Mark, this is one piece of audio equipment that is relatively safe to buy used. You have a tube preamp which will give you that tube sound regardless of the amp you use. In your case you want a SS amp with as much power as you can get like a newer Parasound unit or Bryston. An AB amp with a high damping factor and direct coupled. Class A amps are a little more dangerous to buy used because of the heat. Just like a light bulb if you turn them on and off enough they eventually blow their output section. I had a Krell KMA 100 do that to me after 20 years of service and a Pass amp do it to a friend.
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
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