Intigrated Amp Dilemma


A little background:

I am currently using a Parasound Halo Integrated amp driving a pair of Golden Ear Triton 2 speakers. I noticed when getting the volume up to a really good level, the amp strains a bit and the sound gets thin.  I am talking at most 93-95db but usually I listen at less than 87db.

Very shortly, I will be moving my Golden Ear Triton 1 speakers into the system where the Triton 2 speakers resides as I am taking delivery of the new GE References in a week or two. I do not think the bigger Triton 1 speakers will be a great match with the Parasound integrated, I will probably sell the Triton 2 speakers.

I am thinking of buying a better sounding integrated with a bit more power and more reserve power. I would need 3 line inputs (single ended) and a built in dac. I am NOT interested in any Class D amps. I want to keep it around 5-6K new Can I be pointed in the right direction please?

Thank you!

stereo5

Showing 3 responses by 213runnin

The OP says when he takes it up to 93-93db, the sound gets a little thin. That's odd because those speakers have a sensitivity of 91 db, so at 95 are drawing around 3-4 watts, depending on size of room and distance from speakers.   

The speakers do have an impedance curve that goes down to 4 ohms or so, which shouldn't be a problem for the Parasound.  That said, the  Triton 2 apparently have a power rating of up to 500 watts.

I am not sure what thin sounding entails.  This description seems to be popular these days around here, can someone throw me a bone?

Other than that, I really don't think it's the amp, especially at that volume level.  But if the OP really wants one, since the speakers can handle 500 watts, moving up to separates might be a thought.  
Well, the bottom line is the Parasound integrated amp is not straining as stereo5 supposes. 

Again, what does "thin sounding" sound like?
Well Stereo5, as long as the volume level you’ve described is accurate at 93-95 decibles, and as long as your speakers are working correctly, then it’s simple math. You may have been in the hobby for 45 years, but if you can’t understand the basic concept that I laid out, then you have more to learn.

Your speakers will produce 91 decibels at one meter distance with one watt. It’s just simple science. So depending on how many meters back from the speakers you sit, and how you measured the volume level of 93-95 decibels(or were you guessing?), the Parasound amp is putting out 2-8 watts or so per channel. It’s not straining, believe me.

What is possible is that you don’t like the sound of either the Parasound amp, or the speakers, or the result of the combination of the two. But that amp is not straining.

You mentioned having another system, perhaps you could pair your Triton 2 speakers to that amp, and see if you prefer that sound, if you haven’t already. If you like it better than the Parasound, then buy the other brand.