Best Cheap Amps for Magneplanar Speakers

Classe' DR-9. $1k for stereo. $2k for monoblocks, either bi-amp or bridged mono.

Best to you Randy,
Dave

Sorry Randy. I bought three of them about 6 months ago and I haven’t seen one for sale since. The "Fifteen" is also one of the best amps ever from Classe and within your target price range. May be easier to find and is superb. Current out the ying-yang to drive those Maggies and excellent tonal balance. Not dark-sounding like the DR-15/25. Just right. Must run SE (RCA). Using the XLR inputs hurts the sound of the early Classe amps.

http://www.stereophile.com/solidpoweramps/1194classe/index.html

Just found this:
http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649311643-classe-dr8-power-amplifier-audiophile-quaility-mint...

Remember, these amps double down as impedance halves just like a great amp should. Way outperform their specs.

Best to you Randy,
Dave

Great to hear from you after all this time frogman. Hope all is well.

Berning is a great suggestion.

Best to you frogman,
Dave

"You need the most watts you can (Maggies like power) get but luckily current does not matter..."

From Magnepan’s web site:

"What is the best amplifier for Magneplanars?"

"The short answer is direct-coupled, Class A/B designs with high current capability."

"There is a persistent impression that the larger Maggies require more power. It is true that most customers with the more expensive models have more powerful amplifiers. But, the popular assumption is not correct. They typically have a larger budget. If and when you upgrade your electronics is a separate decision."

I would assume that the manufacturer knows what works best, Randy.

Dave

"Do a search for any of the Nelson Pass Threshold Stasis series has worked for me for 30 years of Magnepans."

http://www.ebay.com/itm/322363543402?rmvSB=true

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Threshold-Stasis-Model-2/132025568341?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D38530%26meid%3D98793960f78b4b65b83dd19a9b1e508f%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D322363543402

"a sense of dimensionality and separation front to back and not just side to side, a sense of aliveness by way of subtle dynamic gradations and not just the ability to play really loud, and inner detail in the texture of the sound of instruments."

frogman,

I have achieved these results by introducing a ModWright 5400ES (tubes in power supply and player) into my otherwise SS equipment chain. IME, the better SS gear can partner with a great tube front-end to deliver both the realism and musicality you describe while also providing transparency and the current delivery to really wake up the most difficult to drive speakers, even at lower volume.

Best to you frogman,
Dave

"With the Maggies, I like the sound of the 100w tubed Rogue even better than the 300w ss Ayre and at half the cost."

A very strong endorsement from someone with direct experience with fine exemplars of each type. Sounds like the Rogue is worthy of serious consideration, Randy.

Best to you Randy and Jim,
Dave

Hey frogman,

Still very pleased with the TNT/ET Two largely thanks to you and Chris. The MW player is giving it a real challenge I must admit, even on Redbook. Never would have thought that possible from digital before. Tubes done right...

Thanks again for all your help and Happy New Year!
Dave

Randy,

It would be a miracle to find a new SS amp for $1k that will outperform your Sunfire.

Dave

See Randy’s earlier post, unsound. Don’t shoot the messenger!

Best to you unsound. Wishing you a Happy New Year,
Dave

Except that they are not new.

Best to you unsound,
Dave

Back at you Randy. Happy New Year!

Dave

Hey Randy,

I don't think ebm is the seller or anything of the sort. Just feels that this would be a great amp for you and knows that one will go fast at that price. Kinda like the DR-8 that sold hours after I posted about it.

Not questioning your approach. It's your call to buy or not buy anything.

Best to you Randy,
Dave