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Thread: Help with amp and Maggies
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December 12, 2021, 12:55 PM #1
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Help with amp and Maggies
I am looking to upgrade my stereo. I do it about once every 20 years, so I’d like to do it in one shot. This is for mostly vinyl and streaming through a Marantz SACD 30N. Room is 14’x24’x8’.
I am leaning toward Magnepan 3.7i speakers, but also like Harbeths. For amps, I am leaning toward a McIntosh C22 pre-amp and an Mc1502. My audio advisor/dealer recommends a pair of MC830s instead of the 1502 because they have more power. (I know, Brystons are recommended for Maggie’s, so that is an option). There is a 3 month wait for the C22 and Mc1502, but the C8 and MC830s combo is available now. Is the C22/Mc1502 worth the 3 month wait and the $5,000 price difference. (Amortized over the life of the system, the price difference doesn’t really bother me). Would the tube Mc1502 be a good match and be able to power the Maggie’s? Or would I need to jump up to a pair of Mc2301s? And if I went with the Harbeth SHL5 plus XD, would that change the amp recommendations? I also have a Martin Logan BalancedForce 210 for bottom end reinforcement.
The compactness of the C8/MC830s combo does have a benefit, but I can find room for the big ones too.
Thanks,
Lew
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December 12, 2021, 01:32 PM #2
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Re: Help with amp and Maggies
Maggie owner here. IMHO you need an amp with a lot of capacitance, high current and power, especially if you like to listen at moderate to loud volumes. It must also be able handle dips to 2 ohms. Bryston is great, but also consider Pass and the new Parasound JC5 with 90 peak amps, 132,000uF capacitance, 600wpc at 4 ohms and stable down to 1.5 ohms. The new Parasound gear sounds great. Don't skimp on electronics as the 3.7's will let you know that they are not up to the job.
If you have your heart set on Mc, go with the 2301.
I think that one of the reasons some people end up not liking Maggies is because they don't have the proper amp.My Gear- Mains System-Pass X250 amp, BAT VK-51se preamp, Luxman DA-06 DAC, Magnepan 1.6's, Thorens TD-145 TT, Dual Martin Logan Subs, Vintage Luxman T-110 Tuner, Cables-WW Platinum 7 USB, Cardas Parsec XLR, AQ Columbia DBS 72v XLR, Belden 8402 XLR.
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December 12, 2021, 02:11 PM #3
Re: Help with amp and Maggies
Lew, first off , welcome to the fold !
I'm assuming Overture Audio is your dealer, I know them well and like Mech above I completely agree with PASS and or Parasound. Years ago when I had my Maggies (3.6) I was driving them with a Threshold S500 and I'm still a Nelson Pass fan to this day. FWIW my room dimensions are pretty much the same as yours. If you could locate a pair of X260.8's you would be hard pressed to do better IMOCheers ! …. Dave
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December 12, 2021, 03:19 PM #4
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Re: Help with amp and Maggies
I would look at a used Pass X250.5
My Gear- Mains System-Pass X250 amp, BAT VK-51se preamp, Luxman DA-06 DAC, Magnepan 1.6's, Thorens TD-145 TT, Dual Martin Logan Subs, Vintage Luxman T-110 Tuner, Cables-WW Platinum 7 USB, Cardas Parsec XLR, AQ Columbia DBS 72v XLR, Belden 8402 XLR.
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December 12, 2021, 03:36 PM #5
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December 12, 2021, 03:38 PM #6
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December 12, 2021, 06:12 PM #7
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Re: Help with amp and Maggies
My Gear- Mains System-Pass X250 amp, BAT VK-51se preamp, Luxman DA-06 DAC, Magnepan 1.6's, Thorens TD-145 TT, Dual Martin Logan Subs, Vintage Luxman T-110 Tuner, Cables-WW Platinum 7 USB, Cardas Parsec XLR, AQ Columbia DBS 72v XLR, Belden 8402 XLR.
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December 12, 2021, 06:33 PM #8
Re: Help with amp and Maggies
_______________
Mike
Amplification: MBL 6010D, MBL 9008A Monos
Analog: Kuzma R, Kuzma 4Point (11”), MSL Ultra Eminent EX
Phono Pre: Pass XP-27
Digital: Esoteric N01XD Esoteric K05
Speakers: MBL 101E MKII
Subwoofers: REL Carbon Specials
Conditioner: Shunyata Triton 3
Power Cables: Shunyata Sigma 1 & 2, Alpha 2, Delta and Venom
ICs and SCs: Wireworld Platinum 8
Rack: Artesania Exoteryc
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December 12, 2021, 11:21 PM #9
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Re: Help with amp and Maggies
Agree about going with SS amps with the Maggies. The more power the better. By the way, the only difference between the 20.7 and the 3.7 is the larger bass panel on the 20.7. If you were to add subwoofers to the 3.7 you will have a system that will better the sound of the 20.7 alone.
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December 13, 2021, 02:10 AM #10
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Re: Help with amp and Maggies
Thanks to everyone for their insightful and thoughtful responses. An SS amp would certainly make things simpler and less expensive.
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December 13, 2021, 09:07 AM #11
Re: Help with amp and Maggies
Have you considered the Sanders Magtech amp if you are sold on panel speakers? They're built specifically for low sensitivity, low impedance speakers.
Sources - NAD M50.2 (streamer, CD player, CD ripper, hard drive music store)
Amplification - NAD M33 all-in-one, NAD M12 preamp (in reserve), Atma-Sphere Class D monos
Speakers - Avantgarde Duo XD, Avantgarde Duo (2006) - both aesthetically modified
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December 13, 2021, 11:40 AM #12
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December 13, 2021, 10:27 PM #13
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December 14, 2021, 03:05 PM #14
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Re: Help with amp and Maggies
I have 3.7's. I tried Mc452 and Mac is not for me. I like both SS and tubes on Maggies. I had used BAT VK-55 mono and currently using conrad johnson Premier 8A. For SS, I tried Parasound A21, conrad johnson MF2550, Pass INT-150/INT-250.
I also consider PS Audio BHK-250.Jim
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Esoteric N-05xd, Luxman d08u, Gryphon Diablo-300, Revel Studio2
Conrad Johnson Premier15 phono, ART-2 pre, Premier8A mono, Lumin T2, VPI Classic3, Magnepan 3.7
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December 14, 2021, 04:57 PM #15
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December 14, 2021, 05:35 PM #16
Re: Help with amp and Maggies
Congrats Lew, what ARC pre and Bryston amp did you go with ?
Cheers ! …. Dave
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December 15, 2021, 12:10 PM #17
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Re: Help with amp and Maggies
Hi Dave - for the pre-amp either the ARC LS28SE or maybe the Reference 6SE and likely a pair of Bryston 7B3 monos. Thought about McIntosh Mc611. Brystons sounded great and take up a little less room.
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December 15, 2021, 12:17 PM #18
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December 15, 2021, 05:11 PM #19
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Re: Help with amp and Maggies
Will do! Everything is back ordered, so it may take a while.
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December 16, 2021, 06:44 PM #20
Re: Help with amp and Maggies
Congratz on your choices... Hopefully you won't have to wait too long for your new gear.
McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
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December 17, 2021, 08:40 AM #21
Re: Help with amp and Maggies
Great choices for your Maggie's. I owned a pair of 3.7's and agree with all that was said above. Bryston is a terrific match.
Kevin
Main: VPI Aries 3/Grado Reference3, and Aurender N200 > PS Audio DS DAC. Luxman L-509Z integrated amp. Sonus Faber Elipsa SE speakers. PS Audio P10 power. Transparent Audio, Cardas and Audioquest cables.
Bar: EAT C-sharp/Hana MH, and exaSound s82 > Luxman L-595SE amp. GolderEar One.R speakers. Shunyata power, Audioquest cables.
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January 20, 2022, 05:17 PM #22
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January 20, 2022, 06:45 PM #23
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Re: Help with amp and Maggies
The Pass was wonderful with Maggies. I tried the Pass with Maggies for a short time. I mainly used the Pass with Revel Studio2. I also have the Diablo 300 and used it with Maggies in the summer (the tube mono are too hot in my room). I got the best bass I ever heard from Maggies with the Diablo. The Pass also had great bass and mid and closer to tube than the Diablo. The Diablo has a little dark warm sound like my predecessor BAT.
Jim
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Esoteric N-05xd, Luxman d08u, Gryphon Diablo-300, Revel Studio2
Conrad Johnson Premier15 phono, ART-2 pre, Premier8A mono, Lumin T2, VPI Classic3, Magnepan 3.7
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January 20, 2022, 07:25 PM #24
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May 11, 2022, 01:46 AM #25
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Re: Help with amp and Maggies
Have Pass Labs X260.8 monos on order for my 3.7i’s
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May 11, 2022, 04:35 AM #26
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Re: Help with amp and Maggies
When I had Maggies I used a Hegel H590, all the power and current you would need and sounded sublime.
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May 11, 2022, 09:50 AM #27
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May 12, 2022, 04:28 AM #28
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July 5, 2022, 05:46 AM #29
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July 8, 2022, 10:21 PM #30
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AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
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