Which amp/preamp/integrated for GoldenEar Triton 5's


I just purchased a pair of GoldenEar Triton 5's. I have an old Adcom amp GFA-545, but the Adcom preamp that went with it soudns muddy on one channel. Tried to get it fixed but it's still not right, so I either need a new preamp, or a new integrated. Found a great deal on Peachtree's 220SE, but am weighing that against buying something like the Parasound P5 preamp and keeping my Adcom going. Any advice much appreciated, and doesnt have to stay with those 2 choices, but my budget can't extend past $1500, and I'd prefer if it stayed closer to $1k. Thanks for your thoughts....
dooner188

Showing 2 responses by b_limo

First off, I have had a boatload of equipment over the past 5 years so I have tried quite a bit of different equipment (I find its part of the fun in the hobby).  With that in mind, I recently purchased a B stock Nova 220se and love it!  I find that I can't beat the sound of it (or a previous Nova Pre / 220 combo that I had) unless I spend at least $2500 and I'd have to give up a remote control for the volume.  To put together a rig that outperforms the 220se I'd go Schiit Bifrost Multibit, Lightspeed Attenuator and any sweet sounding amp (Classe, Conrad Johnson, McCormack etc.).  

I would strongly consider a B stock 220se.  Peachtree has some reliability issues but they have awesome customer service and the unit would have a 2 year warranty.  The Pre-amp is from the Grand Integrated, it has a great Dac and the Amp can power any speakers.

Not to dog Adcom, but they aren't on the same level.  I've had a 545, 535, 5800, 5300.  Also, the integrated amps look nicer, you have less cables by far, the pre amp, amp and dac were all selected to work together.

I also like the looks of that NuPrimie IDA 8 and may get that for a second system.  

That new Parasound Integrated looks really nice also but its out of your price range I believe ($2500 ?)

Anyways, I am done with separates for awhile because these new Integrated amps outperform a hodgepodge of older equipment (amps. preamps) mixed with newer stuff (Dac) if you are at a $1200 ish budget. 




Glad you like the 220se.  Mine has started sounding better now after burning in for a week or so now.  I have some small Monitor GX50's that are a little inefficient and need alot of power to open up; the Peachtree 220se does a great job of adding a good amount of dynamics even at low listening levels.  I usually listen with the volume knob between 8-9 on the dial.  10 o'clock is pretty loud, 12 o'clock might shoot voicecoils into my lap :)

I think you'd be happy with the reaultsof adding a subwoof to fill in the lower octaves.  Thats going to be my next step as well. Something from Svs or Rel!