2. amps-preamps
  3. 1031755930

Musical amp/pre/integrated for Maggies 1.6Qr

I just got a pair of Maggies 1.6 with upgraded Cross Over.
Now I am using it with a "better than nothing" NAD C740 receiver.

I am looking for amp that give me a very musical (not hi definition) i.e. tube like amp for probably sub 1.5K used.
I listen to a lot of female vocal music and some Jazz and classical.

I switch from 300B tube SET amp so try to keep the character from the SET on my Maggies. Is it possible to do that?

For the amp, Plimius 8200 integrated comes into my mind.

Any other good amp out there? I know that it's been accepted that Maggies needs lot of power, but I do not listen very lound (less than 100dB.) I wonder if I do really need that much power for the amp. As for now the volume on NAD C740 (35w @ 8 Ohms) never passs the 12 O'clock position yet.

As for class A amp, how much power maggies need? Is 30-50W class A amp good enough for 1.6s?

Thanks a lot,

Ake

PS my CD player right now is CAL IkonII
I also have AES AE-3 tube preamp that could go with power amp, but prefer the whole integrated if possible.
ake
hififile
236 posts
 
I owned the Proceed amp 2 for a couple of years with my 1.6's, and then bought the McIntosh MA6450. Both pieces were good. I sold the MAC MA6450 and bought the McIntosh MA-6500 and McIntosh CD player. My 1.6's never sounded better. I'm keeping all these pieces!!
I love what the McIntosh units do for Maggies, great sound, warmth, resolution, bass, truly a match made in heaven!

Both the MA6900 & MA6500 have plenty of power, I have a big room and listen loud (sometimes). The MAC never runs out of steam and is always crystal clear.

Hope this helps, Happy listening,
Bennett (hififile)
1953
140 posts
 
Being a Maggie with a readily accessable x-over, you have the option to actively bi-amp. Magnepan will even help you if you talk nice to them. Get a Marchand deluxe electronic 2-way x-over (~$400 US) with the frequency module Magnepan recommends (probably in the 300-500 hz range). Then bypass the 1.6's internal x-over so that the amps are hooked directly to the "ribbons". You can now pick you amps. Solid state I can highly recommend (2)Forte 4's for about $500-600 each, very smooth and can readily control the bass panel. A single Citation 7.1, 4 channel amp is also a good pick at ~$800. Just as smooth as the Forte but a little less open. For tubes,(2) Rogue 60's would be great but a little on the high side price wise. Whatever amps you choose, my experience is to keep the amps the same.

Another option is to get a good sub with a GOOD built in electronic x-over (like a Velodyne FSR-12..$500). This will increase system extension, tighten the bass and relieve the Maggie's bass panel and the main amp of significant bass duties. This can really open up your system and make those current starved tube amps sing.
gecus
20 posts
 
I used to have the same Maggies and did many tests with few amplifiers including at that time the Classé CA-400. I finally chose the SimAudio W-5. The match was outstanding !
Highly recommended for the price.
mamba
18 posts
 
The better amp. than Plinius is BVaudio.
Take a look at http://www.bvaudio.com
They offer very interesting stereo components.
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