2. amps-preamps
  3. 191819-148846

Upgrading my integrated amplifier for my Magnepan 1.7’s

I currently have Peachtree GaN400 and preDAC which, quite honestly pairs pretty well with my Maggie’s. I’m 72 and have some money to burn so I’m currently looking at two Integrated amplifiers. One is the Hegel B600 and the other the Macintosh, MA 9500. My assumption is the refined power of either of these amps will take my listening to a higher level.

I intend to give a listen at local stereo store that sells both brands but in the meantime, I’m curious if any readers have experience with either one of these amps and Magnepan speakers.

baconboy
crustycoot
643 posts
 

Money to burn?  Upgrade to MG 2.7i…the ribbon will “elevate your listening” more than swapping amps…especially when you have a GaN FET already.

secretguy
1,698 posts
 
crustycoot

637 posts

 

Money to burn?  Upgrade to MG 2.7i…the ribbon will “elevate your listening” more than swapping amps…especially when you have a GaN FET already

 

This.

baconboy OP
23 posts
 

Thanks for everyone’s thoughtful responses. Crustycoot and Secretguy, that’s an idea that’s been rattling around in my brain (upgrading my Maggie’s) and would be less expensive than a new amp. 
Here’s where my ignorance shows however. I remember back in the ‘60s going into a stereo store like Lafayettes chain on the east coast, they were selling stereo receivers with outrageous ‘watts per channel’ numbers. Turns out the term ‘ihf’ allowed them to crank up power claims at the expense of sound quality. Once ‘rms’ became the standard measurement it became easier to compare. 
Can  I assume that my Peachtree GaN 400 watts per channel is comparable if not superior to the 300 watts per channel, for instance, offered in the Macintosh MA9500?
 

 

tomcarr
1,504 posts
 

Agree with the others.

Keep your amp.

Upgrade your speakers.

kennymacc
399 posts
 

No, do not keep the Peachtree integrated amp.  Your speakers are just fine.  I owned the top Peachtree integrated amp for a while, and I found it to be less resolving and less refined than the Hegel H390 integrated that replaced it.  I replaced the Hegel H390 with a H590 and it took things to a whole other level.  Happy listening.     

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