Two power amps for Magnepan 1.7i ?


I've got some new Maggies on the way after having gotten rid of my 1.6 qr's about six years ago because kittens.

I have an N.A.D. preamp as well as the c270 power amp. The c270 is rated 120w stereo and 300w mono.

Back when I had the 1.6's I had an opportunity to temporarily try bi-amping them and enjoyed the result.

My understanding is that you can't bi-amp the 1.7i's (forgive my ignorance but I think that's where one amp powers the tweeters and the other the woofers?).

I can get another c270 for around $300. My question is, is it worth it? I think that would mean bridging the amp to be mono and then using one amp for one speaker and the other amp for the other speaker.

When I had 1.6 qr's the one c270 amp was adequate in terms of volume but I did find myself turning it up to eleven...

cbordian

Showing 1 response by blisshifi

@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.