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Magnepans

I'm kinda new to the plannar/magnepan world, but I am really interested in trying out a pair after all the reviews I've been reading. From what I understand these speakers are quite power hungry. What is the minimum I need to properly drive these? 
I currently have a VAC Avatar integrated tube amp. These are the stats:
Type: Integrated vacuum tube amplifier with MM phono stage and home theater (direct power amplifier) mode.
Tube Complement: two 12AX7 low noise (phono), two 12AX7 (line stage), three 12AU7/6189A (power amplifier), and four EL34 (power amplifier)
Options: Remote control for volume (motorized direct control) & mute
Power amplifier ("Home Theater" direct mode):
Output matching: 4 or 8 ohms nominal
Power output: 60 watts/channel ultra-linear; 27 watts/channel triode
Frequency response: 9 Hz - 35 kHz +0 / -0.5 dB, 3 Hz - 71 kHz +0 / -3.0 dB
Power bandwidth: 11 Hz - 63 kHz + 0 / -3.0 db ref. 50 watts
Gain: 25 dB ultra-linear; 23 dB triode
Residual noise: 1.5 mv at 8 ohm output
Channel separation: -72 dB @ 1 kHz; -60 dB @ 10 kHz
Line stage preamplifier:
Gain: 24 dB
Maximum input signal: Infinite (attenuation precedes line stage)
Noise contribution: Approx. 0.1 mv at power amplifier output 
THD contribution: Approx. 0.04% 
Tape output: Unity gain from selector, non-inverting 
Phono stage preamplifier: 
Gain: 37 dB (measured at tape output)
MC phono stage in place of the MM optional 
Residual noise: 3 mv at output (S/N ratio approx. 69 dB) 
Overload: 117 mv @ 1 kHz = 8 volts RMS output, 460 mv @ 10 kHz 
Frequency response: RIAA +/- 0.25 dB 
Notes: Does not invert absolute phase. 

Anyone know if these will do or if I'll have to upgrade? Love the tube sound . . . will I need to go solid state for Maggies? Thanks for putting up with the noobie question :) 
the_nature_boy
larrymikeron
9 posts
 
I have two sets of Maggies, 2.5Rs, and 3.6Rs.  (I love em, I also have electrostatics(ML) and time aligned cone speakers (Vons), but the maggies rule.) I can run the 2.5s with a 40 watt all tube integrated, and they sound great, but that same amp just can't push the 3.6s hard enough (for me anyway). However, that said, I do run the 3.6Rs with a 50 watt (rated 50 - but closer to 70 - per the owners manual. yeah really) tube power amp (Cary V12R).  This amp has the 3.6s singing like angels (I'm guessing angels can sing really good?).  I have several solid state amps also, but the Cary with the Maggies seems to be a match made in heaven.
noble100's avatar
noble100
2,419 posts
 
All,

     In my last post I mentioned that I'd heard it mentioned that Magnepan does not reccommend using class D amps to drive their speakers.  I went to their website and found out this is not totally accurate:

     They recommend class A/B amps that are high current designs (amps that double their 8 ohm wattage into a 4 ohm load, example: 100 watts @ 8 ohms and 200 watts @ 4 ohms).  They tout this type because they claim it has worked well on Maggies for decades according to feedback from their customers.

     They state that they don't recommend class D amps because they have received reports of some shutting down when driving their 4 ohm speakers.  They further state they don't have the time or staff to keep track of which class D amps work well and which do not so therefore, in a self described effort to be conservative,  decided to just not recommend any of them.  Stating that you decline to make distinctions between amps of a specific type is not exactly a ringing endorsement but it is obviously does not rule out that some class D amps may be ideal matches for their speakers.

     The truth is that Magnepan does not recommend or state not to use class D amps, it merely states  it can't be bothered with details like which amps work well and which do not  and, besides, we already told you we  don't want to be bothered.

     Magnepan apparently can't be bothered with the fact that there are numerous class D amps that are high current and double their power from 8 to 4 ohms.  Mine are rated at 600 watts @  8 ohms and 1,200 watts @ 4 ohms and, whether Magnepan gives a hoot or not, drive their speakers very well..

Thanks,
 Tim.  
the_nature_boy OP
21 posts
 
A lot of great info here. Thanks so much! Quite a bit to consider with this next purchase(s). 
Heard something about SERVO amps being a good option? Not necessarily going that route, but as long as I'm considering switching out my current integrated amp I might as well put it out there. 
Tim, thanks for all the info and the mention of class D. I will look into that as well.
Larry, the maggies I'm looking at happen to be 2.5's so might not have to get rid of my VAC? 
limniscate
241 posts
 
I've never tried tube amps with my Magnepans but will say that you need a lot of solid-state power, if you're going to listen above 70db.  I'd recommend something like the Sanders Magtech, which does 900 into 4 ohms.
randy-11
1,913 posts
 
they choose amps for use at shows and demos

I think they used Bryston to demo their bass panels
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