2. amps-preamps
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Okay I Bought the Magnepan 3.6's

Okay, I actually purchased the Magnepan 3.6's; now it's amp research time! Temporarily running them with my 22 year old NAD 2200PE (don't laugh, it still works!)...and they sound decent in my 17 x 26 room. However as it has been said before, 'Scotty, I need MORE POWER!'...

After some feedback on the Parasound and big Macs, I have been leaning more towards one of the Pass Labs. (Good deals abound on used ones)... So, which way to go? These look very promising:

X250.5
X350.5
or even the XA60.5 (Pricey!!!)...

Thoughts and recommendations? Also, safe to run a tube preamp in front of these?
stickman451

Showing 9 responses by stickman451

stickman451 OP
553 posts
 
Lak,

did you do some detailed comparisons between the SX 1000's and other big $$$ muscle amps? I happen to live very close one of their distributors so most likely I could get a loaner.
stickman451 OP
553 posts
 
By chance I have managed to lay my hands on a loaner McIntosh 402...will try that on the new 3.6's just to get a good bearing on what a modern muscle amp (400 Watts and lots of current) can provide. Has anyone tried this Mc on their own 3.6's? What kind of results did you get?
stickman451 OP
553 posts
 
Forgot! What about just a X150.5, would that be enough POWER?
stickman451 OP
553 posts
 
Thanks! Will do. Listening at this moment; Alison Krauss and Union Station Live, a great album. Highly recommended!
stickman451 OP
553 posts
 
Okay, it's still early, but my initial reactions to the Mac 402 are not knocking my socks off.. Sounds a little slow, too laid back and too polite, lacking some speed and rhythm, and the bass is absent... Haven't given up yet; will let them play a few more hours and let them cook overnight...

Maybe I am headed for a Pass.
stickman451 OP
553 posts
 
I wondered if the 150.5 would be enough for the 3.6's in my room which is 17w x 26l x 9h. Or, maybe the 250.5?
stickman451 OP
553 posts
 
thanks for the recommendations. I noticed that all three of the X150.5's listed have been sold!
stickman451 OP
553 posts
 
They are dealer demos, well broken-in... So, you don't think that a Pass X150.5 will do the job?

Yes, I will look at the Brystons too...
stickman451 OP
553 posts
 
Thanks for all the very interesting feedback, comments, and recommendations. My final analysis of the Mac 402 is that it is not the amp I want for my rig and my new 3'6's... I'll have to look elsewhere. Still leaning towards one of the Pass or possibly trying the Wyred 4 Sound ST-1000; in any case I am still looking!

If you happen to live in the Atlanta area and have one of these, please let me know.
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