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Amplifier for Magnepan 20.1s

I currently have Magnepan 20.1 speakers driven by Pass Labs X250.5 amp with Audio Research Ref 3 Preamp and Ref 8 CD player. Pass Xono phonostage, VPI ref superscoutmaster/Dynavector xv1s cart. My room is 16'W X 26'L X 10'H. I have a dedicated 30amp circuit breaker for this room only. I am considering changing my amplifier. Should I upgrade to the Pass Labs X350.5, X600.5, or should I go with the Audio Research Ref 210s (since I love the sound that was created since adding my other Audio Research products but the Ref 610Ts are out of my range and also would probably draw too much power for my circuit to handle). My only concern: is there enough power to produce a dynamic sound that wont go mushy in the bass? What should I do?
powerdoctor

Showing 2 responses by dev

dev's avatar
dev
832 posts
 
I owned 20.1's save up and get a a pair of ARC 610T's that you mentioned and you are done.

I had the REF3 and 610T combo and it was amazing.

So you said that currently the 610T's are out of reach so below is my list for recomendation;

- MyeSound stands (I did not see you referring to having such, as per what Teajay recommended, a must 1ST purchase)
- keep your Ref3, great pre and pairs up nicely with allot of amps
- Pass XA-100.5's mono's (second purchase)

You are done for a while.

If you want to upgrade further down the road either go the bi-amp route as per Teajay's set-up or sell your at that point sell your Pass XA-100.5's and get a pair of 610T's.

I have owned X600.5's, ARC 210 and many others, for your speakers no no to the 210's, X600.5's will be nice but not compare sonically to the XA-100.5's.

Enjoy!

dev's avatar
dev
832 posts
 
Powerdocter, those will be an upgrade over what you currently have but will not compare to the XA-100.5's mono's.

Ref2 suppose to be a great phono and paired up with your Ref3 is a no brainer.

Enjoy!
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