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Replacement amp for Magnepan 2.7s?

My Aragon 4004 amp's right channel just went out due to leaking capacitors in the power supply. It's the original version (not the MKII but it has the same output transistors) and is now about 23 yrs old. I used the amp to power my Magnepan 2.7 spkrs that are 4 ohm and I think about 84-87db efficient at 1 watt. The amp and spkrs are used for both 2-channel and for front mains in HT usage. My budget is low, $600 or less, because I no longer work since having a stroke 2 yrs ago. So, I have thought of 3 options so far:

Option#1- Repair my amp for $300-$500.I contacted Rick Santiago, the new owner of Aragon, and he was very helpful in finding a local shop for repair. Upside is it's within my budget and I know I'll like the sound with my spkrs, as long as repairs are done well.Downside is there's no increase in system performance for the money spent and the amp is 23+ yrs old. I asked Rick if he would trade one of his new Aragon amps for my original 4004, so he could start a museum of all Aragon amps, but he didn't bite.

Option#2- Buy a replacement Aragon 4004 or later version 4004MKII. Upside is I know I'll like this with my setup. Downside is it's a lateral move with no clear improvement in performance and current used 4004s go for about the same amount I paid for mine about 10 yrs ago($1,000).

Option#3- Buy another high power (200-400 watts) amp that's a good match with my spkrs for both music and HT. Upside is a possible improvement in performance, if chosen wisely. Downside is my budget may be too low. I've been scouring the internet forums and reviews on newer amps and have currently narrowed it down to the following:

Wyred4sound(ST250, ST500,UPA monos or older discontinued multi-channel models). These are all based on the classD ICE modules and have plenty of power into 4 ohms. Reviews and word of mouth are both very favorable but I've never heard them. Also, I'm not seeing many of these for sale and the ST500 and monos probably exceed my budget.

PS Audio (HCA-2 or other models). All are ICE based amps with plenty of power. These also have received very good reviews but I haven't heard these either. Used offerings are slim for these, too.

Emotiva (XPA-2 or XPA-3 or other multi-channel models). These are all class A/B. Again, plenty of power, but may not offer better performance since my 4004 was also classA/B. Plus, I think the looks are a bit cheesey.

I'm currently favoring option#3, buying a high power replacement, since a different amp offers the possibility of increased performance. Please let me know your thoughts. Any suggestions of other amps or options to consider are very welcome.
Thanks,
Tim
noble100
zd542
5,339 posts
 
Tim,

I was just typing out my response to your comment on my post and was about to tell you to fix your amp since you achieved something that most audiophiles fail to do. That is, being legitimately happy with your current system. In true audiophile fashion, though, I see you through caution into the wind and became just like the rest of us; silver screws and all.

I hope the new amp works out for you. If its not too much trouble, can you post once you had a chance to listen to it. I'm sure everyone would like to hear what you think. Please be sure to note which screws sound better; black or silver.
noble100's avatar
noble100 OP
1,093 posts
 
Hi Zd542,
When I went to bed last night, you, Zavato and Csantos had me almost convinced to just repair/refurbish the Aragon. I was going to drop it off today. But this morning, I got an email from a guy selling his older Wyred4Sound amp. He said it was already sold but suggested I check out the ClassD amps. ClassD Audio's owner convinced me I should give it a shot.

You're right, I did kind of throw caution to the wind. But the Aragon's over 20 yrs old and this new one isn't even built yet. What the hell, buying a new amp is exciting. Half the fun of this hobby (obsession?)is the search for better sound and trying new equipment and new music. This amp seems really promising and I'll definitely post a thread on how it worked out within a few weeks after I get it. They're hand made to order and I hope Tom described the amp's qualities accurately. He's a really nice guy and seems trustworthy.
I should get the amp in about a week. He said my preamp and speakers should be a good match with the SDS-440CS. And yes, I'll let you know which screws, silver or black, look better.
BTW: In my last posting, I stated the amp is 600 watts @ 4ohms. It's actually 440 watts @ 4ohms. The Aragon was 400 watts @ 4ohms so that should be plenty for my spkrs.

Thanks again for your assistance,
Tim
noble100's avatar
noble100 OP
1,093 posts
 
All,

Just wanted to let everyone know that I posted a followup thread to give my thoughts on the CDA SDS-440CS amp I bought. The subject reads: "Found good amp for Magnepans". Posted today.

Thanks,
Tim
kenklein1
19 posts
 
You should definitely audition, they offer a 30 home trial, the Sanders Sound Magtech amp. The amp sounds amazing on my 1.7s with 900w/ch into 4ohms.
noble100's avatar
noble100 OP
1,093 posts
 
Kenklein1,
I'd love to test out the Magtech in my system. I've read very good reviews on this amp but it's beyond my budget.

I still can't believe how fortunate I was to find the Class D Audio 440 at only $660. It sounds better than my old Aragon in every measure. I've never experienced this quality of sound before on both 2-channel and ht. I never knew my 2.7s could produce the level and quality of bass this amp generates on good recordings (damping factor is over 1,000, I think). Needless to say, I'm a new fan of class D amps and would recommend Class D Audio's amps for any Maggie owner looking for an inexpensive amplifier to drive them extremely well. I also think my tube preamp is an important factor in the system synergy I'm now experiencing.I've only had this for a few weeks, but I couldn't be happier with this little amp.

If you live within a reasonable driving distance of Indianapolis' northern suburbs, I'd even be willing to have anyone interested over for a listen. Just send me a pm if interested but, please, no bozos.

Thanks,
Tim
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