Is a Bryston 3B SST2 enough for Magnepan 3.7i or 20.7?

Thanks for the responses.  

My plan is to take the Bryston into the dealer to demo it with the 3.7s.  The dealer believes the Bryston has enough power for the maggies but he is more than happy to let me demo the amp there.

Wow, great to hear that you think the 3B SST² will be enough for the 3.7i's.  I was really just looking to go to the 3.7's and the 20.7s are a bit out of my price range at this time in my life.  Definitely a future upgrade possibility though.  My guy at my local dealership did also state that the 3B may not be enough for the 20.7s, so it would be upgrades in both areas, amp and speakers.   Its good to have upgrades to look forward too.  

I agree with you on the BP26, definitely the heart and sole of my system, a spectacular pre amp for the money.  I went from my 30+ year old Bryston .5B pre amp, and 3B amp, and the difference was a very pleasant surprise.  Every aspect of the sound, the clarity, detail and depth was better with the newer Bryston's.

Thanks for the comments.  

I did want to add that I am not considering buying the speakers used.  I want to get New to be able to go through the break in period with the Magnepan's.  It has been a great experience with the .7's, and one I look forward to.  I also really want to be able to support my local dealer, he is one of the last high end audio dealers in the area, and I have known and worked with him for over 30 years.

So let me ask these questions: 

I listen to music at low volume levels most of the time. As a reference when I say low, the volume control on the BP26 is at 9:00 or less.

Is it only a matter of not being able to listen to music at a loud level?

Or will the speakers just not sound as good as they could at any volume level?

Thanks to all of you for your comments and recommendations.  

I will add that the 3B SST² has plenty of power for the Magnepan .7's.  I have brought the volume up to clipping on the amp and I am not detecting any distortion that is concerning at all.  Amp clipping begins at 12:00 on the volume dial.  Of course this was only for a short time, and as I said before, I listen with the volume control at 9:00 or less 90% of the time.  I'm leaning towards, and believe that the 3B will power the 3.7i's very well for my listening.  

I also plan on taking the 3B into my dealer to audition it with the 3.7i's.  If I like what I hear I will then audition the speakers with a much higher power amp and compare.  If I am not happy, I will then have to discuss amp upgrades with him also.

Happy listening to all,

GK

rlb61,

I agree with all you have said in your post.  I am currently waiting to get the funds together to make the 3.7i purchase.   I'll le you all know how it turns out.

GK