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Buget system idea?

I currently own Magneplanner 2.7's, Rotel RB 960 (60w x 2, dual mono), Rotel RB 960 Preamp, and my CD player just quit working.

Being married I must try to spend around $2000 and $3000 max, on the whole system, to get a new sound. Only interested in 2 channel audio.
I am trying to sell the Maggies and go box again.

I have been looking into used Musical Fidelty X-ray CD, X-150 integrated with Paradigm Studio 60's, V3. Of course I have no idea how this will sound because there is only ONE audio dealer where I live, and he doesn't have much to choose from. I am going purely on reviews.
I will get a chance to actually listen to the studio 60's in a couple weeks.
Also looking into Njoe Tjob CD, and still threatening to go tubes. According to most on here, the Jolida 302b with EL34's seems to be a winner, or Primaluna Prologue 2.

What do you all think? Tubes / SS ? I wish I could spend more, but that will have to wait until later.
mab2112
rar1's avatar
rar1
1,784 posts
 
Mab:

I have listed a system of new components, as I am extremely hesitant to purchase any components used. With that said, I have owned the components below for a while and they sound the best of any system that I have owned in the past 35 years. What's even more interesting, is that this is my secondary system and I have enjoyed it so much that I have sold my $3000 solid state Musical Fidelity A300 CR power amp to buy another Prima Luna for my main system. Rather than keep on ranting, please see the review of the Prima Luna that I wrote here in the Audiogon Review Section.

The system that I recommend is as follows:

Prima Luna Prologue 2 tube integrated amp($1345 list)
Omega Super 3 Loudspeakers ($540 list)
Music Hall MMF CD25 CD Player ($540 list)
total: $ 2425

Regards, Rich
drew_w
63 posts
 
My friend has the 2.7QRs...runs them with a Bryston 4BST...the status lights on the Bryston blink red at peaks on rock material played at average (certainly not deafening) sound material. I'm not sure what your listening habits are or what you listen to, but I think you are SEVERELY limiting the potential of the 2.7QRs. They're absolutely fantastic speakers, but they really need muscle to get going. You will also be amazed at how revealing these speakers are, but a bigger SS amp would be a necessary starting point, at least in my experience with these speakers.
benie
147 posts
 
Keep the Maggies + get a better amp+CD, Your Maggies will light up with an amp with lots of current.
rar1's avatar
rar1
1,784 posts
 
One additional point ... I thought that you were looking to scrap your current set-up and I pointed you in the way of a tube amp and high efficiency speakers. They have their own magic just like the Maggies do. If you do decide to keep your Maggies, you really need a much more powerful amp to do them justice ... like the 225wpc Musical Fidelity I just sold. Something to keep in mind ... Maggies need a lot of juice ... your 60wpc Rotels are not capable of getting the job done.

Regards, Rich
justin_time
100 posts
 
Keep your Maggies and get a high-current amp.

The Maggies are some of the best values in audio and have been for over 25 years now. I assume that you like their overall sound but feel that they are not dynamic enough--my guess--you just need a different amp. Financially, it is always best to keep what you already have.

You do not necessarily need a lot more power, just a high current, class A/AB amp with a stiff power supply. They don't come cheap though so you must buy them used. You can get a Threshold S150 or S200 for about $500-700 or the newer series T50-T100 for $800-1,000. Those or any amp of similar design will make your Maggies really come to life. You'll be shocked by the change. The Rotels are not the right amps for your Maggies.

If you are adventurous, you may look into the new digital switching amps, the perfect amps for the Maggies in my opinion. They are the most dynamic amps extant, with great bass/treble and a sweet midrange to boot. Many of the less expensive one WILL have a hardness in the sound but that will not show up at all on the Maggies.

If you get a conventional amp, make sure you have plenty of power and/or a stiff power supply.

Good Hunting!
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