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Which Integrated for Magnepan MG-12?

I've just replaced my Magnepan MG-1 speakers, which died after 30 years of faithful service, with the MG-12 and now want to upgrade my integrated amp (and I do want to stick with an integrated). I listen mostly to classical music, with occasional folk/bluegrass, blues, jazz, etc. thrown in. I'm looking in the price range of $1000 to $2400 (for new or demo/used)and am considering the NAD C375 (or a used M3), Bel Canto S300iU or eVo2i, Creek Evolution 5350 or Destiny, Arcam A38 or Cambridge Audio 840A v2. I done some online research but haven't yet had a chance to listen to these amps and would appreciate any comments/suggestions my fellow audiogoners might have for me. Thanks.
peter8491
dsremer
210 posts
 
I would recommend the Cambridge 840 with your MG-12. This unit with its high current power supply (class XD) will produce 200 watts at 4 ohms... plenty of drive for your MG-12.( your MG-12 are 4 ohm's loads).
Should you have a CD player with a balanced outs you can connect it directly to the XLR inputs on the 840..
soulbrass
246 posts
 
Musical Fidelity? ...A5, A5.5, A308.
kehonka
5 posts
 
I have listened to my magnepan speakers using an acurus a-250, cambridge 840a, and now the krell 400xi. I love the current set-up and to me the krell has done the best job at driving the magnepans.
meiwan
399 posts
 
I've just gone through an extensive integrated amp hunt (including most of the models you've listed). I settled on an Exposure 3010s2. My speakers are a tough drive like your Maggies. You might want to add it to your list. I'd place it on par with the Creek Destiny, but with a more balanced presentation. The Destiny tends to accentuate the top and bottom end at the expense of the midrange. The Bel Canto uses a class D amp which gives a very different sound The others are not in the same league, in my opinion.
magfan
1,583 posts
 
Maggies are NOT a 'tough load'.
Low sensitivity, to be sure, partially made up for by being dipoles. Low reactance, too, which kind of means you don't need hign damping factor amps, (read TUBES).

'd' amps sound good with them. The W4S has balanced inputs which go well with a balanced CD player....like my CA 840c.

I sort of liked the 400xi Krell with panels at a listening session, but the darn thing just got so HOT I couldn't figure out where I could put it where it wouldn't cook itself.

I settled on a 'd' solution which gave very satisfying sound, had balanced inputs and is not only very nuanced, but has great pace, as well.
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