2. amps-preamps
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HI-FI NEWBIE NEEDS HELP!

I am new to the higher end of music listening, actually I haven’t started the listening part yet. I have just purchased an Emotiva XSP-1 pre and a pair of Magnepan 1.7i’s. My listening room is 14x14 but one wall is not closed off completely and there is an additional open space connected that is 8x9. My budget has been unexpectedly diminished more by having to buy new connectors and speakers cables. I just assumed I would be able to use my old RCA connectors and my 50’ spool of speaker wire I bought from Radio Shack 25 years ago. I will pause while you laugh....Anyway, the jist of it is is that I’ve got $2500 left for an amp. I need advice on what would be good for my setup? What would last the next 25 years, as I am a poor man with expensive tastes and will probably not be able to make any further upgrades. Would something used and older be out of date technically in 10-15 years? Could I consider something new that would be adequate for that price point? Should I go mono or two channel? Thank you for your consideration and reply.
widespreadpanic
chrisoshea
116 posts
 

Welcome widespreadpanic,

After reading some of the posts in response to your question, it's not too late to sell all your gear and buy a motorcycle or boat..."He who asks questions on audiophile forums may wish they never bought that first AR turntable" I think Henry Kloss might have said that...

Just kidding..I would invite you to ignore the posts of people who scream "snake oil" and "all power amps measure and sound the same" crowd and make yourself happy with a system you can afford and enjoy.     

2channel8
634 posts
 
" 50’ spool of speaker wire I bought from Radio Shack 25 years ago. I will pause while you laugh"

I ain't laughing. Until a few weeks ago I was using Auvio Square Parallel Premium 12 AWG Speaker cable I picked up at Radio Shack for $0.48/ft. It's really good stuff, 99.95 OFC and half the strands are silver coated. I finally gave in to curiosity and replaced them with some $1,500 cables that I got for less than $100. I am very happy I didn't spend more. But that's me.
crazyeddy's avatar
crazyeddy
347 posts
 
Bryston 4BSST2 would fit your needs IMHO
dynaquest4's avatar
dynaquest4
368 posts
 
If you like the Emotiva Pre/pro, then get a used (or new equivalent) Emotiva XPA-2 power amp.  Maggies will love the 300w/8 ohm & 500w 4 Ohm power!!  New about $1000.00.  don't let others here convince you that you have to spend more.
niskymichael
15 posts
 
I’ve had Maggies for many years and currently enjoy the 1.7s in my listening room. During the last several years I’ve found that Rogue amplification really makes these speakers sing. I’ve used the  Cronus Magnum integrated that did a very nice job considering it’s  a full tube amp. However, their very reasonably priced Sphinx integrated won my heart (even when compared to its big brother the Pharaoh).  You could purchase that for well under your budget and sell your preamp, or you could check out Rogue’s very fine stereo power amps that are based on the same technology as the Sphinx. By the way, don’t let the Class D status scare you. These are very musical amps, probably due to the tube preamp sections and the linear power supplies. The Maggies love them. So do I. :)
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