2. amps-preamps
  3. 181430-178955

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
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,974 posts
 

 

 

 

 

audiojan's avatar
audiojan
402 posts
 

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

cbordian OP
2 posts
 

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! 

 

secretguy
1,703 posts
 

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

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

jl35
3,980 posts
 

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...

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