I came from Parasound Halo amps. Very nice, but a bit warm and under resolving compared to my replacements, Audionet Max amps. they are more pricey, but the Audionet Amps (not Max) are also excellent. I also compared the Parasound JC1+ mono amps to my Audionet Max amps and it was no comparison. The Audinet stuff is resolving without fatigue.
Amp Search and Upgrade
So currently I have a Parasound Integrated, the Hint 6, that are driving my Dali Opticon 8. They are rated as a 4 ohm speaker with an 88 db sensitivity. I am looking to upgrade one item this year so I want to make it count. The integrated has pre-outs so I can adda 2 channel amp or a pair of mono blocks.
At this point would I be better off getting just an amp and using the Hint 6 as pre temporarily until I can afford a better pre amp or should I get both pre and amp at once? I'm thinking something used {hopefully) in the $4k range.
I only stream using a Bluesound Node 2i feeding a very nice DAC, an Aqua LaVoce S2, I also have a pair of REL T/7i subs.
Recommendations on what would pair with the Dali's and whether I should stick with the Parasound as pre please!
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Been checking out Peachtree Audio and it looks pretty good. The GaN400 and preDAC package is $4500, not too bad, saving a lot if you buy power amp and pre together. The GaN400 is Class D though, but it's brand spanking new technology and puts out 400 watts per channel. Getting rave reviews from what I've seen. |
Thanks @fastfreight. I'll look over Audionet products for sure. @drewdawg999 I wouldn't be absolutely opposed to Class D but I hope they offer a trial period. I don't have any way to audition much of what's discussed as I live in the boonies. @overthemoon right now I think power and dynamics. The Dali's are pretty nice so I'd like to know their potential. |
Given your response to overthemoon, I believe your route towards an upgrade is the right path. Purchase an amp and upgrade the preamp later. I have never owned an amp having the power you are looking for so can't make a recommendation. That said, as one that uses a SS amp with a tube preamp I can suggest that when it is time to upgrade your preamp you consider a tube based one. That combo may just be the ticket with your speakers. |
I've never had any experience with tube equipment @mesch. Unlike many people on this forum I have pets, 4 cats and a year old lab. I worry about hair and dander with tubes. Even cleaning continuously it still happens. They don't mess with my equipment though. I don't know if I want to get into the whole chasing the right tube. Enough rabbits to chase without adding another. @drewdawg999 I started doing some reading about your recommendation. It certainly is an interesting option at that price point considering the reviews. There's supposed to be a dealer in Grand Rapids which would be my closest at 4 hours away. Their website doesn't show any Peachtree Audio so emailed to find if still a dealer. I'd definitely give it a listen with my system if I can. |
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