Which Integrated Amplifier Should You Choose?
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Room Size → |
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Now that you’ve reviewed the recommended options, take a moment to consider your listening habits. Which description fits you best? A) I usually listen at low to moderate volume levels and rarely turn the volume past halfway. B) I sometimes like to listen loudly, especially when the opportunity presents itself or when enjoying a favorite song. C) I frequently listen at moderate to high volume levels and like to feel fully immersed in the music. If you selected A, the products shown are well matched to your needs. You can certainly choose a more powerful option, but it’s unlikely to be necessary. At this point, sound quality, features, and form factor should guide your decision. If you selected B, we recommend considering the products in the next column to the right. Alternatively, you can start with the current recommendation and take advantage of our 90-day trade-up option if you find yourself regularly turning the volume up. If you selected C, you should focus only on the products in the far-right column. These models offer the power and current delivery needed to drive virtually any speaker at higher listening levels with ease. Note: This is intended as a general guide. Every speaker, room, and listener is unique. If you’d like to discuss your situation in more detail, please call or email us—we’re always happy to help interpret speaker impedance curves and match them with the amplifier that will drive them best in your room, based on your listening habits. After choosing the speaker that fits your personal preferences, this is often the most important decision you’ll make. |
If you're trying to decide between the pre/DAC+X2 Amp (referred to as “the Stack” below), Carina GaN, Carina X, Carina 300, or Carina 150, here are a few easy ways to choose the best one for your needs.
Choosing Based on Your Speakers
- For power-hungry or difficult-to-drive speakers (4-6 Ohm impedance and/or <88dB sensitivity), consider the Stack, Carina X, Carina 300, or X Amplifiers. These high-power, high-current amplifiers are ideal for demanding speakers and offer future-proofing if you plan to upgrade your speakers later.
- For easier-to-drive speakers (6-8 Ohm and/or >88dB sensitivity), the Carina GaN, Carina 150, or GaN-1 are excellent choices, as they require less power.
Choosing Based on Sound Quality
- The Stack, Carina GaN & Carina X are the best-sounding integrated amplifiers we've ever made. If your budget allows, use the speaker guidelines above to select the right one and enjoy stunning sonic transparency and imaging.
- Carina 300 & Carina 150 are the next best options, outperforming previous models like the nova500, nova300, and nova150. These amplifiers deliver greater transparency and fidelity to the source, thanks to carefully designed DAC, preamp, and power amplifier integration.
Understanding the Differences
All Carina models share the same DAC and preamp sections, but their power amplifier sections differ significantly:
- The Stack utilizes a dual-mono design; each channel has an independent advanced power amplifier and power supply, resulting in significantly higher costs but unparalleled output capabilities and reserves for the most demanding speakers!
- Carina GaN & Carina X: Utilize more advanced amplifier modules and independent power supplies, resulting in higher costs but superior sound quality in an all-in-one design.
- Carina 300 & Carina 150: Feature cost-effective power amplifier solutions with integrated power supply modules—ideal for those seeking similar sound quality of our advanced products while staying within budget.
If you need high power at a relatively low cost, the Carina 300 is an outstanding option and arguably the best value in the lineup!
Considering the GaN-1 or X Amplifiers?
If you already have a preamp or other front-end component you’re happy with, adding a high-quality power amplifier is a cost-effective way to elevate your system. Class-D amplification has advanced dramatically in recent years, and these models deliver truly exceptional performance. The GaN and Hypex NCore X amplifiers we use are class leaders, competing favorably with any solid-state designs ever made—which is precisely why we chose them!
GaN-1: For Digital Devices
- Designed specifically for digital input, avoiding global negative feedback for a more open, transparent sound.
- If you use a digital source (e.g., an audio streamer with a high-quality digital volume control), the GaN-1 is a compelling option.
- Recommended streamers: Bluesound NANO ($299), NODE ($549), and ICON ($999), which support major streaming services and offer high-quality digital outputs.
Stereo X & Mono X: For Analog Devices
- Built for analog input, using silicon output devices that require global negative feedback to maintain transparency.
- Best paired with a high-performance preamp or DAC with balanced (XLR) outputs and at least 110dB SNR/DR.
- These amplifiers provide pure, transparent sound, accurately amplifying the input signal without adding coloration.
Why We Offer These Solutions
Peachtree specializes in integrated amplifiers and separate preamp/DAC and power amplifiers. The X2, GaN-1 and X Power Amplifiers allow users who don't need integrated solutions to still experience top-tier performance. Our amplifiers compete with the best in the industry, offering high-current power, cool operation, efficiency, and affordability.
If you need an integrated amplifier featuring these incredible new power amplifiers, the Carina GaN and Carina X have you covered. Your system, your choice.
A Final, and IMPORTNAT, Thought on DACs vs. Power Amplifiers
While DAC differences are widely debated, modern DACs have always been remarkably transparent. The biggest improvements in sound quality, we hear, typically comes from upgrading the power amplifier, not the DAC. The power amplifier has long been the weakest link in the audio electronics chain.
So, before replacing your DAC, consider upgrading your power amplifier — it is likely the missing piece to unlocking better sound quality in your system!