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Power amp suggestions for Peachtree & Triangle

Looking for a power amp with a budget of < $1000 to give a bit more punch to my system. I have a Peachtree Decco 65 integrated driving a pair of Triangle Comete 30th Anniversary speakers that just isn't cutting it for me. Sounds fine listening at 9 to 10 o'clock where the Cometes really shine, but anything lower I find is flat and dull. Having to constantly adjust volume up to get that "wow" feeling indicates to me a lack of power.

I suspect there is heavy sound absorption at work in the room (shag-like carpeting and large sectional) so I'm not sure if this is the issue or the Peachtree is the weak link. The Triangle Cometes are highly efficient speakers with a max power handing of 80W and 8 ohm.

Have my eye on a PS Audio HCA-2 but would 150W be too much?
ijarrio
mjmch2003
243 posts
 
I had a Cary CAD 200 Driving a pair of Triangle Zaya and Antals...One word: INTENSE.

The mids were so clear and I could get them so loud, that I thought they'd blow a hole in the wall behind my listening position.

I'd be real careful with the speaker cable match here. Maybe go for some big, simple copper (Analysis Plus Oval 9).
ijarrio OP
16 posts
 
The Cary CAD 200 looks like a nice amp. Here's a few others I'm considering:

Wyred 4 sound ST-250
Quad 909 or QSP
Bryston 3B ST
Lyngdorf SDA-2175

I guess I could also consider Peachtree's 220 power amp but I'm awfully nervous about going over the 200W mark. Am I being too paranoid?
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,179 posts
 
I really like the TAD Hibachi monoblocks with my Triangle Titus XS speakers, especially at moderate to lower volumes. Cometes should be even better! These are 180 w/ch SS amps with a lot of tube amp characteristics in the design and sound. Can be found on occasion used for well under $1000. Only caveat is that the company is no longer around, so not sure about repairs if ever needed.
chayro
2,984 posts
 
You need an amp with tone controls like the Cambridge or Marantz so you can add some bass when you turn it down. I don't think a more powerful amp is going to accomplish what you want, but I might be wrong. BTW, tone controls are making a comeback. The D'Agostino preamp has them, specifically for low-volume listening.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,179 posts
 
Tone controls? Radical!

A good idea actually. Issues with room acoustics are not ancient history, though tone controls on good audio gear often seems to be. I'd be willing to bet room acoustics are a significant factor in OPs case as described.

Its funny to me how FUD affected audiophiles often are, afraid of applying a simple solution that works and the rest of the world uses without a second thought.

Lots of good pre-amps, integrateds, receivers, and even some speakers out there with effective tone controls. Tone controls are the great "equalizer" among gear, no pun intended. :^) Try it, you might like it?
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