2. speakers
  3. 127271-88935

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
the_nature_boy OP
21 posts
 
so far a pair of 2.5R's  . . . but i'm open to suggestions. 
the_nature_boy OP
21 posts
 
The other key piece of info, I suppose, is the listening area. I'm setting them up in my living room, so it's an open space with furniture (and wooden floors) I'm working with. Not sure if this automatically means more power needs  . . . the immediate listening area is about 250 square feet, but the whole room is about 650 sqft 
randy-11
1,913 posts
 
just set them up and see - my room is much larger than that
limniscate
241 posts
 
As far as Class D, I did directly compare the Spectron Musician III Mk.2 with all upgrades to the Sanders and found that it sounded fairly similar. The Spectron may have edged out the Sanders when connected with balanced connections, but I just couldn’t pull the trigger because of some strange interference issues that I couldn’t eliminate.  The Sanders seemed a little more natural, and the Spectron seemed a little better in vocals. 

However, assuming that both amps function fine, I’d probably recommend the Spectron just because it’s usually cheaper than the Magtech on the used market by $500+.
899bk
22 posts
 
Wyred SX 1000r mono's sound great on Maggie. 1200 wpc into 4 ohm, 2000 damp factor. Full meaty sound with great stage.
More to discover