2. amps-preamps
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Best Preamp/Amp Combo for Maggie 1.6QR's?

I have tried Melos SHA-1/Aragon 4004 MkII combo with moderate success but it is on the dark side, not much bloom or 3D sound. Mostly using Cambridge Audio Azure 640 V2 (Very Nice) with Kimber interconnect.

I am thinking maybe a tube pre and solid state high current power.
Does anyone have some suggestions?
Willing to purchase used and like to keep the combo in the $2 to $3K range. System in basement, quite quiet approx. 16' deep x 18" wide, 6.9" drop ceiling carpeted and paneled with dedicated power direct to circuit breaker, double studed walls and insulation.
I will trade VOLUME for MUSICALITY!
krause4000

Showing 2 responses by mrtennis

mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
solid state amps and panel speakers is a recipe for disaster. why ? magnepans are known for their ability to resolve subtle details. they are not attenuated in the treble region. solid state amps will accentuate the flaws in recordings. why be a masochist ? get tubes. you don't need more than 25 watts, as long as you don't need to generate more than 85 db in a moderate size room.

if your room is bigger, 75 to 100 watts may be required.

my suggestion is based upon personal experience. i am currently using a 25 watt amp on 1.6s . it is sufficient for my needs.
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
if you consider what music is--pitch,timbre and harmonics, you can see why a lower power amp may create greater realism with respect to timbre.

i hosted an audio meeting and many preferred a 2.5 watt ampolifier over a 120 watt amp--both tubes. voices and instruments were more natural sounding with the 2.5 watt amp.

resolution isn't that important. most stereo systems have more detail than live music.
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