In need of an amplifier...


Just sold a pair on Nemo monoblocks that powered a pair of Magnepan 3.6r's. I was going to sell them as well, but I just don't think I can part with them. Considering Class D amps as I don't want anything to physically large. Maybe also a stereo Bryston or McCormack? Not interested in tube amps. I have a Modwright LS 36.5 Preamp. My room is 16 x 28 but I dont really listen to LOUD music. Jazz, Vocal, NuJazz, Fusion, some 70's rock etc. Maybe 86db max 88db. Any thoughts out there? I'd really appreciate it!
zippyy
If you wish to stick with class D you might want to look at Bel Canto product. Specifically e-One 1000 or 500 monoblocks

Specs for e-One 1000
1000W into 4 ohms, >500W into 8 ohms
Minimum Load: 2 ohms
Frequency Response: +/-0.5dB 20Hz-20KHz, all loads
THD+N: 0.007% 1W, 1KHz, 4 ohms
IMD (CCIF): 0.0007%, 1W, 14:15KHz, 4 ohms
Output noise: 90uVRMS A-weighted 10Hz-20KHz
Voltage gain: 27dB (single ended or balanced input)
Damping factor: >1000
Output Impedance at 100Hz <8 milliohms
Dynamic Range: 120dB
Input Voltage for Max Output 3Vrms
Input connections: Single-ended RCA or balanced XLR
RCA input impedance: 100Kohms
Balanced input impedance: 200Kohms
Output connections: 1-set WBT 5-way safety binding posts
Standby Power: 15W
Size: 8.5x3x12[inches], 216x76x305[mm] (WxHxD)
Weight: 15lbs, 7Kg

e-One 500 specs
Power Output: 500W 4 ohms, 250W 8 ohms
Power Output 1% THD: 450W 4 ohms, 225W 8 ohms
Minimum Load: 3 ohms
Frequency Response: +/-0.5dB 20Hz-20KHz, all loads
THD+N: 0.003% 1W, 1KHz, 4 ohms
IMD (CCIF): 0.0003%, 1W, 14:15KHz, 4 ohms
Output noise: 35uVRMS A-weighted 10Hz-20KHz
Voltage gain: 27dB (single ended or balanced input)
Damping factor: >1000
Output Impedance at 100Hz <8 milliohms
Dynamic Range: 121dB
Input Voltage for Max Output 2Vrms
Input connections: Single-ended RCA or balanced XLR
RCA input impedance: 100Kohms
Balanced input impedance: 200Kohms
Output connections: 1-set WBT 5-way safety binding posts
Standby Power: 9W
Size: 8.5x3.5x12[inches], 216x76x305[mm] (WxHxD)
Weight: 15lbs, 7Kg

These have a lot of pluses they very small and have lots of power at a fairly affordable price point. However they do have the class D type sound so if possible I would suggest you take a listen before you buy.

I heard these with Maggie 3.6's and thought they did a marvelous job with them. Maggies like power and these little guys have plenty of it.

Morw info: http://www.belcantodesign.com/prodmain_amps.html
I've read several posts of people having great success with the PS Audio GCC and GCA amps and Maggies. I couldn't be happier with my GCC mated to a pair of Usher X-718's.
I am running 2 Ayre V-3s in a horizontal biamp config. to Legacy Focus 20/20s. My pre is a custom tweeked ModWright LS/PS 36.5 dual chassis pre. The combo is terrific! You can probably do a pair of used V-3s and stay within your budget. Amps are about the size of the newer V5-xes.
I've used the TAD Hibachi monos with MMGs (as well as some other speakers) and can recommend the pairing. Very compact and lightweight package, very good sound (notably warm for SS), very good value, very silly name.

Marty
Channel Islands Audio class D monoblocks come in 100 and 200 watt versions. Ithink the former runs under $1500.
I agree with Jax 2. I own an Ayre V5-xe and I love it. I have never owned maggies, but the amp itself is clean, vibrant and detailed in it's sound. even if i won the lottery I don't think I would get rid of it unless I decided to go with Ayre's monoblocs. I run Vienna acoustics Strauss through them and your listening room is almost the same size as mine. It works well with all kinds of music, from Mozart's flute concerti to Whos Next. Of course, I may be biased. I'm one of those rare birds that is actually satisfied with what I have now.
I also have Dan's 36.5 pre and am currently listening to his new KWA150 amp for the past few days, and as I write this. I'd highly recommend the combination, and that is coming from someone who normally does not prefer SS amps. If you want Class D I've enjoyed Bel Canto Ref 1000's, but they won't bring out the kind of detail and nuance this amp does. They will take no prisoners though, and may be nice for the demanding nature of your speakers. I got mine from my friend who was trying them with his 20.1's on the bass end and ultimately went for powerful tube amps there. Since you seem to be set on solid state options, the other I'd point you to that I've tried with the 36.5 pre, and is a good combination in my system, is the Ayre V5xe. Dan's own amp goes superbly well with his own pre (both designed in large part by Alan Kimmel). Disclaimer: Dan is a client. I am not using Magnepan's either so my recommendations are based on my own system which is playing through Coincident speakers. The Ayre and Dan's amp are right around the same price, while you'll be able to find the Ayre used for around $2800. You won't find Dan's amp on the used market at this point. Dan's is class A for the first few watts then it goes into A/B. The Ayre, I believe, is Class A.
I'll fess up, I'm selling one. But the TRL D225 is the best amp I've ever heard. All of the typical audiophile adjectives fail to do it justice. Do a search here and check out what everyone has to say about it.

E-
Swampwalker, I'm really scaling back on my equipment right now. I have other things I want to pursue and I have less time for music. I'd like to buy something here on Audiogon used for under $3500. I'd like to fine either 2 small monblocks or a small stereo amp. I'm not really interested in putting two large mono's on the floor between the speakers right now. Does this help?
Thanks.