I just visited an audio friend who has the Magenapan 3.7i' powered by a very highly respected, with good reason, integrated amp with high current capabilities and a well matched pair of subwoofers. This guy is a sophisticated and highly respected audiophile AND passionate music lover. One could make the case that this would be considered "high end" audio at the pinnacle of performance. We all understand that hyperbole, at least some of us might in the context of who says so? I must say I was impressed, it was quite easy to be impressed. Can it be sustained over long term listening? This was a few days ago, exactly a week after I had just received my new pair of Magenapan 1.7.i speakers. Reason I purchased was last listen to this same system 2 months earlier prior to intro of the subs.
Fast forward to my initial intro. When I arrived home I listened to my new speakers with QS Silver 88 monos with a beloved Conrad Johnson preamp, a very satisfying combo. The difference between his system and mine was startling. Most notably dynamics, bass impact and the extension in the upper frequencies. Or maybe a difference in the tweeters of the speakers?
Audio is about serving the music we love. The priorites we have predicate the choices we make. Experience helps with those choices. My choices may be different than another but the MOST important factor isn't what anyone else likes or thinks is best. Now the point, does QS amplification play with the big boys? Based on my experience and for the 7 years I've owned this amplifier and heard with numerous speakers is absolutely a YES! Does it have the absolute resolution (maybe) and dynamics of the above system, definitely not! Our rooms are different our speakers are different our priorities differ as well. All I can say is even though Mike Sanders told me my amps wouldn't be the best choice with my 1.7i speakers, they draw me in for hours of blissful enjoyment. Bass is rounded and tuneful, midrange and upper frequencies can make you shed tears, if inclined to such a reaction especially on choral, oh my what a great match. The harmonic resolution these amps are capable of take a backseat to nothing in my experience, piano can sound so real on the best recordings, oh and string quartets too. Not to worry they also are quite satisfying on rock. When you factor in the prices these amps sell for and upgrades possible, you end up with an exceptional value. What is the secret sauce? My guess and bet is the transformers, isn't that generally the case in the best tube designs? The more expensive amps may have better component parts and in some cases larger power supplies that might make such amp a better choice in a given application, that's the only difference I can make out. Good is good, better and best is left to the buyer to decide.
