Amp recommendations for Maggie 3.6?


I'm looking to spend up to $5000 for a new or used 2-channel amp. I listen to mostly classical and jazz. My present amp is a Musical Fidelity A3.2CR (130 /225w @ 8 & 4 ohms). Though I am in a mid-sized apartment, I find myself pushing the limits of the amp. I am seriously considering Odyssey Extreme monos, but am intrigued by the great press for Butler TDB220 and Moscode 401HR. Also considering used McIntosh, such as MC 402. I love the sound of tubes, yet don't want to sacrifice bass, imaging, or transparency. (I know--big wishes on a small budget!) I would appreciate your suggestions, as I have a disability which prevents traveling to audition equipment. Thanks
dbdeeb

Showing 3 responses by dbdeeb

Thanks, everyone for your feedback on amps for the Maggie 3.6--my choices are narrowing, which is a good thing. Lots of happy campers with the JC1 / Maggie combo. Also, mostly great response regarding the Wolcotts. It will likely come down to price and availability. JC1s have been around for awhile, and lots of them out there. Not necessarily so with used Wolcotts, Butlers, or Moscodes. I wrote to Butler Audio regarding their TDB220s, and they said they got "superb results" in CES 2003 pairing the Butlers (no, not the Monads)and Magnepans. The rep also stated that they can be bridged into 800w mono. (I am verifiying their 2-ohm stability.) The Butlers run $3300 new, which seems like an outstanding bargain. Hey, no Mac users out here? What's up?
Mrtennis and audiokenis--re: "bright" vs. "warm"...
What I loved about the Maggies from the first demo (with SS Musical Fidelity equipment) was their sheer resolving power. They never sounded "top heavy," "bright," or "fatiquing." However, the ribbons CAN sound bright on certain material. I am presently using Musical Fidelity A 3.2CR (SS) for power, a B & K pre, and a level-one Underwood modded Jolida (tube)CD player for source. Also, Cheetah (silver) interconnects and PS Audio Extreme statement biwire to the speakers. I also have a MF tube buffer between the amp and pre. I AM getting a sound that is more WARM and LUSH than it is bright. Tubes in the chain are pretty much necessary for the Maggies, though I know others are getting "warm and lush" results with McIntosh SS, for example. Just my thoughts to add to the mix...
Thanks, Paul...great praise for the Butler 2250. It's looking like a sweet deal...