Parasound Zamp v.3 Runs Too Hot


I have a Peachtree Audio iDecco (for sale), running a Parasound Zamp V.3, to Totem Acoustics Arro floorstanders, and I usually play music loud because the system is in my upstairs bedroom. The other day when running my system loud for about a half hour, the amp shut off automatically and the display indicated "Hi-Temp". The speakers are 6 ohms and the amp will run 60 amps into them, so with that said, is there a better budget amp that will run my speakers loudly for a sustained amount of time without running too hot? Is it a matter of 6 Ohms drawing too much current for most amps?

Please give some advice/recommendations for a budget setup.

Thank you.
regafan_1972

Showing 4 responses by runnin

Yes of course its going to run hot. You need a more substantial amp, or else sell the Totems.
The Totems are well regarded, so keeping them is probably the way to go, but they may not be suitable for the Zamp. I've got the big brother to the A23, the A21, and its a great series.
2 ohm stable amps are very expensive for the most part and are not needed for most speakers, including yours. My Paradigm Signature S6 speakers present a difficult load dipping down to 2.8 ohms at some frequencies and some old Infinity speakers go down to 1 ohm but most speakers don't get near that.

Totem says the Arro is rated at 4 ohms, but that represents the minimum impedance, so you'd be fine with any of the amp brands. The problem with the Zamp v3 is it really a mini amp. It's 7 lbs and you've obviously reached its limits if it's going into protect mode. Part of the issue is your speakers aren't very efficient at about 86db. They sound great by all means, but take more power to get really loud.

Audioadvisor.com presently has a Parasound 2125 on sale. That would be a good option too, it's got the same 125 watts per channel as the A23 and is in a higher line than the Z amp. They are the only Parasound internet dealer that I'm aware of, I have no affiliation with them aside from being a satisfied customer.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=1PAC2125V2

It's either that or find a local dealer but the price will be higher.
PS, one more thing. Regafan, in your first post you said the Z amp puts out 60 amps to the speakers, and that is wrong. It only does 12 amps.