2. amps-preamps
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Budget amp that will give Magnepan 3.6Rs better depth of soundstage

I have 3.6Rs and using Emotiva UMC200 pre/proc and an Outlaw Audio 7100 in a 14 by 14 foot room. So I don't need to turn the volume up to massive levels. The amp will do 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 165 watts per channel into 4 ohms. I have been thinking of getting a separate two channel amp for the 3.6Rs. I have read that it takes lots of current to get the best soundstage with instrument placement and depth. I am getting wide soundstage and good sound, but the depth is somewhat muddied enough to not get instrument placement. I am looking for a two channel amp that will give me more of the potential of the 3.6Rs, but be able to be purchased for less that $750 used.  Is there any amp that will be worth upgrading to for that kind of money or do I need a new pre/proc as well?

cdavis2260
blackbag20
468 posts
 

You will not be disappointed in Odyssey ... the last used unit sold  a week ago but they list frequently.  

https://hifizero.com/index.php?q=odyssey

jimmyblues
56 posts
 

You may want try a graphic equalizer. They fell out of favor in the 1980s but have become very popular with the headphone community in recent years. They can also allow you to tailor the sound of a speaker system to your particular listening room.

Schiit Audio sells three graphic equalizers: Loki Mini+ $149, Lokius $299, Loki Max $1499. I use the Lokius and it works quite well for my headphone system. It will also offer an inexpensive way to experiment with your Maggies.

tweak1
3,668 posts
 

I had 3.5Rs and tried lots of SS amps, but in your price range I seriously doubt you can find a better amp. Hurry!'

 

gkr7007's avatar
gkr7007
153 posts
 

First thing to do is can those stock steel jumpers on the back.  I used a pair from Anticables to replace them and was blown away.  Number 2, take care of that 1st reflection off the sidewalk.  Now you're ready for an amp.  I had both an Emotiva and an Outlaw.  The Maggie's ate the Outlaw alive and the Emotiva just never let the Maggie's sing.  Had a pair of Odyssey monos made up and told Klaus (the builder) what I was trying to drive and they brought out everything I had been missing from the Maggie's.  I fronted the monos with a Don Sachs tube pre and everything that was missing came to life. Bass, which is always tough with Maggie's, became much fuller while the kids and highs just became so real.  Piano sounded like a piano.  Acoustic guitar the harmonics were all there.  Cymbals and percussion were all so dynamic and accurate.  I dont know of a budget amp that will really let those things sing.  And a budget integrated will probably let you down.  It certainly wont give you all that mb Maggie's have to offer.

gkr7007's avatar
gkr7007
153 posts
 

First thing to do is can those stock steel jumpers on the back.  I used a pair from Anticables to replace them and was blown away.  Number 2, take care of that 1st reflection off the sidewall.  Now you're ready for an amp.  I had both an Emotiva and an Outlaw.  The Maggie's ate the Outlaw alive and the Emotiva just never let the Maggie's sing.  Had a pair of Odyssey monos made up and told Klaus (the builder) what I was trying to drive and they brought out everything I had been missing from the Maggie's.  I fronted the monos with a Don Sachs tube pre and everything that was missing came to life. Bass, which is always tough with Maggie's, became much fuller while the kids and highs just became so real.  Piano sounded like a piano.  Acoustic guitar the harmonics were all there.  Cymbals and percussion were all so dynamic and accurate.  I dont know of a budget amp that will really let those things sing.  And a budget integrated will probably let you down.  It certainly wont give you all that mb Maggie's have to offer.

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