2. home-theater
  3. 1217520706

Budget AV Receiver with Magnepan

I'm looking to build a 5 channel home theater/music system using Magnepan MMG-W's and CC2 (or possibly MC1's for FR and FL) with a Monitor Audio sub. Now I'm looking at inexpensive used high end AV receivers to tie it all together:

Rotel - 1055 75x5

NAD - T744 (can be had refurbished with warranty) 5x50W, not sure if this is enough to drive the Magnepans?

NAD - T754, a bit more power, can be had with warranty

B&K AVR 202 - 105 x 5, I've heard one of these and liked it, it's a bit older than the rest

Cambridge Audio 540R - 80 x 6, nice looking unit but haven't heard much about them compared to NAD/Rotel/B&K

And advice/experience on any of these would be greatly appreciated. I'm happy with 5 channel DTS, don't need HDMI (although would be nice), want something that can drive the small Maggies without struggling (don't need ground shaking volume here), and I want something that sounds *good*. I'm coming from a small Denon 75w x 5 Dobly Digital surround receiver (driving Monitor Audio Silver 5i's). I know seperates are better, but I'm trying to keep the wife happy ($$$). Thanks!

Brad
bfrank1972
sthomas12321
408 posts
 
Ive owned all the cost no object stuff, and for future readers, magnepan mmg, mmgw,mmgc's, will all easily run off a 100+ watt receiver easily. I tried my MMg's on a Onkyo nr906 reciver, and it played the mmg's at loud levels. Just as loud as my Bryston 9bsst did.

You could even drive the Magnepan 1.6 with this receiver, as this receiver lets you bi amp (using extra rear channels) in a 4 or 6 ohm load, and giving you over 160 watts to the tweeters, and 160 watts to the bass panels. This is plenty!!

Most of these new receivers are able to bridge channels, or bi amp. The days of NEEDING huge seperate amps are almost over. Power has been increasing every year in these receivers.
lacee
811 posts
 
I haven't had them for a month yet, but my HT system of 2 pairs of MMgw and the MMGC driven by a Ymamha RV659 reciever is showing no signs of strain.I use a Paradigm sub of no special merit.

I used to own the EAD powermaster 500,perhaps I should have kept it from what I have read here.

Well I can always go that route and use the Yammie as the pre/pro.
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
Those are not as tough to drive as some suggest and here is why, they roll off at 100hz so add a sub and you can get away nicely with it. I powered them wall mounts with a 60w Rotel 6 channel amp driving all channels and never had a lick of trouble. I listen loud with movies too.
Is more power better? Always but I see alot of people cpeculating on what will work and what wont, just adding my real world experience and assuring you it can and has been done................and amp wasnt cookin eggs lol.
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