Best Amps for Magneplanar 1.7i Speakers


I have a new pair of Magneplanar 1.7i speakers. Source material is CDs played on an  OPPO 105D disc player, and Qobuz streamed through the OPPO. Current amplification is Rogue Audio Sphinx (version 1). I have an old B&W powered subwoofer (ASW2000)  connected to the subwoofer outputs on the Sphinx. Listening room is about 15’x14’, ceiling height 9’. The sound quality is reasonably good but at times it feels a little underpowered. I’d welcome thoughts  on whether the Sphinx is enough amplifier for the speakers and what other amplifiers (integrated or pre- and power-amp combinations) might work well? Especially interested in views regarding tubes versus solid state. Budget for the amp or amp combo is $4,000 to $8,000. Thanks in advance!

kevin1956

Showing 4 responses by secretguy

My old Anthem integrated was feature in an article (I'll never find it) as being a superb match with Maggies. And it was. So much so that I upgraded to a new Anthem.

I did use tubes for about a year....Rogue Cronus Magnum. It sounded fine and had ample power, but the excess heat wasn't acceptable in my hot climate.

I can't recommend the Anthem STR enough. A superb piece. There's a reason it's still on Stereophile's Class A list years after introduction.

@krelldreams Great post! One of the many fallacies about Maggies is their need for crazy power.