A used Sanders Magtech.
Best amp options between $2k-$4 to power Magnepan 1.7?
I currently own a PrimaLuna Prologue Premium along with a Musical Concepts modded Hafler DH-200 that had been just gathering dust. Apparently I upgraded my source chain past some critical mass over the past 2 years... when previously tried, the Hafler was more dynamic than the Prima Luna but it just didn't do anything to counterbalance the better midrangecolor and tone color solidnessof the PL... now the modded Hafler just blows away the Prima Luna for dynamics, imaging and bass foundation.
So I think I should buy a good solid state amp that will improve on the Hafler; can I find one in the $2K-$4K rangethat will also come close to the Prima Luna for tone color ability, no sandpaper on vocals and have the requisite wattagefor Magnepan?
So I think I should buy a good solid state amp that will improve on the Hafler; can I find one in the $2K-$4K rangethat will also come close to the Prima Luna for tone color ability, no sandpaper on vocals and have the requisite wattagefor Magnepan?
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I plan to upgrade because it isn’t as good an amp for voice and woodwinds. It’s a very accurate amp but the reason I originally bought the Prima Luna still holds... the MC DH200 is light on tone color and male vocals have a sandpaper sound quality. I have seen a lot of past references to Bryston and Parasound, there is a Magnepan dealer in Centreville VA I’ve bought from who carries both so I can at least audition them. Willing to travel in MD-VA-NC area if other good choices exist and can be dealer auditioned. |
The Odyssey Stratos Monos, made right hear in Indianapolis, can be had brand new, in their, "Extreme" iteration, for a few hundred under your budget max. The stereo Stratos Extreme, for less than half that. Lots of options/price points, excellent sound, a no questions/30 day return policy, plus- a transferable(to second owner), 20 year warranty. Klaus does very nice work. http://www.odysseyaudio.com/index.html |
Buy this used https://www.digitaltrends.com/amplifier-reviews/anthem-integrated-225-review/ for under $1000 and spend the rest on music. Or beer. I used one with Maggies for years...it’s a GREAT combination. |
@geek101 The 1.7’s ~4ohm from 10Hz-5kHz. It drops to 2ohm at ~13kHz and to around 1.8ohm at 20kHz (I didn’t know this, as I wouldn’t think a 4ohm speaker would drop below 2ohm, as even though most don’t follow it, the standard is for the minimum impedance to not be below 80% of the nominal (so 3.2ohm in this case)). Low impedance in the treble is far less of an issue than if it were in the bass. However yes, it won’t perform optimally. So, the regular monoblocks would be more ideal, and that’s still far more power than OP would need, plus it’s much cheaper. |
I have to cast a vote for the Macintosh MA252 Integrated Amp. With a tube front end and a very robust 100W/Ch solid state power stage, this should make Maggie 1.7s absolutely sing. That it is an integrated amp with a better than decent MM phono stage and unassailable build quality are huge bonuses. I've never been a big MacIntosh fan, but this piece has just put a giant grin on my face every time I look at it or listen to it. |
mzkmxcv, can you please post the source of measurements? The only measurements I’ve seen for Magnepans seem to show an almost constant 4 ohm resistive load across the frequency range covered by the speakers. What you indicate is more like a capacitive load that the ESL speakers present to the amplifier. |
+1 on the Parasound Halo A21 stereo power amp. This is a great amp especially for the money. Also consider the big Rotel RB-1590 stereo power amp, which is also great and very powerful and will drive your Maggies with ease. Either one of these amps will be a good choice for your Maggies and they retail for under $4k. I would give a serious consideration on the Parasound Halo A21. |
Here's a recently upgraded McCormack DNA-2 LAE a little over your price range. Good luck bettering this beast... https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9864f-mccormack-dna-2-lae-smc-audio-signature-edition-solid-sta... |