Magnepan-how much push/pull tube power needed

Why are you interested in Maggies, anyway? I've had the 1.6's, and LOVED them! But I was pushing 500 wpc [Spectron Digital 1 a class D switching amp & a tube preamp] into 4 ohms.

Don't waste time on the MMG's...go for the 1.6's. Unfortunately, low power SS [100 wpc into 4 ohms] will not work...even at low volume...these speakers will sound congested and closed in. I never ran mine with a tube amp, but their 4 ohm impedance is almost linear, making the 1.6's closer to a resistive loading than an impedance loading.

As someone who once had two systems, you would be wise to put your money into ONE great system, and use headphones for a second system...email me for suggestions on a KILLER portable, all DC powered system!

Maggies don't come alive at low or "background" listening levels. So if your "2nd system" will mostly be running that way, forget Maggies, they'll sound thin no matter what amp(s) you use.

Exactly. I would also repeat another point: you do need a sizeable room to place these spkrs correctly. If you don't have the space, consider other spkrs.

The speaker and room size are important. I loved the 1.6s, but don't be persuaded to get them because everyone says how great they are. Sometimes the smaller Maggies work better than the bigger ones in smaller rooms. I was a naysayer regarding the importance of room size, but learned the hardway that the 3.6s were too big for my room. The MMGS are a fine speaker and work great in small room. I've owned the MG 12s, the 1.6s and the 3.6s. One other option you may consider is Peter Gunn's modded SMGAs. I've heard them on two separate occassions and was unduly impressed with them on both occassions. If I go back to Maggies, this is the speaker I would get. It was the most "musical" of all the Maggies I've heard. However, this is was a modded SMG. You can email me if you want more info.

Amplification: Its not just the wattage, but the current an amp can deliver. Damping factors also play a role. The fact is, it takes a lot of juice and good damping to get control over the panels to make the Maggies sing. Nonetheless, there was a guy who was happily running his MMGs with a Music Reference RM 10, a tube amp with 35 watts of power. This is all hearsay, but I understand he had a moderate to small room and listened to mostly chamber music. He moved on to a set of tube monoblocks with 70 watts per channel (I think) and was much happier. He did tell me there were times he really wanted to crank the volume, and though he never had any problems with clipping (a testament to the Music Ref amp), the amp did run out of steam--just wouldn't play any louder. Regardless of the model Maggie you choose, you may be temporarily alright with your current amp, but you should factor in that you will be getting a higher powered amp in the future if you intend to stick with Maggies.

Just my 2 cents.