Musical amp/pre/integrated for Maggies 1.6Qr

For what it's worth, I'm using a Plinius 8200 integrated on my 3.5's and am very happy. Realizing that the 1.6's are less of a current hog, nevertheless this may prove an option for you despite the lack of tubes. Also, perhaps Jolida products might be an option for you? Tube integrateds, I've heard good things from friends but the only time I heard one driving 1.6's they were using a very low power model. Have also heard a few 1.6 owners satisfied with Atma-Sphere, if your budget allows. The friend I bought my 3.5's from now has 3.6's with VTL mono's and love them, also if your budget allows. Have also heard good things about Monarchy Audio's monoblocks.

A thought to consider (you may have already thought of this) is not only the known amperage requirements of the Maggies, but also my observation that both the 1.6's and the 3.5's really don't offer their best resolution until they reach a certain volume level. Not necessarily a function of upstream as much as inherent to Maggies, at least to my ears.

Good luck,

Tim

Ake:

I have never owned Maggies, but auditioned them on many occasion, and have always been impressed. My most recent experience might be very helpful.

I was listening to a pair of 3.6s driven by a pair of the VTL Wotan monoblocks, with an Ayre CD player. There was my brother and a few other people in the room, and all agreed it was a magnificent sound. Since it had attracted quite a crowd one of the managers comes in with another amp, "just" a solid state stereo amp, and asks us to give him a minute to hook it up. He did so, and everybody's jaws dropped, there was such an improvement. That's saying something since at least a couple of us are tube fans.

The amp was the BEL 1001. I have no other experience with this amp, and understand it is "only" 50 watts per side, but it was marvelous with the 3.6s. No, I don't own one or sell them, not being in the business. Just thought you might want to know what others have heard.

Best of luck.

Rush

Ake
I have the 1.6's and the 3.3's .I find that using a powermaster 1000 and bi-amping is the ticket.This amp when used to bi-amp will make either one sing and sing well.Good Luck,audiobob

Definately McIntosh IMHO. The most warm and musical with no clinical definition (fault for some people) and I love them. May be hard to get for under 1.5k however. Maggies and McIntosh are magical (several Audiogoners have this combo if you check archives and they love it). Otherwise, for tubes, check out Rogue - impressive tube gear for the money and also American made if that makes a difference.