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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!

128x128stereo5
mauldin
3 posts
 
If you don't have to have new, find a used Krell FBI. Class A. 300 watts/channel. Designed when D'Agostino was still at Krell. 

ellingtonhifi's avatar
ellingtonhifi
2 posts
 
Check out the Octave Audio line of integrated amps, some of the best on the market. I have a client with your GE speakers and a V80se, he loves the combination!

Just another line to consider, the V70se and the V110se would be in your budget range. I have had the line for six years and could not be happier with the results from build quality down to performance.

One of the best tube int-amp's on the market. Not heard everything, but have definitely heard quite a bit. 

Tony
coppy777
119 posts
 
Stereo5,

I don't know your equipment but have just learned a great deal about room size.  We moved to Florida three years ago and my system went from a 13x20x8 living room to a 20x30x12 room and was completely lost in that space.  Had to move up to Sasha's and a 350 wpc amp in addition to a JLA 13" sub to properly pressurize the room.  The only other good sounding option was true near-field listening.  

Good luck... enjoy the process.

alanholvey's avatar
alanholvey
96 posts
 
There are today quite a few really integrated amplifiers out there.  It is unfortunate that they are also quite expensive.  I was fortunate to be able o aquire a couple of years ago a demo Rega Osiris integrated from a nearby audo dealer for abut 34% of it's list price of $9995 I believe.  It might not be the very best solid state integrated amplifier out there but for it's list price is not a bad deal.  t just over a third of list price it would be very hard to ewual. let alone surpass.  My point is, if possible to look out for those real good deals that come up from time to time.  Anyway, I presently have a truly great integrated amp in near mint condition which I use to drive a Stax electrostatic headphone system with.  But that is another story..  With 160 watts per channel to simply drive a very easy to drive pair of headphones is something else.  Which is a subject that I have never herd or read about.  But for listening to rock and roll-just think about it.
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