Budget amp that will give Magnepan 3.6Rs better depth of soundstage


I have 3.6Rs and using Emotiva UMC200 pre/proc and an Outlaw Audio 7100 in a 14 by 14 foot room. So I don't need to turn the volume up to massive levels. The amp will do 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 165 watts per channel into 4 ohms. I have been thinking of getting a separate two channel amp for the 3.6Rs. I have read that it takes lots of current to get the best soundstage with instrument placement and depth. I am getting wide soundstage and good sound, but the depth is somewhat muddied enough to not get instrument placement. I am looking for a two channel amp that will give me more of the potential of the 3.6Rs, but be able to be purchased for less that $750 used.  Is there any amp that will be worth upgrading to for that kind of money or do I need a new pre/proc as well?

cdavis2260

Showing 2 responses by gkr7007

First thing to do is can those stock steel jumpers on the back.  I used a pair from Anticables to replace them and was blown away.  Number 2, take care of that 1st reflection off the sidewalk.  Now you're ready for an amp.  I had both an Emotiva and an Outlaw.  The Maggie's ate the Outlaw alive and the Emotiva just never let the Maggie's sing.  Had a pair of Odyssey monos made up and told Klaus (the builder) what I was trying to drive and they brought out everything I had been missing from the Maggie's.  I fronted the monos with a Don Sachs tube pre and everything that was missing came to life. Bass, which is always tough with Maggie's, became much fuller while the kids and highs just became so real.  Piano sounded like a piano.  Acoustic guitar the harmonics were all there.  Cymbals and percussion were all so dynamic and accurate.  I dont know of a budget amp that will really let those things sing.  And a budget integrated will probably let you down.  It certainly wont give you all that mb Maggie's have to offer.

First thing to do is can those stock steel jumpers on the back.  I used a pair from Anticables to replace them and was blown away.  Number 2, take care of that 1st reflection off the sidewall.  Now you're ready for an amp.  I had both an Emotiva and an Outlaw.  The Maggie's ate the Outlaw alive and the Emotiva just never let the Maggie's sing.  Had a pair of Odyssey monos made up and told Klaus (the builder) what I was trying to drive and they brought out everything I had been missing from the Maggie's.  I fronted the monos with a Don Sachs tube pre and everything that was missing came to life. Bass, which is always tough with Maggie's, became much fuller while the kids and highs just became so real.  Piano sounded like a piano.  Acoustic guitar the harmonics were all there.  Cymbals and percussion were all so dynamic and accurate.  I dont know of a budget amp that will really let those things sing.  And a budget integrated will probably let you down.  It certainly wont give you all that mb Maggie's have to offer.