Parasound Zamp v.3 Runs Too Hot

The Totems are well regarded, so keeping them is probably the way to go, but they may not be suitable for the Zamp. I've got the big brother to the A23, the A21, and its a great series.

Never buy an amp not rated stable to 2 Ohms.

Schubert, how do I know if an amp is stable to 2 Ohms? Any you can recommend used under $1000? Thanks

2 ohm stable amps are very expensive for the most part and are not needed for most speakers, including yours. My Paradigm Signature S6 speakers present a difficult load dipping down to 2.8 ohms at some frequencies and some old Infinity speakers go down to 1 ohm but most speakers don't get near that.

Totem says the Arro is rated at 4 ohms, but that represents the minimum impedance, so you'd be fine with any of the amp brands. The problem with the Zamp v3 is it really a mini amp. It's 7 lbs and you've obviously reached its limits if it's going into protect mode. Part of the issue is your speakers aren't very efficient at about 86db. They sound great by all means, but take more power to get really loud.

Audioadvisor.com presently has a Parasound 2125 on sale. That would be a good option too, it's got the same 125 watts per channel as the A23 and is in a higher line than the Z amp. They are the only Parasound internet dealer that I'm aware of, I have no affiliation with them aside from being a satisfied customer.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=1PAC2125V2

It's either that or find a local dealer but the price will be higher.

I ran the Arro with an Odyssey Khartago Plus, which used are in your price range, and is a great match.