2. amps-preamps
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Magnepan LRS- what amp should i consider? (sub $2,000)

Howdy!   Help !
I'm not very current on high end equipment these days- I bought my Vandersteen 2CE's about 20 years ago, and haven't been tracking the market since.   

But, since I'm going to "test drive" a pair Magnepan's LRS soon - I need to lasso a more powerful and detailed amp (my Adcom 50 wpc thang is not gonna cut it).  I could go new or used. I listen to a lot of Jazz and G  Dead, and often play things loud.  The room is 11 x 21, and has some useful sound absorbing panels behind the listening "station".

I'd really appreciate any thoughts on a suitable power amp or integrated amp - at a somewhat reasonable price. And- given the rest of my qwipment (noted below) should I invest in some cables & interconnects too?

My (fairly humble, but exciting) system:
Harmon Kardon T60 TT w/a Audio Technica VM 540 ML stylus-  running thru a Nakamichi 610 preamp.  I'm streaming my >8,000 song iTunes library from an Apple TV box into a Cambridge Audio DAC 100. Also have a HSU sub hooked in too. I don't own any fancy cables or interconnects.

Thanks!
philvk16

Showing 6 responses by philvk16

philvk16 OP
6 posts
 
@jasonbourne52.  Thanks for the suggestion- It's a really refreshing and reasonable option for powering a 4 ohm speaker.

philvk16 OP
6 posts
 
Thanks for the suggestion- I'll review their blurbs.
Have you had a bad experience with the Crown power amp(s)?

philvk16 OP
6 posts
 
@johnto-  Thanks for the tip/recommendation on the Parasound Hint Halo. That sounds like a solid option (at the upper end of what I can afford). I like the way that Parasound has integrated  subwoofer connections and level adjustments- seems very sensible and useful in my current setup.
philvk16 OP
6 posts
 
Thanks to all of you folks for the cautions, comments, recommendations and support. You've offered very useful stuff to ponder and research.  It's much appreciated.
philvk16 OP
6 posts
 
THANKS to all of you for your thoughts and targeted steering. I've had a good time researching all of the leads mentioned here. Crown amps have prompted the most comments, and are the (controversial!) value choice!  In a middle price range, the Bryston and Oddessy offerings make a lot of sense-  and look to be a good match for the quirky Magnepan load. If I decide to splurge, the Parasound Hint Halo or a Hegel integrated look really attractive too . . . 
Today, I'm leaning towards the Odessey Stratos (150wpc at 8 ohms): Love the reviews, the 20 year warranty, the long term manufacturing experience on their product line, and their focus on made in USA. At $1,400, it leaves room for some decent cables.

Cheers!

Phil
philvk16 OP
6 posts
 
@skiguy. Thanks for the very detailed rundown on your LRS setup and qwipment. Sounds like you’ve been finessing that room big time!  I appreciate that you’ve shared such a lot of your experience with the Maggie’s- very interesting and helpful!  
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