Best Integrated Amp for Triangle Titus speakers?

[Rendition]

So I'm in the marekt for the best integrated amp for Triangle Titus speakers.

The options so far:

1) Creek 5350SE $1495

2) Cairn 4808A $1550

3) Audio Analogue Primo $799

Please let me know what you guys think, which one is best match? I don't mind paying less (ie. Audio Analogue Primo) if performance is similiar with the Tituses. Thanks!

 

[eyeteeth]

I'd be tempted to try the Audio Analogue Primo first based upon generalizations of French speakers being a little lean & lively and Italian electronics being warm & romantic (or is that the people? J/K), no it's the electronics. They could balance eachother and be the perfect match. As well as priced more suitably for eachother.

The Creek gets raves as a world class integrated (within its price range) but is considered a detailed amp and may not match the Triangles as well as the Primo.

(yes, I've heard Italian electronics-Audio Analogue & Unico + Triangle speakers-floorstanders)

 

[ampgalore]

Integrated amps don't drive 4 ohm speakers well. They usually don't put out as much current as dedicated amps.

 

[Len]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ampgalore Integrated amps don't drive 4 ohm speakers well. They usually don't put out as much current as dedicated amps.

I think this is an unfair generalization. Can you elaborate?

 

[ampgalore]

Most integrated amps are rated at around 100 watts/channel. They usually can't put out 2x as much power into 4 ohm loads.

A separate amp is usually rated at around 200 watss/channle, and most can easily double that amount of power into 4 ohm loads.

To drive 4 ohm speakers, I would feel much safer going with a separate amp.

 

[JohnnyCougar]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Len I think this is an unfair generalization. Can you elaborate?

Gentleman, sometimes generalizations are true, and sometimes they are not depending upon the system, and the buyer’s tastes.
With Triangle speakers I could not imagine a better synergy than a forgiving tube amplifier whether it is integrated, or separated.

 

[ampgalore]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyCougar Gentleman, sometimes generalizations are true, and sometimes they are not depending upon the system, and the buyer’s tastes. With Triangle speakers I could not imagine a better synergy than a forgiving tube amplifier whether it is integrated, or separated.

Peace.

 

[Len]

It's not a function of the amp being integrated, but the amp (most notably, it's power system) being small. An integrated Mark Levinson 383 can do just about anything a stereo amp can do. Integrated simply means two components - the pre and the amp - produced in the same chassis.

That said, the Triangle is a 8 ohm nominal speaker that sometimes dips to 4 ohms in the lower registers. It sounds gorgeous with tube gear .... better, IMO, then with SS.

 

[lextek]

I had some very, good results driving Triangle Titus EXs with a Unison Research Unico hybrid amp.

 

[bundee1]

The dealer I went to recommended a combo of the Triangles and a Creek 4330. May not be the best for rock but its been heartily recommended for acoustic and jazz.

 

[eyeteeth]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lextek I had some very, good results driving Triangle Titus EXs with a Unison Research Unico hybrid amp.

Vindication!

 

[kentamcolin]

Quote:

Most integrated amps are rated at around 100 watts/channel. They usually can't put out 2x as much power into 4 ohm loads.

This is a rather broad generalization indeed. I have owned many integrateds, none rated at 100wpc. The last one I had gave 3 WPC! One I have not owned that I likely will someday is the Cary SLI-80. Supposed to be a very sweet sounding 40 wpc (in triode) tube integrated that might suit your needs well. I t is supposed to be an awesome headphone amp as well. These usually sell on Audiogon for just under $2K.