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!

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The Modwright KWI -200 is a really good IA, it has plenty of good clean power to drive virtually any speaker with ease. Like the Pass & MF IA's, the Modwright has plenty of inputs and has room for a DAC module if you prefer. 
If you think more power is the cure all,you should get a larger amp and use the Parasound preamp outs using it as a preamp. I doubt there is going to be any difference with your 160 watt IA amp or a 200 watt IA amp that you are looking for. You should get a power amp with a miniumum of 300 watts if you need another 3 db of power!
The OP says when he takes it up to 93-93db, the sound gets a little thin. That’s odd because those speakers have a sensitivity of 91 db, so at 95 are drawing around 3-4 watts, depending on size of room and distance from speakers.


Exactly the problem. This sounds much more like driver compression than amp issues.

I could not find linearity (i.e. compression) measurements for the T2, but the T and T3+ are posted, and they are particularly bad in the treble region.

http://www.soundstagenetwork.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1589:nrc-measu...

Apparently not everyone is as sensitive to this problem as I am, and I am very very sensitive to it. :)

Best,

E


This may be a redundant answer but is the halo class a for a few watts and when you leave it your getting the thin sound.