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

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 may have already commented about the Voyager GaN 350 amp. I just one FS on USAudioMart at a terrific price. He's in IN. Also saw a Project- RS2 dac/pre that should be a great match

Forget the amp. Change the crossover first.

The crossover is complete junk, it’s the choke point in your system.

Use quality caps and a 12 gauge foil Inductor.

Ditch all internal stock wiring as well.

Bryston is reputed to be a good match with Maggies, and this 4B-SST2 has ample power to drive your speakers…
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649923203-bryston-4b-sst2/

Matching the Bryston with this excellent LTA ZOTL tube preamp I’d think would produce glorious sound along with just a bit of that tube magic…

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisb062c-linear-tube-audio-microzotl-preamplifier-tube

Or you could go with a Bryston BP26 preamp for synergy with the amp…

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisb1fi8-bryston-bp26-stereo-preamplifier-remote-ps-3-power-supply-black-45883-solid-state

Hope this helps, and best of luck.