Rogue 88, Marsh A400S, or Audio Research VS110?

I used to have the 88, 99 combo and was less than thrilled. I certainly expected better performance than I was getting. I now am using the M120's. HUGE leap. My entire system was transformed. I had no idea how poorly the 88 was sounding until I put the M120's in the line up.Looking back, I have no Idea why I went with the 88 in the first place. It must have been a cost issue. If you can audition a pair of M120's in your system, you certainly should. Transformation!!

I had the Rogue Magnum 99 and thought it had terrific bass. I also owned the 88 Magnum and went to 120 Magnum and though the main improvement was in the top end (cleaner with less artifacts) and separation. IMO the bass was comparable between the 88 and 120, driving Maggie 1.6s, with the 120s having just a little more OOMPHH.

I have a question to Philjolet:
How 88 Magnum performed with your Maggie 1.6? Do you think that new 90 Magnum would be able to drive 1.6 in triod mode or should I go for 120 Magnum?

Thanks.

Boriss

Sorry for the delay, my power was out over the weekend due to inclimate weather.

I thought the M88 drove my Maggies nicely in triode mode. I have never understood that people thought they had more power in tetrode, they just play louder (and sound more ordinary) but without the control or sense of drive IMO. So (of course) the 90 should do a nice job as well. I will concede that tetrode mode had a lighter and maybe more open quality but not my cup of tea.

The bottom line for me though, is the search for more dynamic range with Maggies, the only time I had enough was with the Innersound ESL amp but did not especially care for the other sonic qualities of that amp. All other amps had negligable differences in that area, including the difference between the M120 and M88.

best of luck

Phil

Well, it is triod and ultralinear. And I would suggest that having already owned everything discussed here, the 88 or the 90 is underpowered for the 1.6's.
You will get many opinions but I am telling you flat out" don't do it"
There are significant differences between the 88/90 and the 120's. Now I am not telling you to buy the 120's as if I had to do everything again, I wouldn't buy the 120's.
Mark from Rogue is a great guy and a pleasure to do buisiness with but, I think all of the Rogue gear leaves a little to be desired. MHO