I have the 1.7s and I was running them with a Cambridge Audio Azur 840, a strong 350 watts into the Maggies. I up-graded to Parsound JC-1s, more like 800 watts, and the difference was huge! I never felt mega watts were necessary, but something about these amps makes these speakers sing. There is more top end, I didn't expect that, and a sense of effortless power. So, I will support the idea that more is good, but better is even more important. Van Alstine makes stout amps that are not priced beyond reach, and he is a smart designer. I would suggest his products. Maggies are often demoed with Bryston equipment. There must be a good reason for that!