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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 Would something used and older be out of date technically in 10-15 years?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
randy-11
1,913 posts
 
Lots of good amps and ne designs out now:

Schiit Vidar as per above post
use Benchmark if you can find one
used W4S

BTW, Maggies do NOT present a difficult to drive reactive load, so see if you can return or sell those spendy speaker cables
chrshanl37
622 posts
 
Bryston.
jond's avatar
jond
3,400 posts
 
There are so many good deals on here in SS amps I would stretch your budget and buy used. Some listings that caught my eye:

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-power-amplifier-spectacular-see-pics-2018-01-02-amplif...

I used an entry level Edge amp for a while and was really impressed this G-8 looks like a steal.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-2018-01-11-amplifiers-6f37efa0-c602-4080-b362-86255088...

A pair of powerful hybrid monoblocks from Monarchy Audio highly biased into Class A these amps have a great rep and rarely come up used.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-reference-stereo-amp-2018-01-04-amplifiers

David Belles has a great rep for making high quality amps that over perform.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-2018-01-10-amplifiers-422cfe7c-c29a-4d87-b1a6-fe85eb2b...

An typically beautiful amp from Jeff Rowland from before he moved to Class D.

All of these are below your $2500 budget some significantly all were well above your budget new. If it were me I would stretch my budget buying used. Good luck and have fun with it!
donvito101
278 posts
 
Why buy used? Van Alstine amps are within your budget. Made in USA!
https://avahifi.com/collections/power-amplifiers
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
Why buy used? Well first off amplifiers really are typically bulletproof. And used saves a LOT of money.
Second, buying used means you can also SELL the amp for about the same price. So if you do not like your used amplifier. You can sell it for almost no loss. If you buy a new amp you will lose at least 30%, maybe 50%.
Bryston 4B-ST are a great value right now..several at $1,500
And a 3B-ST is only $750 wow.
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