Two power amps for Magnepan 1.7i ?

Unfortunately, Magnepan is one of companies where you need to spend more money on the amp than you do on the speakers. I wouldn’t recommend the NAD for the 1.7i’s... think about getting something with more current.

I’ve listened to 1.7i’s with Gryphon Diablo 300 and that’s one super powerful amp, and even at that point, it’s not overkill for the Maggie’s...

From what I've heard, the Schiit Audio Tyr mono blocks are supposed to be an excellent choice for the 1.7i's. Relatively affordable as well. No personal experience with them though

Thanks for the response! I don't think that I'm ready to spring for a totally new setup so maybe the real question is whether using the two c270's, one for each channel, is within the mainstream of what people do. Maybe too basic a question for this forum! 

I used a NAD integrated to power IIIs and it was great.

People shouldn't post about things of which they have no knowledge.

the pair of C270's will work fine, but your speakers will sound much better with a better amp when you can upgrade...I used an Odyssey Khartago Extreme SE and liked it much more than NAD or Schiit Vidar...not super more money than the $300 you have ready and what you can get for your NAD...

I have 1.7s.  Started with NAD 200 wpc stereo and they sounded great.  Then installed an Emotiva 300 wpc stereo and they sounded better.  Now installed Van Alstine DVA225 monos on each channel and they sound even better.  As others have stated, they need power.  So, yes, I would say buy another amp and run monos.  I think it will make a difference for u.

The Van Alstine amps are awesome. They’re not more powerful than the others above, just much better

@jl35 and you have heard the Diablo 300???!!!

No. I meant the Van Alstine post directly above. Nad and Emotiva. Sorry I was not clear.

@cbordian To answer your question without swaying you to keep amps or move to different one or two:

While cranking up the volume on your NAD may give you the adequate output gain and SPL overall, it may not have the overall headroom to handle the impedance curves of the Maggies and have a firm grip and full control of the speakers. Adding a second amp and going into monoblock configuration will be about driving the speakers more easily, with better control rather than added volume, and you will likely realize added speed, clarity, space and impact.

That said, at the end of the day, others are right that the NAD will only get you so far, so it's likely only a stepping stone (albeit likely a good one) before getting a different amp that can drive them exceptionally.

Would you like to hear the Magnepan1.7i speakers operating with a 3 way active DSP crossover? We are doing a active versus passive demo with these speakers and our dspNexus 2/8 at Axpona next week in Room 356.

Modifying an existing pair of 1.7i speakers is not hard. 

Al Clark
Danville Signal