2. amps-preamps
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What affordable amp should go w/ magnepan 1.6?

I am a real novice here guys. My situation is this, I am building a stereo system from the ground up, wich pretty much means I have nothing except the magnepan 1.6's. I am trying 2 figure out what I should use 2 drive them. I would like 2 stay under 1500(is that realistic?)and I am not interested in home theatre(possibly a sub later). I am very new 2 this so any and all info(cables,other components complimentary 2 the magnepans) would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
nidan
zspradlin
143 posts
 
I don't own the 1.6's, but if memory serves correct, someone here on Audiogon mentioned using either a McCormack DNA 0.5 or a 1.0. I used to have a DNA 0.5, they're pretty hard to beat at the used prices here on Audiogon.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Like Zenieth, to drive MG1.6 I used an Adcom amp, a 5503, 350 wpc at 4 ohms. It was better than a 100wpc Adcom.
I recently changed to CarverPro ZR1600 digital amp rated at 600 wpc into 4 ohms. The CarverPro amp costs only $840 or so via internet. I repeat what many others have said, this amp is super with Maggies. It does use a fan, so you might want to retrofit an available very quiet fan, or disconnect the fan entirely (which is OK for the home audio application).
nidan OP
2 posts
 
I really appreciate all this info guys! I have seen a NAD c-270/c-160 amp&preamp combo on here do you think that would a good match?
rgd
656 posts
 
While the NAD is a nice combo the amp falls a little short for 1.6's and would be better suited to MMG's. I know this as I owned 1.5's at one time and the wife has a C270 in her system - tried it and found in a medium sized room would probably be OK but you are better off with more power.

Maggies love current and you can never have enough power for them so I'd be looking at something that is putting out around 300 w/ch @ 4 ohms.
ultrakaz
187 posts
 
I had a pair of 1.6qr and generally speaking the more power the better. The only exception was the BAT VK60 (only 60 watts- $2000 used) which was the best of all of the amps that I tried. Also, I've had success with the Marsh A400 (200 watts) which was significantly better than a Bryston 4BST. Sim amps may be a good choice too, though I've never tried them with the Maggies. I have heard them drive inefficient speakers with power and finesse and they seem to have the right tonal balance for the Maggies.

I've had three NAD amps and two Rotels and while they are very good, I would not use them to drive the Maggies.
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