2. amps-preamps
  3. 130535-541

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 11 responses by stereo5

stereo5's avatar
stereo5 OP
6,560 posts
 
I have already gone through all of that, it is the amp.  I want something better, any suggestions?
stereo5's avatar
stereo5 OP
6,560 posts
 

@tomstruck

My last integrated amp I used upstairs was a Rogue Cronus Magnum 100wpc amp with the KT120 tubes. The solid state is fine, it’s just when it is really pushed. Don’t forget, the Triton 2 have powered woofers so I am only driving 2 midranges and the folded tweeter. The bass is excellent even when pushed, it’s the mids and highs which get thin.

I am willing to spend up to 6 K new as long as it has 3 single ended aux inputs and a built in dac with an rca input. It also needs to be at least 200wpc and not Class D.

 I can't get the speakers any closer to corners and closer to wall due to slant of ceiling where speakers are located.  There isn't enough height.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5 OP
6,560 posts
 

@dill 

Would truly love that amp but its double what I can spend.   I already spent 8K on the Triton References so my funds are limited.

stereo5's avatar
stereo5 OP
6,560 posts
 
There is a Cary amp I may look into.  Its a SI-300.2D class A/B integrated with enough inputs, power 300wpc, and an AK built in dac.  It's 6K retail.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5 OP
6,560 posts
 
Don't want to do that.  I have separates in my main system.  I want this system to use an integrated.  I am currently looking at a Cary  SI-300.2D 300wpc  integrated amp.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5 OP
6,560 posts
 

@zimmerma 

Are you the spell check police?

stereo5's avatar
stereo5 OP
6,560 posts
 

@213runnin

How would you know unless you heard my system, and I do not ever remember inviting you over for a listen? I have been in the high end hobby for over 45 years, I think I can correctly assess my system better than someone who perhaps heard it in their dreams.

Thin to me means sounding congested in the upper registers and the music loses some of its body.

stereo5's avatar
stereo5 OP
6,560 posts
 
There is nothing wrong with the speakers, I already put the speakers in my main system and they sound fine. 
stereo5's avatar
stereo5 OP
6,560 posts
 

Main system is a VPI prime TT, Rogue rp5 tube pre, Sony HAP-Z1es music player, Esoteric UX-3 sacd player Odyssey Stratos extreme+++amp, GE Triton 1 speakers (soon to be replaced with the References this weekend).

Secondary system is a Parasound Halo Integrated, Sony HAP-Z1ES music player, Cambridge audio CXC cd transport, magnum dynalab tuner, GE Triton 2 speakers.  Both setups use Groneberg Quattro Reference speaker and audio cables and Shunyata power cords and Shunyata Hydras.


The room is just too big being 50 by 60 with 18 foot high ceiling, plus dormers and many angles.  I will be putting the Triton 1 in the secondary system as soon as I get the References hopefully this weekend.

stereo5's avatar
stereo5 OP
6,560 posts
 
I am sure the Triton 1 will be much better in that system once my References come in.  I am holding off buying an integrated until I attend the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest this October.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5 OP
6,560 posts
 

@outtabooklyn

No problem, getting my GE REeferences delivered tomorrow, so will be moving my Triton 1 to the system with the Parasound.  I'm going to keep my Triton2 until I am positive I like the changes.  I truly can't wait for Rocky Mountain Audiofest as it will be my first time going.  Hopefully there will be different intigrateds I can listen to.

More to discover