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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
stereo5's avatar
stereo5 OP
6,410 posts
 
Don't want to do that.  I have separates in my main system.  I want this system to use an integrated.  I am currently looking at a Cary  SI-300.2D 300wpc  integrated amp.
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
Highly recommend McIntosh MA7900. Meets your requirements and plays well with GE speakers.
213runnin
914 posts
 
Well, the bottom line is the Parasound integrated amp is not straining as stereo5 supposes. 

Again, what does "thin sounding" sound like?
stereo5's avatar
stereo5 OP
6,410 posts
 

@213runnin

How would you know unless you heard my system, and I do not ever remember inviting you over for a listen? I have been in the high end hobby for over 45 years, I think I can correctly assess my system better than someone who perhaps heard it in their dreams.

Thin to me means sounding congested in the upper registers and the music loses some of its body.

kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
It sounds like the OP already has an in-depth knowledge and experience in the audio gear so I'm not sure exactly what type of input he's looking for. That said, if it were me, I would not necessarily look for more wattage as most (other experts) have pointed out. I would either look for an integrated that can double the power as the impedance is halved, e.g., Ayre, Pass, etc., or the MA7900-like unit I'd mentioned earlier with autoformers. Hope this helps.
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