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What is the best sounding amp for Maggies 3.7?

I have Maggies 3.6R but I want to change them on 3.7. Currently I'm using Classe CA-M400 and Audio Research VTM-200. Before I had Krell FBP200C.My amps sound very different with combination of preamps I have such as AR Ref.3,Atmasphere MP3 and Bent Audio (fully balanced passive preamp). I would like to change my amps on one of your choices just to try something else.I'm open to all suggestions weather it is tube or SS. I like open sound that includes all audiophile jargon such as depth,wide soundstage,control of speakers,detail but no lushness in sound or sweet highs.Highs need to be real with hard splashes of cymbals...ok I understand the preamp plays a great role in achieving this - MP3 and Bent Audio can do it I believe.
Thank you all for your suggestions.
kaizan
kaizan OP
5 posts
 
I have tried many cables with Maggies and I didn't hear much of a difference.If there was the change was subtle .
Mofimadness- I was thinking about Pass or Krell Evo series. Do you think XA60.5 would have enough headroom for Maggies?
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,992 posts
 
Kaizan...I tried a pair of the Pass XA-60.5s on my Magnepan MG3.6s and my Martin Logan CLSIIAs and found it to be excellent, however, I really got a sense that I needed more power. I tried a pair of the XA100.5s and they were perfect, but I couldn't swing the funds for them.

I do have a larger room and listen a little louder than most, so that would be a factor.

I also found speaker wire to make little difference as long as it's a low capacitance, low inductance and low resistance design.

I actually settled on the Sanders. It's a terrific amp and a bargain at the price. HIGHLY recommended!
brrgrr
163 posts
 
I bought a Magtech when I bought my 3.7's and am very pleased with it. I even have considered the mono version but just didn't want to invest that much. They need lots of power and seem to be a good match, so far. Didn't try anything else because of my isolated location , based my decision a lot on recommendations here. Very cost effective. And the 30 day free trial makes it a no-brainer....something I"m very good at, according to some friends!
brownsfan
1,508 posts
 
Kaizan, I would encourage you to listen to the 3.7's for a while. I think the 3.7's are a substantial improvement over the 3.6's. You may find that your current amps suits your needs. That said, you might like the new Cary SS amps. I have the 500.1 MBs. They do not share the euphonic character of their predecessor, the older MB 500's. I would put them just a wee bit on the warm side of neutral. You will have all the control of the Maggies you could want, and the Cary's work well with passives like your Bent.
jallen
502 posts
 
I think your Classe is fine, the ARC VTM 200 is a bit lean in my experience. I would look to a Ref 5 ARC MKII, and find that a good improvement. Also, try a Bryston 14BSST2 or 28BSST2. I have had both 1.6 and 3.6 and the Brystons are very good. The Classe are also very good. Try a Pass but have the power at least 250wpc, or the dynamics suffer. For speaker cable, use something low capacitance of at least 8-10awg. The less strain on your amp, the better. The Maggies are well known for sucking the power out of an amp.
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