Appropriate Power for 1.7i's


I am sure this is the type of question that gets asked a lot, so I beg your indulgence for one more:

I have recently upgraded my speakers to a pair of Magnepan 1.7i's.  I am enjoying these speakers even though I know they are not receiving an optimal signal.  My goal is to provide a better signal.
 
My primary source is TIDAL HiFi, and here is my current setup

Power:  Yamaha HTR-5450 (only front channels used).  Ostensibly 85 w/channel --- I am aware that the specs for home theater receivers tend to be -ah optimistic.

DAC:  ifi nano iDSD (burr-brown)

Digital signal provided by PC

My budget for upgrading the Yamaha is modest:  $700-$900

Here is my want list:

100+ w/channel Stereo into 4 ohms.  ( I have no need for more channels):  Preferably Class A/B  (as opposed to D)

I am not opposed to purchasing used, in spite of the additional effort involved.

I am considering the Denon Heos and  Sonos Connect as a preamp.  I am not opposed to an integrated amp, but I like the fact that these units allow me to control my selection via a phone app (my phone is an LGv20 w/ Android 7).  Since I tend to listen to albums rather than individual songs or even playlists, the lack of this convenience is not a deal killer for me.


128x128markainsworth

Steve McCormack could probably give you an assessment over the phone. He's an honest person. Not sure how expensive, you might consider upgrading at the same time. I've had mine upgraded by Steve to Gold and highly recommend it. Best of luck.

~Tom


Might not be too bad of an idea.  The item was purchased at an estate sale.  The seller says it works.  But that might just mean that it powers up.
I am replacing an old AV receiver that powers up just fine.  It is very quiet.  Too quiet.

Count me in the high power/high current camp for the 1.7i. That is a great speaker but it needs power to sound its best. I have the MMGs and have used various amps to include a tube amp. The best match is a Parasound A21.....by a wide margin. I would not use a receiver to power these planar speakers. I would not choose the McCormack or the A23. Perhaps if the McCormack was beefed up. I would look for a quality dual/mono design amp or a stereo amp with a very big transformer and large capacitance. The 1.7i really deserves the power to sing sweetly. IMHO