2. amps-preamps
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Wyred4sound STI - 500 for Magnepan speakers

Has anyone heard the Wyred4sound STI - 500 used with Magnepan speakers?

I have listened to a Krell s300i with Maggie 1.2's and thought that the 300 wpc into 4 ohms was a big improvement over my Macintosh MA 6300 at 160 wpc into 4 ohms.

However, the Krell is $2500 and the STI - 500 would be "only" $1995 but with 500 wpc into 4 ohms.

It seems people either like class D or they don't and I was wondering what drives them to which camp.
dsper

Showing 2 responses by magfan

magfan
1,583 posts
 
ICE power amps are all apparently a little different. But, that being said, they have more in common than BIG differences.
My PSAudio uses the same ASP module as the W4S 500 ref'd above so I'd expect 90% similar results with only very subtle differences.....many of which may simply be wiped out by a change in speaker wire or interconnect.

Keep in mind that module is ONLY 200rms FTC method and the 550 is only good for 60 seconds. The nature of real music makes that fine. As a note, the full output in the big ASP module as used in the REF1000's is only 30 seconds.

I like my 1.6/PSAudio combo. The only problem I had, which I suspect is more speaker than amp is it is a little 'hot' on the high end. I fixed that by rotating my panels in place, putting the pole piece to the listener NOT the Mylar.
magfan
1,583 posts
 
Clarification:

ICE modules have more in common than differences. Just my opinion. I just think that if you stay in the ICE family from B&O, and specifically the ASP modules, you won't get huge amounts of variation. :: I am ignoring the preamp at this point.......

Hypex? International Rectifier? Spectron? others? All may have a 'house sound'......never heard any of 'em but DO have an International Rectifier stereo module out in the garage awaiting a power supply......(threatening gesture at garage)

If I were a wealthy experimenter, I'd give the Spectron a try.
Than a Pass amp... Maybe the INT-150 since I rarely even touch my 500x2 of the PS.

I'm not a big 'damping' guy, either, I'm afraid. All Magnepans below the 20.1 are single sided and depend a lot on the characteristics of the air / mylar interface to dampen them.(apparently a big impedance mis-match) Also, the edge vibes trying to 'escape' out the edges are treated to a frame made of MDF..... Those who reframe with WOOD report spectacular results. Also, the 1.6 has mild phase angles and a pretty benign impedance curve. Not really a bad load, at all. Some people run them on ridiculously low amounts of power.....I'd have to hear it, myself.
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