I wonder about the concept of "over-tubing" since modern tube hifi amps seem to have more sparkle and low level detail retrieval than SS amps amps generally can muster, although people of course do enjoy SS tone anyway. The claims that SS provides more "bass slam" also must simply be due to the large wattage many SS amps can provide, as I've enjoyed some very accurate bass from even my little 12WPC single ended amp (albeit with efficient speakers). I admit to utilizing SS subs in my rig as my speakers don't have enough low bass, but they're task specific and nobody makes tube subs anyway...mine get their signal from the tube amp (RELs utilizing the "high level" input) so there's that.
Amplification for Magico S1 (mk i)
Hello,
I could use some advice.
I own a pair of Magico S1 (mk i) and I was running them with a Mcintosh 7000. I didn't love the sound- soundstage seemed a little too recessed and flat; on the other hand the width was quite good. What is interesting, and which surpised me, was that the Mac had to work hard to drive the S1's which are not an the easiest load at 4ohm (which can dip to a tad over 3) and have a sensitivity of 86db. Still the Mac should not have had any problems negotiating this speaker so I was a little puzzled- on several occasions the Mac clipped without playing particularly load.
Anyway, it turns out the Mac had something wrong with it and it is now in for service. In the meantime, when I got the Magico's I was planning to move to separates anyway which brings me to the original question- what amplification might work well?
I currently own a Primaluna Dialogue premium pre-amp which I always wanted to try. So now I am looking for some good amplifier choices. I have the possibility of picking up a pair of rogue M180's but I have also been very intrigued by some of the new interesting solid state options that have cropped recently- namely:
PS Audio M700
Benchmark AHB2 (single unit in stereo)
I am trying to stick to somewhere around $3k, new or used, and these seem like some very exciting products. I realize I will only be able to judge with my own ears but I would be interested in hearing your views and considerations as to which way to go (including the rogue).
Many thx.
I could use some advice.
I own a pair of Magico S1 (mk i) and I was running them with a Mcintosh 7000. I didn't love the sound- soundstage seemed a little too recessed and flat; on the other hand the width was quite good. What is interesting, and which surpised me, was that the Mac had to work hard to drive the S1's which are not an the easiest load at 4ohm (which can dip to a tad over 3) and have a sensitivity of 86db. Still the Mac should not have had any problems negotiating this speaker so I was a little puzzled- on several occasions the Mac clipped without playing particularly load.
Anyway, it turns out the Mac had something wrong with it and it is now in for service. In the meantime, when I got the Magico's I was planning to move to separates anyway which brings me to the original question- what amplification might work well?
I currently own a Primaluna Dialogue premium pre-amp which I always wanted to try. So now I am looking for some good amplifier choices. I have the possibility of picking up a pair of rogue M180's but I have also been very intrigued by some of the new interesting solid state options that have cropped recently- namely:
PS Audio M700
Benchmark AHB2 (single unit in stereo)
I am trying to stick to somewhere around $3k, new or used, and these seem like some very exciting products. I realize I will only be able to judge with my own ears but I would be interested in hearing your views and considerations as to which way to go (including the rogue).
Many thx.