductors. Twelve beta-matched 15 ampere, 60 MHz bipolar output transistors, a JFET input stage, and MOSFET driver stage feed 45 amps of peak current per channel from a 1 kVA shielded toroidal transformer with independent windings for each channel. The filter capacitance for the output stages is 54,400 microfarads. Independent power supplies serve the input stage, driver stage, and output stage separately. ProHiFi is an authorised Parasound dealer in India.

Balanced XLR inputs with discrete circuits and gold-plated RCA inputs with loop outputs are provided, and the AC mains voltage is selectable on the rear panel between 110-125V and 220-250V, making it fully compatible with Indian 230V mains. Automatic turn-on is available via 12V trigger or audio sensing, and the 2U chassis includes rear carry handles.

The A 23+ inherits the same fundamental John Curl circuit architecture as the larger A 21+ and JC 5, and reviewers have consistently noted that its sound character punches well above its price and size. It pairs naturally with the JC 2 BP preamplifier for a compact but high-performance two-channel system, and its bridgeable mono mode at 500 watts makes it a practical upgrade path for higher-power systems.

Key Features

• 160W x 2 into 8 ohm; 240W x 2 into 4 ohm; both channels driven
• 500W bridged mono into 8 ohm
• High-bias Class A/AB; designed by John Curl
• Direct-coupled; no capacitors or inductors in signal path
• 45A peak current per channel; stable below 2 ohm impedance dips
• 12 beta-matched 15A/60MHz bipolar transistors per channel
• 1 kVA shielded toroid; 54,400 microfarad filter capacitance
• Balanced XLR and gold-plated RCA inputs with loop outputs
• Heavy-duty 24k gold-plated 5-way speaker binding posts
• AC mains selectable: 110-125V or 220-250V (India 230V compatible)
• Auto turn-on by 12V trigger or audio sensing
• Slim 2U chassis with rear carry handles; 437 x 105 x 388mm; 14.4kg

Warranty:

3-year manufacturer's warranty

Why Consider the Parasound Halo A 23+

The A 23+ is the right choice for listeners who want John Curl's circuit design and Parasound's build quality in the most compact and affordable configuration in the Halo range. The 45 amp peak current and stability below 2 ohms mean it handles demanding speaker loads with the same authority as its larger siblings, and the bridgeable mono mode at 500 watts provides an upgrade path for systems that may need more power later. The rear-panel voltage selector is set for 220-250V for Indian mains, making it a genuinely plug-and-play solution without any transformer required. Paired with a JC 2 BP or any quality preamp or streamer with a volume control, it forms a compact, high-performance stereo system built on decades of John Curl amplifier design.

Ideal for

• Listeners wanting John Curl amplifier design at the most accessible Halo price
• Compact rooms or equipment racks where a 2U slim chassis is required
• Systems pairing with the Parasound JC 2 BP or Halo P 6 preamplifier
• Demanding speaker loads requiring 45A peak current and 240W into 4 ohms
• Those wanting bridgeable mono capability for a future 500W upgrade path
• Home cinema front left/right channels needing dedicated stereo amplification

Technical Specifications