Which Integrated Amplifier Should You Choose?

If you're trying to decide between the Carina GaN, Carina X, Carina 300, or Carina 150, here's 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 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

• 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:

• Carina GaN & Carina X: Utilize more advanced amplifier modules and independent power supplies, resulting in higher costs but superior sound quality.
• Carina 300 & Carina 150: Feature cost-effective power amplifier solutions with integrated power supply modules, making them excellent choices for those on a budget.

If you need high power at a relatively low cost, the Carina 300 is an outstanding option.

 

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 upgrade your system. Class-D power amplification has made significant advances in recent years, and these models deliver exceptional performance.

 

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 preamp/power amplifier sets. The GaN-1 and X 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 power amplifiers, the Carina GaN and Carina X have you covered. Your system, your choice.

 

A Final Thought on DACs vs. Power Amplifiers

While DAC differences are widely debated, modern DACs have become remarkably transparent. The biggest improvements in sound quality typically come from upgrading the power amplifier, not the DAC.

 

So, before replacing your DAC, consider upgrading your power amplifier — it may be the key to unlocking better sound quality in your system.