It's my opinion that Maggies do love current so the more power you can throw at them the better. My 4B-ST does a very nice job with my 1.5's - much better job than my 10 year old 3B did. While I have not heard the MF amp I would think that there would be some synergy using it with your MF preamp but I believe it could run out of steam against your current B&K amp (which I think is a really nice amp...) There are many good choices out there - Aragon, Classe, Marsh, Odyssey but in the end auditioning is the safest path to choose to ensure you get the synergy you are looking for...
Which power amp Bryston 3Bst, 4Bst or Musical Fidelity A3cr?
I have been upgrading my system lately. I use many sources CD, DAT, synthesizers and phono. They all have different levels. While I don't play very loudly some sources are too soft and need a significant boost. I am now using a Musical Fidelity A3cr preamp (which I love), TMC Yellow interconnects to the amp (a B&K Reference 4420 - 225WPC). My main CD source for now is an ARCAM Alpha 7se connected with TMC whites to the preamp. My speakers are Magnepan 1.5QRs. I think at this point the weak link is my B&K (a good amp, but now a little outclassed) and would like to upgrade. Tubes are not an option since I leave my system on all day and I don't want the hassle. I'm torn between the Musical Fidelity A3cr power amp - my only real reservation is whether this will have sufficient power. It is rated at 120WPC to 8 ohms (nominally only half my B&K which does not feel overpowered - but I know rating can be deceiving) The other option that seems attractive is a used Bryston - probably a 4B-ST (although a 3b-ST might be sufficient). Does anyone have any thoughts on how these compare or on the power issue with the Musical Fidelity ? Any other ideas welcome.
Thanks
Thanks