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Amplifier for Magnepan 20.1s

I currently have Magnepan 20.1 speakers driven by Pass Labs X250.5 amp with Audio Research Ref 3 Preamp and Ref 8 CD player. Pass Xono phonostage, VPI ref superscoutmaster/Dynavector xv1s cart. My room is 16'W X 26'L X 10'H. I have a dedicated 30amp circuit breaker for this room only. I am considering changing my amplifier. Should I upgrade to the Pass Labs X350.5, X600.5, or should I go with the Audio Research Ref 210s (since I love the sound that was created since adding my other Audio Research products but the Ref 610Ts are out of my range and also would probably draw too much power for my circuit to handle). My only concern: is there enough power to produce a dynamic sound that wont go mushy in the bass? What should I do?
powerdoctor
teajay
1,333 posts
 
Hi Powerdocter,

Your really asking two different questions in my opinion:

1) Since you seem enamored of the Audio research house sound, this question really resolves around if the AR 210s would have enough current/watts to drive your 20.1's. I believe they would.

2) The second question would be if you stuck with Pass Labs, which amp to go for. My personal taste is Pass Labs over Audio Research amps, but not going up in the X.5 series for Maggies, but the XA.5 series amps. I would suggest you try a pair of XA-100.5's, which make magic with your 20.1's and sound alot different then your X-250.5 does now.

Have you ever considered bi-amping your 20.1's? I have never heard a pair of either 20 or 20.1's really give their sonic best without being bi-amped and getting rid of the passive x-over that Magnapan provides. Also do you have your 20.1's on MyeSound stands, if not I strongly suggest you make this move before you do anything upstream, you will be shocked at how these stands bring Maggies to a much higher level of sonic performence. For details on these stands or Pass Labs XA-.5 amps take a look at my reviews of both here on the GON.
thesoundhouse
247 posts
 
Something big and powerful!
cwlondon
1,198 posts
 

Bryston monoblocks and Parasound are often recommended for Magnepans.

Other than biamping as Teajay mentions above, it seems the consensus is that more power yields a bigger benefit than incremental increases in quality.

I have always wondered about Pass Labs for my Tympanis, but for some reason, no one seems to ever shout Pass from the rooftops when recommending amps for these speakers.

So you might very well improve upon your current set up and good luck.
magfan
1,583 posts
 
Just curious about cost. could someone just list 'em in order of cost?

20 series maggies are a hi-$$ speaker, and maybe not enough are in circulation to get the 'buzz' going? I think known Magnepan characteristics trump this, though.
With proper synergy of upstream components, I'll bet that any of the ref'd amps will work just fine. Bi-amp? You Bet!
A few people out there would even add Mac to the list...in the form of the large monoblocs. Others may like the Spectron amps.....
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