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Audio Research Ref 250s for Magnepan 20.1s?

OK, I'm thinking about taking the plunge into large tube amp, upgrading. Will the ARC Ref 250s have enough power for the Magnepan 20.1 speakers? Anyone using this combo? The Ref 750s seem too far out there for me but I would like to hear if someone has experience with either of these? Right now I have ARC Ref 3 preamp and Ref 8 CD player along with Pass Labs XP25 phonopre, VPI table with dynavector cart, and Pass Labs X600.5s. I have plenty of power but had an eye opening experience with a friend's Cary Audio 60 watt triode stereo amp. Nowhere near the power needed but it had qualities I desire such as midrange bloom and wide soundstage without harsh upper end. It was bass shy but I do have Nola subs. Should I sell the pass 600.5s and get ARC ref 250s? or 750s (god forbid)?
powerdoctor
minorl
1,014 posts
 
Take a paire of REF 250s home and demo them in your system. Any dealer worth their salt will let you take a pair home for a week or so. You will find these amps to be absolutely wonderful. Also, if you are listening solely to vinyl, then you might want to demo a tube phono stage before getting rid of the pass amp. Take your time and demo equipment first before purchasing. The Audio Research REF Phono stage is the best I have heard and the REF 250 is really nice. But, I would bet that the Pass amp is also really nice, so first demo a tube phono stage and if you aren't happy, then demo the AR REF 250 amp.

enjoy
hfl
8 posts
 
Powerdoctor,

How about getting your midrange bloom from a warmer tube preamp and send that bloom to a set of the fabulous Merrill Audio Veritas monoblocks. I have had experience with both ARC and Pass Labs equipment, and while I respect each of them, I am now getting everything you say you want using a Cary Slp-05 and the Veritas monoblocks. A beautiful top end and a soundstage beyond the wall with a great recording. Your Maggies will thank you for providing the quickness and punch they deserver to sound their best. And you won't have to deal with a pair of space heaters in your listening room.

Herb
jafo100's avatar
jafo100
17 posts
 
I have a similar system with 20.1s Ref 3 and a tubed CD player Lector.

I use ARC VTM 200 mono locks and am very satisfied. I have also used Merrill Audio Veritas class d delivering 700 watts per channel which also enhance the Maggie's

ARC units do require tube replacement every 2000 hrs. I prefer the ARC tubes. You will be very happy with the Arc 240s but I would audition the Merrill Veritas before deciding
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Jafo100, could you elaborate on sonic differences experienced with your Maggies driven by Merrill Veritas and ARC VTM 200?
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