2. amps-preamps
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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 1 response by jji666

jji666
580 posts
 

Mine are actively biamped with a Marchand crossover and a Classe CA-200 (treble, mid) and a Nakamichi PA7.  Active biamping is really the way to use budget amps; Maggies are very easy because of the external crossovers.

Look for an amp that doubles watts from 8 to 4 ohms.  That means good high current.  Don’t listen to anyone who suggests bridging an amp into your Maggies.  Not a great idea with most amps to bridge into 4 ohms.

budget amps used with decent success on my Maggies:

Krell KAV 250a - doubles into 4 ohms and stays cool

Parasound A21 - also muscular 

Levinson 23

i also love the Proceed HPA2 as suggested above.  

Maggies are incredibly sensitive to placement and toe in angle.

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