I own a pair of small Maggies like yours (the SMGc's, in fact) and love them. Unfortunately, I have to tell you that these wonderful little speakers are not well served by just any amp. These guys, like all Maggies, require an amp that will deliver a LOT of current into low impedance loads. Not every seemingly powerful amp will do that, in spite of the hype you mention.
A used Acurus A-250 which delivers 250 watts/channel into an 8 ohm load, for instance, can be bought for around $500, and while it will drive the SMGa's, it won't deliver the deep and tight bass you like. (I know, because I tried that for a couple of years.) I eventually replaced the Acurus with a CODA Continuum Stage Plus amp which is rated to deliver only 100 watts into 8 ohms, and wow, what a difference! The CODA (which retails for around $1,600) just flat walked off and left the Acurus in the dust -- wonderful, delicate highs, smooth midrange, and a powerful, deep bass. So much for published 8 ohm power ratings!
As far as a preamp is concerned, I am delighted with the used Bryston BP-20 preamp I purchased for my Maggies. It has the tape loop you mentioned, is wonderfully neutral, and is one of several you may want to consider. You could probably pick up a used BP-20 preamp for around $550 to $600 here on Audiogon.
You may also want to consider a good, used tube preamp, but I can't advise you on that since I've never owned one. I know a lot of guys who swear by tube front ends and solid state amps, though. Maybe a used Sonic Frontiers preamp -- or maybe a used Blue Circle preamp??
A used Acurus A-250 which delivers 250 watts/channel into an 8 ohm load, for instance, can be bought for around $500, and while it will drive the SMGa's, it won't deliver the deep and tight bass you like. (I know, because I tried that for a couple of years.) I eventually replaced the Acurus with a CODA Continuum Stage Plus amp which is rated to deliver only 100 watts into 8 ohms, and wow, what a difference! The CODA (which retails for around $1,600) just flat walked off and left the Acurus in the dust -- wonderful, delicate highs, smooth midrange, and a powerful, deep bass. So much for published 8 ohm power ratings!
As far as a preamp is concerned, I am delighted with the used Bryston BP-20 preamp I purchased for my Maggies. It has the tape loop you mentioned, is wonderfully neutral, and is one of several you may want to consider. You could probably pick up a used BP-20 preamp for around $550 to $600 here on Audiogon.
You may also want to consider a good, used tube preamp, but I can't advise you on that since I've never owned one. I know a lot of guys who swear by tube front ends and solid state amps, though. Maybe a used Sonic Frontiers preamp -- or maybe a used Blue Circle preamp??
