I should add that I would like a more liquid tube like sound. However I do not think any tube amps would be up to the task of driving my Hawks. I would prefer to stay with an integrated amp.
Should I upgrade my integrated amplifier to a Parasound integrated A23?
Here is my system.
Atoll 100se integrated amp. 100 wpc @ 8ohm, 140 wpc at 4 ohm, 180 wpc peak power. It has transformers for each channel and it only cost $1400 Cdn new.
Nordost Red Dawn speaker and interconnects
Totem Hawk, 6 ohm speakers sensitivity 88db
Vecteur L4.2 cd player
Let me first start by saying I love the way my stereo sounds. I have deep, thunderous bass, sweet, clear midrange, good treble and an expansive 3 d soundstage. I finally have a system I love to listen to and forget about the music.
Still I wonder if there is more.
Some background. I tried to drive my Hawks with a 100 wpc Onkyo surround sound amp. It couldn't do it. Enter the Atoll 100se. I had heard it in my audio store drive some Paradigm Prestige 85f speakers, 93 db, and some Bryston Middle T speakers, 88 db sensitivity, with ease. The salesman told me that the Hawks were notoriously difficult to drive and the Atoll 100se would drive them. He was right. The salesman also did mention that a higher powered Atoll the 120se, 120 wpc 8 ohm, 200 wpc 4 ohm, 200 wpc peak power would be a better match for Magneplanars which makes me think more power is better.
I know my speakers work best with a lot of current so I think a high powered integrated amp is the way to go. I read one review where a Parasound A21 amp, 250 wpc was used with the Hawks and it worked well.
There is a Parasound A23 integrated amp, 160 wpc 8 ohm and 240 wpc 4 ohm 45 amp peak power that I would consider buying. Would that be an upgrade or just a lateral move?
Here's my question. Would I get even better sound with a higher powered amp or should I stick with what I have?
Atoll 100se integrated amp. 100 wpc @ 8ohm, 140 wpc at 4 ohm, 180 wpc peak power. It has transformers for each channel and it only cost $1400 Cdn new.
Nordost Red Dawn speaker and interconnects
Totem Hawk, 6 ohm speakers sensitivity 88db
Vecteur L4.2 cd player
Let me first start by saying I love the way my stereo sounds. I have deep, thunderous bass, sweet, clear midrange, good treble and an expansive 3 d soundstage. I finally have a system I love to listen to and forget about the music.
Still I wonder if there is more.
Some background. I tried to drive my Hawks with a 100 wpc Onkyo surround sound amp. It couldn't do it. Enter the Atoll 100se. I had heard it in my audio store drive some Paradigm Prestige 85f speakers, 93 db, and some Bryston Middle T speakers, 88 db sensitivity, with ease. The salesman told me that the Hawks were notoriously difficult to drive and the Atoll 100se would drive them. He was right. The salesman also did mention that a higher powered Atoll the 120se, 120 wpc 8 ohm, 200 wpc 4 ohm, 200 wpc peak power would be a better match for Magneplanars which makes me think more power is better.
I know my speakers work best with a lot of current so I think a high powered integrated amp is the way to go. I read one review where a Parasound A21 amp, 250 wpc was used with the Hawks and it worked well.
There is a Parasound A23 integrated amp, 160 wpc 8 ohm and 240 wpc 4 ohm 45 amp peak power that I would consider buying. Would that be an upgrade or just a lateral move?
Here's my question. Would I get even better sound with a higher powered amp or should I stick with what I have?
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