2. amps-preamps
  3. 167036-159831

Tubes for Magnepan’s.

I think next up on my acquisition list is a tube amplifier. I'm not looking for the be all end all, cause I don’t think there is a definitive "Best", so am looking for as good as I can get for $3-4k.


Because tubes drive speakers so much more efficiently than solid state I am only looking for 40-50 watts to drive my modded Maggie’s, 1.7i's. (Or what you have when you add a new crossover and planer tweeters to 1.7i's.) Maybe 2.7x? I haven’t settled on that yet. And I have some Zu Dirty Weekend's upgraded to the max coming in in 2 months to replace my KEF's.

Anyway, I haven’t had a tube device since my Halicrafter short wave radio, and reviews are not the same as advice from people that own something. There is a Rouge Audio dealer in my area, last I looked, (opps, they no longer carry them), so I may have to go to another market to hear something, or get a try before you buy from a manufacturer or dealer.

You folks have taught me a lot, and I think asking users is the right thing to do on this change in direction.

Thanks in advance.
william53b

Showing 1 response by iopscrl

iopscrl
204 posts
 
Investigate a rebuilt Harman Kardon Citation II.  I know of many people who used this amp to drive Maggies (and other current absorbing speakers) and were happy with the combination.   This amp sounds better than a Mac 275 or Marantz 9.

A rebuilt II can be found for under $3k, and then resold for the same price if you want to move on.

In newer amps, I would investigate amps that can use KT90-120-150 output tubes.   Rogue, Prima Luna, Icon, Line Magnetic all come to mind and should sound very good to excellent with your Maggies.


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