What is the amp for magnepan's: tube or solid?

I just upgraded my amp to a used Levinson 334 and it sounds great especially with a tubed pre-amp (ARC LS15). Check the review of the Levinson 334 in Stereophile (Sept '99). They can be had for as little as $2500. As for the power (125 wpc) they provide all I need even on my Maggie 3.6s. I've heard good things about Bryston's and Maggies (my brother recently bought a 4bst to go with his 1.6s but have not heard them - he's in Boulder, I'm in San Diego).

I recently heard the 3.5 with the Rowland Concentra II and they sounded marvelous. We also listened to the EAR 509 100wpc tube amps which were not quite as tight in the bass but very similar in many ways. The maggies need at least 100wpc to come alive. They have also sounded good with the Bryston 4BST, ARC D300 ss amp and Sonic Frontiers SFS80, but the latter at 60wpc was too polite in the bass. Jallen

Hold it, Tireguy. I did believe the Parasound was superior--until I received the Classe back from the factory and it had been upgraded. The upgrade took it to a level that went way beyond what the Parasound can accomplish, I think. I will put the Parasound back into double-check, but I don't believe it has the same power reserves, finesse, and control. This is not to say it isn't an excellent amp and may well be able to power a more modest speaker like the 3.6.

Also, Tireguy, I believe it's somewhat misleading for you to ascribe to me your decision to procure the Parasounds. It would be nice if I enjoyed that kind of persuasive power, but I believe a certain Oregonian may have had to do more with it if I'm not mistaken.

I had Maggie 3.6's with Bryston 7B-ST's. It's an awesome combo. Maggie's love power, and power will help with the bass.

I also supplemented with a REL sub.

The biggest surprise to me vis-a-vis the bass was the addition of a Maggie/Cardas wire kit. The improvement was jaw dropping. Mye stands help too, but not as much.

Good luck,

Rich