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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
randy-11
1,913 posts
 
or use a transistor amp (MOSFETS anyone) in a topology that sounds tubey

add a real tubey pre-amp
beernut's avatar
beernut
299 posts
 
I can second (third) the Wyred for Sound amps. I have a Wyred STE500 (550 w/ch into 4 ohms) and am quite pleased. It is paired with Maggie .7's which are wonderful for their modest price. Current is the key with Maggies. I was driving them with a Rogue Sphinx which sounded quite good too. The Wyred amp really brought them to a different level. I will say I added a sub to fill out the bottom which was a fine addition, it is a Speedwoofer and pairs fine with the Maggies.
noble100's avatar
noble100
2,419 posts
 
randy11:

"or use a transistor amp (MOSFETS anyone) in a topology that sounds tubey

add a real tubey preamp"

The better class D amps usually do use MOSFETS due to their high quality sound and ability to turn on/off very quickly. MOSFETS are excellent output devices/transistors that sound great and are typically used  in the better class A  and class D amps. 

If natureboy wants a real tubey sound, pairing a real tubey preamp with a class D amp will deliver that sound because they are very neutral and will just faithfully ampify the output of the preamp without any alteration.  This is exactly why I recommended  this combo to him in my initial post.  A VAC preamp paired with a Wyred amp, or any similarly good class D amp, would likely be a very good solution.  

Natureboy,

     I think a Vac pre-amp properly matched in impedance to a good class D amp and connected with quality XLR interconnects, would result in a sound very similar to your Avatar but with significantly more power.  Most good class D amps offer no risk in-home trial periods of up to 30 days.  If you're not satisfied, you can return it at no, or a minimal, charge.  

     If you decide on this route, I'm fairly certain you'll get plenty of good suggestions here on this thread concerning which amp  to match to your preamp choice if you request assistance. Again, my opinion is that a VAC preamp is a great choice but almost any preamp you choose can probably be matched to a good amp within your budget..

Thanks,
  Tim
the_nature_boy OP
21 posts
 
Thanks for all the great info, guys! A lot of really good options to think about. 
Anyone else hear about SERVO amps working well with these speakers? 
stewart0722
184 posts
 
I've used multiple amps on Mag 3.7s over the last few years.....

The best amps are the ones I have now, Bryston 28BSST2
runner up, Bryston 7BSST2
after that in order of "best sound"
Pass X350.5
Zesto Eros (I have a semi large room, and even these class A beasts seemed to run out of gas with the 3.7s)
Manley Neos (By far the worst sounding amps I've ever heard.....I cannot BELIEVE any person with average ears would keep these)  also ran out of gas quickly....

I do not believe tubes in general are a good fit for the Magnepans.
I do love a tube pre with them though, I run Convergent SL1 Renaissance w/ Phono

Magnepan has presented at the shows for years w/ Bryston, and I do think they are the top of the mark in terms of synergy.....I have excellent bass control, decent low end, sparkling highs and a meaty musical involving presentation with this combination.......you need a lot of juice with Magnepans to give them the headroom that you'll want.....

I've put some vids on utube, just search Magnepan Convergent
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