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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
gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
@stereo5 

You already know we have the same speakers, and have similar musical taste, so I might as well recommend the amp I use.

You may want to consider a Musical Fidelity M6si.
http://www.musicalfidelity.com/products/m6series/m6si

Well within your budget, plenty of power, has a built-in USB DAC and plenty of inputs.
erik_squires
16,052 posts
 
I am honestly pretty surprised. That is a pretty beefy integrated.

However your description of the sound quality is very close to my only experience with those speakers.

Best,

E
rackon
301 posts
 
I would recommend a Hegel H360 but I'm  not sure how many single ended line inputs it has.

inna
7,296 posts
 
I will not recommend Gryphon Audio Diablo 120 for double your budget or so. I will not do it.
213runnin
914 posts
 
The OP says when he takes it up to 93-93db, the sound gets a little thin. That's odd because those speakers have a sensitivity of 91 db, so at 95 are drawing around 3-4 watts, depending on size of room and distance from speakers.   

The speakers do have an impedance curve that goes down to 4 ohms or so, which shouldn't be a problem for the Parasound.  That said, the  Triton 2 apparently have a power rating of up to 500 watts.

I am not sure what thin sounding entails.  This description seems to be popular these days around here, can someone throw me a bone?

Other than that, I really don't think it's the amp, especially at that volume level.  But if the OP really wants one, since the speakers can handle 500 watts, moving up to separates might be a thought.  
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