The Marantz PM15S1 for a grand that's for sale now on Audiogon would be a fabulous amp for your SMGa speakers. I owned SMGa's for many years, a very nice speaker for classical music. I know some will prefer the tube route, but my tastes (in your price range) would lean to the solid state side. The SMGa needs all the extension that can be coaxed out of it in the treble region, it's less than incisive in that region. Another possibility would be the little PS Audio C-100 integrated. Maggies and PS Audio amps work well together in my experience. In this range of components, you are wasting energy and money worrying too much about speaker cables. They just aren't revealing enough to lay bare the differences. I'd buy something like one of Supras or Furutech's modestly priced offerings and be done with it. Furutech speaker cable (DIY from someone like the partsconnexion) has excellent clarity and extension in the treble region which would complement the slightly rolled off treble of the SMGa well.
Integrated amplifier for Magneplanar SMGA
I have a pair of used SMGa Magneplanar which are in very good condition. I am looking for a used solid integrated amplifier that would go well with them. I would spend a maximum of 1000$ (less would be better). I only need 1 or 2 or 3 input sources (for cd player, HTPC, and aux), a power button and a volume knob. No need for treble, bass and balance adjustments. I say I could be very happy with a one source input if the quality and the price were advantageous and I wouldn't mind to plug and unplug the sources every time I need to change. The only thing I am looking for (cause I'm on a budget) is quality of the sound (and not how loud it can play) and a good bargain.
for your information if it helps: I mainly listen to classical music.
I'm currently borrowing a 50 watts per channel Rotel RA-840BX2. What do you think of it?
Any suggestions for an integrated amp that would sound great with these magneplanar?
Also, I would like recommendations for speaker cables that would sound great with SMGa.
thank you very much
for your information if it helps: I mainly listen to classical music.
I'm currently borrowing a 50 watts per channel Rotel RA-840BX2. What do you think of it?
Any suggestions for an integrated amp that would sound great with these magneplanar?
Also, I would like recommendations for speaker cables that would sound great with SMGa.
thank you very much