ARC...D-90B or D-115MKII? - Driving Maggie 1.6s

I've owned both amps you are considering and if I had my choice,I'de go with the 115.More of everything the 90b does.Just make sure the output tubes are in decent shape as they are 100 a pair to replace from ARC.Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about either piece and enjoy the music.

Hi Danheather, with a few modifications, both amps are very good. I preferred the D-90, but that was with the original CLSs.

Thanks to you both, Brulee and Franklapdog! I'm really leaning toward the D-115MKII.

That's interesting that the D-90 had sufficient power to drive the original CLSs. My good friend just bought a pair and is powering them with an Adcom 5802 (300wpc). Perhaps it's true that tube watts are more powerful than solid state? The CLSs seem to be VERY inefficient. If the D-90 will drive them, then the D-115 should be MORE than enough with my Magnepans, no?

Any advice on which tubes to look for?

Also, since this will be my first experience with tubes, is there any test/calibration equipment that I'll need to keep the amp going. What about resources to learn about biasing the tubes, etc.??

Thanks so much!

I learned all about tubes at www.kcanostubes.com.

I am driving my 1.6's with Rogue 120 Magnums (120 watts tube) and have just enough power to rock pretty good.
I do not know anything about the ARC amps, but from my experience I recommend the tightest bass and the smoothest highs with all your equipment and cables for these speakers.

I hope this helps in some way.