2. amps-preamps
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opinions on amp for Totem Mani Sigs

I am powering my Mani's with a Musical Fidelity a5.5 (250 per side into 8 ohms, 400 into 4 ohms). The amp is satisfactory for the most part,but seems a lack a bit of oomph when I listen to high volume R&R. Lots of mani owners suggest Simaudio I-7 integrated and Plinius 9200 but I am now looking at going the separates route. Some recommended amps+ pre which might hit my price point of <$5K:

Sim W-5/P-5 (used)
Bryston 4B SST plus pre

The Plinius SB-300/301 plus pre (may be to too pricey even used)

What about the Pass 250.5 plus X-1 pre? Pass amps appear to pack plenty of juice and look mighty sexy but I haven't seen comments about how Pass matches up synergy-wise with the manis. I am looking to make a major step up if I spring for the extra dough, other wise I will stay put with the MF a5.5. Anyone care to offer an opinion?
tbone1
5 responses Add your response
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,199 posts
 
I'd love to hear the Manis in my system with the ARC sp16 pre and Bel Canto ref1000m mono blocks.

I run a pair of Dynaudio Contour 1.3mkii monitors, which is not too far removed from what I've heard with Manis, with this combo and I think Mani's would really shine.

I've heard the Dynaudios sound a touch hot in comparison off a Musical FIdelity A3CR amp I had prior, and same with the Mani's at a dealer running off newer, larger McIntosh SS amplification.

Class D amps with quality power supplies like the Bel Cantos in general are a good match I would bet in that they are powerful with little or no fatigue factor with most everything I have tried them with. A good well matched tube pre-amp doesn't hurt either.
bdgregory
1,712 posts
 
I'm not familiar with any of the amps you mention, but I drive my manis with monoblocks/preamp - the amps are rated at 400 w @ 4 ohms, and do just fine. I find it peculiar that your MF amp leaves you wanting unless it's simply much over rated on output.
tbone1 OP
20 posts
 
I think that my Musical Fidelity amp may be taxed by the low impedance curve of the mani-2's. They are said to go as low as 2 ohms and I am not sure that the MF amp can deliver the required current
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,199 posts
 
Thorn,

I wouldn't say the MF can't do it, but I suspect that other amps can do it better. Few integrateds are champs at delivering lots of current. Separates are generally able to do it better and more cost effectively.

I think current delivery matters a lot with the mani's. You want an amp that is a champ at delivering current into low impedance for best results with those.
tbone1 OP
20 posts
 
a few of the McCormack amps like they might be up to the challenge too plus at a good price used(DNA-2, DNA-225 and DNA 500). Not as sexy looking as the Pass amps with the big blue meter, but stable down to 1 ohm with high current.
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