2. tech-talk
  3. 152563-119652

Which to Upgrade first? My Amplifier or Speakers

I have owned a nice system for years, but I am hardly an audiophile.  You people impress me with your depth of knowledge of audio.  I've been following this site for some time.  This is my first post. 
From time to time I replace or upgrade components.  I've got a tricked out Linn Sondek LP 12 turntable.  I recently acquired a McIntosh MP 100 phono amp and am hearing LP's now that exceed anything I've heard on CD's and equal if not exceed the output of my SACD's.  I bring this up only to give a flavor of what I listen to.
The issue is as follows:  I have a McIntosh MC 206 Amp that I bought in 2003 that puts out 200 watts per channel.  I have no issues with it, although I've never had anything to compare it with.  I've read some impressive reviews of how much of a difference an amplifier can make to the quality of sound output.  For speakers I have Magnepan 3.6R's that I also bought in 2003.  I love them.  I can only afford to upgrade one at a time - let's say in the neighborhood of 10 - 12K.  So,  I'd like to hear what this august body has to say about which I should upgrade first and why?  The amp or the speakers?  Thank you. 
normantaylor
andy2
1,545 posts
 
It’s hard to say it’s the speaker or the amp. One has to determine the bottleneck of one’s system. Everybody’s system is a bit different.

Personally I am not a big fan of Maggies. I think they do well in certain aspects, but I don’t think they have the transparency of some of the more conventional speakers.

But judging from your system, it's probably the speakers are the bottleneck.  If you like the "big" sound of the Maggies, would you consider "line array"?


gdnrbob
4,441 posts
 
I find this one a 'toughie' as both components are top notch pieces of equipment.
For me, if I love the Maggie sound (and I do), I would keep them.
The Mac amp has plenty of power and perhaps another amp might yield a different sound, but I would suggest going for a different preamp-which you haven't mentioned.
I find preamps can impart a significant impact in speaker performance.
Bob
mikado463
40 posts
 
I think the Maggie 20.7 suggestion is a good one ............
Post removed 
mesch
3,466 posts
 
Well, if you want to stay with the Maggie sound however want to improve on the dynamics and transparency, then I would go for an amplifier that will better provide that over the Mac. You could continue up the Maggie line later. It really depends on what changes are desired.
More to discover