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Matching an Amp With ARC Reference 6 and GoldenEar Triton Ones

Having added an Audio Research Reference 6 preamp to my system (which I love), I’m interested in the community’s views on picking a compatible power amp. I’m using Cary Audio 805RS monos to power GoldenEar Triton One towers with the integrated powered subs. The rest of the system (DAC, SACD transport, PP 10 regenerator) is PS Audio.

At 27 watts of class A power, the 805s will drive the Tritons okay, but I find that I’m turning the volume on the ARC preamp up in the 45-50 range to get any decent volume.

I’ve been looking at the used market for mono blocks, and am focusing on the Audio Research 160M (at the extreme end of my budget), the older ARC Ref 210, and also came across some Brystons that seem reasonably priced. 

Thoughts on any of these?

tammanyman
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 

At 27 watts of class A power, the 805s will drive the Tritons okay, but I find that I’m turning the volume on the ARC preamp up in the 45-50 range to get any decent volume

Keep in mind that volume control positioning may reflect a  "gain" issue as opposed to power.

Charles

dweller's avatar
dweller
3,781 posts
 

If your volume control is potentiometer based (mine is resistor ladder), you want it to be past the 12 o’clock position for best sound. If you speakers have powered subwoofers, I'd go with a medium-power Class A amp.

tammanyman OP
5 posts
 

Thank you all for the input. I was intrigued by the comment about gain mismatch. Well, I checked the DAC, adjusted its volume and boosted the gain. Voila! Volume problem solved. This a great forum. 

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 

@tammanyman

I had a strong suspicion that was the issue and glad to read that you solved it. Now you can fully enjoy your wonderful audio system. I'm happy you didn't get rid of your excellent amplifiers for the wrong reason. 

Charlesg

tammanyman OP
5 posts
 

Indeed! You saved me a lot of $$! Thanks again.

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