2. amps-preamps
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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
nolitan
865 posts
 
i'd include the audio research vs110 in that list.
dbdeeb OP
15 posts
 
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?
poul
3 posts
 
I am running my Maggie 3.6s with one Butler 2250. I prefer it to my VTL ST 150 and Theta Dreadnaught. Just seems more effortless. A great amp for the price.
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
hi audiokinesis:

i have owned two different models of maggies, my friend has mg 3 and i have heard the 3.6s, numerous times, as well as the 20s and 20.1s. there is nothing warm and lush about magnepans. if anything, they tend to sound top heavy and bright and fatiguing unless integrated with the appropriate electronics.

when i heard the wolcott amps with the 3.6s, the demonstartaion was hosted by mr. wolcott himself. i trust the set up was optimal.

a ribbon tweeter is never warm and lush.
dbdeeb OP
15 posts
 
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...
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