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New to Magnepan, a volume question

Hello, new to Audiogon and Magnepan both.  I just acquired a pair of used MMG's and I'm really enjoying them, especially on certain types of music; acoustic jazz, vocal, and small to mid scale classical.  My problem with them is that I run out of volume knob with my current set up.  It is:  Schitt Saga preamp and Adcom GFA-555 amp.  The Saga is basically a passive preamp, it doesn't add any gain to the signal, and though I love the sound, full volume with this pairing gets me to just below an average listening level, no where to go when I want to push the envelope.  Will I get to higher SPL's using the passive with more wattage as long as the amp is a high current design?  The amps I'm considering are McCormick DNA-500, Bryston 7B ST or SST, and Bel Canto REF600 or REF1000 if I can find them.  I'm looking to build a better power amp foundation for the system of the future, as I can see now I may very well be heading toward larger Magnepans or electrostatic speakers in time.  I have a other preamps that will add gain, but they don't sound as good as the Schitt, and do push the Adcom to flashing lights when I get closer to where I want to be volume-wise.  Looks to me like the Adcom, as much as I have loved it, doesn't cut the mustard with 4 ohm loads.  I have heard that Bryston is a natural match for Magnepans, and also the they sound somewhat dull or flat.  Good reviews from users for the McCormick, and yes and no about class D amps (the Bel Cantos) with Magnepans.  I admit, I'm all at sea...  Any advice appreciated.
dprincipato
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almarg
8,673 posts
 
P.P.S:  A correction to my earlier post.  When I said "an input of 1.75 volts would produce the amp’s rated output of 325 watts into 4 ohms" I should have said 1.6 volts, not 1.75 volts.

Regards,
-- Al
 
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kalali
1,645 posts
 

Al, thanks as always for your input. As can experiment, I took my Schiit Sys out of the closet and replaced my Adcom GFP-750 driving my GFA-555 in my upstairs (analog only) system. I also dragged out my old DVD player and plugged it into the Sys. In my small room, I can go just over half way on the volume knob before it gets too loud for me. I was tempted to try hooking up my turntable but wasn't sure how to ground it. I suspect I would have had issues getting the volume high enough using the turntable. I do have very efficient speakers in this room @ 94dB.

I think in the OP's case, as Al mentioned, it would be important to know what source component is being used to cause the symptoms observed. A turntable could most definitely result in the low volume condition.

johnto
183 posts
 
I second the Maggie ,Parasound Integrated recommendations . I used one with 1.7i for a year and just took a step up to the 3.7i the sound is fast and musical with plenty of power. You can always go the used route for $1500 - $1800. The phono section is a great plus as it takes mm and mc carttidges. Don’t think you’ll find better sound or quality for the $$.
malthuse
18 posts
 
You have a mismatch there, the Maggie’s have low sensitivity so require a coup,e of extra points on the volume knob, couple that with using a passive that also adds a coup,e of points and you’re maxed out.  I have this with my setup.  I use an active preamp with ss for big, loud, pieces and when I want quieter songs, like solo voice I switch tompassive and tubes.  I would suggest a tube pre to take some of the edge off the Maggie’s.
satow
2 posts
 
I own the Schiit Saga Preamp and the Adcom GFA-5800 amp.

There is either something wrong with your GFA-555 amp or maybe the source.   The GFA-555 is plenty powerful to drive the MMGs to a loud level.   

You did not mention your source of music.   If you are using a turntable, the Schiit Saga preamp does not have a phono input.  It is all line level.   You need to use a phono preamplifier between the turntable and preamp.   

If you have a CD player, you should connect that to your preamp to see if anything has changed.
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