2. amps-preamps
  3. 148006-93722

Power Amp advice

I am looking for advice on a power amp to drive my Magnepan 1.7i's.  My source is my Cambridge Network player which I use to stream Tidal.  My preamp is Tube unit: Transcend 6SN7 Line Stage by Aric Audio.  My current amp is a Parasound HCA2200.  The Parasound has lately developed an annoying hum.  I was thinking of getting it repaired, but thought that now might be a good time to upgrade that 30 year old piece.

I was looking for advice on a good match for the preamp/speaker combination.  My budget is around $2,000.  I don't mind buying used.  I was thinking to go with tubes, but I fear that any tube amp with enough oomph to properly drive those Maggies would be well outside of my budget.

Discussions here are always thoughtful, so I am looking forward to what you folks have to share.

Thanks,
Mark 
markainsworth

Showing 1 response by azbrd

azbrd
102 posts
 
I have had a Maggie speaker since the 1980s, started with the MGIII, then 3.7 and finally the 20.7s.  The 3.7s and 20.7s with Mye stands.
For the MGIIIs the best amp I had for them was a Bryston 4BST, on the 3.7s and 20.7s I tried a MC452 which was the worst of all amps, no guts, then tried a Sanders Magtech which was better but not as good as as Bryston 14B3.  There is a reason why Magnepan & Bryston are demoed together, they just match really well.  I would bet that Pass amps would also match up will but they are class A.
Only amp I would consider above Bryston would be Burmester but there is a huge price jump there.
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