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Integrated or Amp/Preamp combo for Magnepan 1.7

Hi All - currently using a W4S 250W/channel integrated amp with fairly new Magnepan 1.7s and thinking I can do better. The sound is a bit bright and I'm wondering if a different integrated or amp/preamp combo would help. I've searched the forums and haven't found a lot of specifics. I'm considering, thanks to a fellow Agoner, something like an older Audio Research Pre or CJ pre with a solid state amp (Pass or others). I would prefer an integrated amp, but separates may be the way to go. Hegel, SimAudio or tube integrated are under consideration. I have a small square room ( roughly 11 x 11 ) and I mostly listen to classical, jazz and classic rock. Budget would be around $3000. Thanks for any suggestions.
shaksfan
grpkmp
18 posts
 
I had the Musical Fidelity A5 Integrated amp and didn't like it. I now have the Prima Luna Prologue 3 pre and a pair of Bel Canto REF 500M amps, my MMG's are sounding much better to my ears.
br3098
994 posts
 
If it were me, I would consider a used Accuphase or Mcintosh integrated. These two will sound very different; which one sounds better will be up to your ears. I'm not a Mac guy, but when I have heard Mac integrated models w/ autoformers and Maggies I thought that it was an excellent combination, IMO.

The Pass unit mentioned above would also be a great choice.
wab
3 posts
 
I love my magnepans 1.6`s with the Music Fidelity A5.5 sounds very good.
ddd1
261 posts
 
You need to get them into a different room.
johnnybel's avatar
johnnybel
6 posts
 

I have Magnepan 1.7i and McIntosh MAC6700 with Rega RP40 Turntable and Simaudio Moon 3.3 cd player, The turntable sounds ok the cd player sounds much more dynamic
The receiver sounds great but can run out of steam quickly once pushed, but for average listening levels its very good, I hate to sell the Mac but I may have to investigate Bryston as I have had a few 4Bst's and their  BP25 pre, The maggies need gobs of power.

Any suggestions ?

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