2. amps-preamps
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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

Showing 5 responses by ijarrio

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?
ijarrio OP
16 posts
 
I'll be honest, when I heard "tone controls" I threw up in my mouth a little bit...LOL! Unfortunately, I'm satisfied using the Peachtree for its DAC functionality so most likely I'll be keeping it as a pre. I have my MacBook hooked into the USB so I may try playing around with equalizer settings on there.
ijarrio OP
16 posts
 
I "had" a 15W CR Developments Kalypso integrated amp driving a pair of Energy C-3s and the sound was fantastic at low volumes ("had" because the amp is in serious need of repair - no sound and tubes arcing). Never felt the need to turn up the volume beyond the 9 o'clock mark and this is what I'm striving for with my current system.

If I ever get motivated to get this amp fixed, I'm sure it will be a perfect fit for the Cometes. Although, the room characteristics were very different with my previous system.
ijarrio OP
16 posts
 
I know this is kind of off topic, but since we've been discussing the use of tone controls, does anyone have experience using room correction processing hardware?
ijarrio OP
16 posts
 
Not sure if anyone is paying attention to this thread anymore, but I just recently bought a used Linn AV 5105 (100W into 8 ohm) for about $500. Injected some life into my system. Nice sounding amp, especially for the price!
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