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What amp would you suggest for Magnepan MG12s

I really love the Magnepan speakers I want the 1.6s but they are too big for my place, so I am going with the MG12s. I really need some suggestions on the correct amp to pair with these speakers. I am thinking about the following amps (but I am open to suggestions sub $2500 used) Cary CAD120s, Audio Research VS55, VS60 or possibly a McIntosh if I can afford it or a perhaps an integrated: Cary SLI 80, McIntosh MA6300, 6500 or 6600, Audio Research VSI55,VSI60, or an Integrated Krell or Ayre. What does everyone think?
seanart
sthomas12321
408 posts
 
I would highly recommend the Emotiva XPA-2 for $825 new shipped to your door. I'd be willing to bet that spending more would gain you little. I cant believe how good it is, and sold off my Bryston 4bsst because I was 100% happy with the XPA. The XPA-2's go quick on audiogon.
mixn4him
35 posts
 
I have 1.6's and I would not suggest tubes. Tubes amps do not have enough control over the LF and those panels need an amp with good dampening...
seanart OP
1 posts
 
Thank you everyone for your answers. It does not look like there is a consensus on which amp would work the best with the Magnepans. I have hear I should get a tube amp with some power because a solid state amp that is too "bright" could cause the Maggies to sound harsh. But I have also hear that not to use a tube amp with the Maggies. (Mixn4him suggested not to get tubes because they don't control the LF and the Maggies need an amp with good dampening.) Forgive me but I don't know what dampening in terms of amp audio is- would someone be so kind as to give me more info? Thanks!
jallen
502 posts
 
Try a Bryston amp like the 4BSST or later generation. The 3BSST may be enough for this smaller speaker in a small room. They Bryston is magical on the Magggie speakers. I have both the 3.6 and 1.6, Bryston is great. The Quicksilver Silver monos are great on the 1.6, and I mean real good. jallen
palewin
58 posts
 
Recommend you take a look at the Planar Speaker forum over on Audio Asylum, here ; the server is down today (Monday 1/4) but hopefully will be back soon. The vast consensus in that forum is for a solid state amp which can deliver high current (typically one that doubles power from 8 ohms to 4 ohms, possibly to 2 ohms). Some (including me) pair the SS amp with a tube pre-amp. Maggie typically demos their speakers with Bryston amps at audio shows, in line with Jallen's post. Others recommend various Class D amps (I use an Audio Research 150.2) but Class D also has a lot of detractors, so that's one that requires a personal listen. But if you look at the Forum you will see quite a few questions regarding recommended amps and the related responses, many more than in a more general forum such as this one.
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