2. amps-preamps
  3. 1257998243

Best Amp with Magnepan 3.6's

Greetings - I currently own a pair of Magnepan 3.6's and am looking for any suggestions on an amp that would help me get the volume/sound I am missing.
My current systems is as follows:
Magnepan 3.6's
Rotel 1057 preamp
Rotel 1080 (200x2) amp
NAD 525BEE CD player
JL audio F110 sub
Transparent interconnects, and cables
As you can imagine I am not getting near the volume I would expect out of these 3.6's because of the limited power of my Rotel amp. I have researched different amplifiers and have it narrowed down to 2 (although I'm still open to suggestions). I've been looking into a Bryston 4B SST or a McIntosh MC402.
I would greatly appreciate any input or suggestions you may have. Thanks in advance.
gbowman11
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
Here are my ratings for amps with Maggie 3.6R's the I have actually had in my system:

1) Cary Audio CAD500 MB mono blocks (current)

2) Bryston 7Bsst

3) Innersound ESL 300 (sublime too)

3) Parasound JC-1's

4) Bel Canto Ref 1000's (not new version)

5) McIntosh 501's (not a good match)

6) all the othe.......

I am currently thinking of trying the Wyred 4 sound amps in a bi-amp configuration. Just to try and mess up a good thing I assume. I don't think I will sell the Cary's when I do that though, they are too good to let go of.
markwatkiss
476 posts
 
Me again.I owned 1.6's and 3.6's Bryston 4BSST and 14BSST series amps used at different times on both sets of Maggies.The 4B has sufficient push to drive the 3.6's.The 14,has more slam in the bass area,but in my mind not enough to justify the additional expense.Place those saved dollars in a tube pre amp.
ajackson1
156 posts
 
MacDad, Please sell me your Cary CAD 500MB LOL. I would not let go either. These have become like a rare commodity. I have been looking for a 2nd pair for weeks now and nope.

Enjoy.
gbowman11 OP
3 posts
 
Thanks Markwatkiss - I've also been looking at the McIntosh c220 preamp - any thoughts?
markwatkiss
476 posts
 
Yes I have thoughts,lets take this off line.Flip me a pm and I'll pass on some particulars.
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