Amplifier for the magnepan 3.7i

Maggies are much easier to drive than electrostatics, as the impedance is rel. invariant across the freq. range. They do require an amp that can handle 4 ohm speakers and their efficiency is about 87 or so (rel. low).

I have heard the $4,000 rouge amp driving 3.7i’s at a dealer’s and listened for 2 or 3 bouts covering several hours of my non-classical test music. It sounded good but I did not compare with other amps.

A good SS amp may be best but you will have to really do some serious blind testing with amps that can be compared and returned to the dealer to be sure.

Maggie uses Brystons when they haul stuff to shows, and has used ARC (their former distributor and neighbor).

I’d also check out the new benchmark AHD2 amp which has some very interesting new technology to reduce or eliminate crossover distortion.

I own the Magtech and 3.7i's and think it's a pretty good match.

partel and randy-11,

No big deal and probably just typos but:
    'Rouge' is makeup women use on their cheeks.
    'Rogue' is the amp maker I think you're both referring to.

     As to a good amp for your new Magnepan 3.7i speakers, I think an important consideration is whether or not you're planning to use sub-woofers in your system.   

     With 70% of each 3.7i panel devoted to quasi-ribbon woofer sections reproducing frequencies of 300 hz and below, bass response is very good but only extends to 35 hz.  This is plenty deep for many people but I'm not sure if you wanted your system to go even deeper by adding subs.  I would suggest you set up your speakers initially without subs to determine for yourself if the bass meets your expectation.

     I would recommend you audition the D-Sonic M3-1500-M mono-blocks as a great match for the 3.7i.  These are high powered class D amps rated at 1500 watts @  8 ohms and 2,400 watts @ 4 ohms.  The current price is $2,750/pair and they offer a 21 day in home trial period.  

     Here's a link to a 6Moons review of the M2-1500-M amps that, according to the owner Dennis Deacon, are exactly the same as the current M3-1500-M amps:

ww.6moons.com/audioreviews/dsonic/1.html

     I think these amps would be very good on your speakers for several reasons:

1.They're going to provide 2,400 watts into your 4 ohm panels which will provide an effortless presentation with plenty of backup power for powerful and accurate dynamics that will avoid clipping.  The 6Moons reviewer drove a pair of notoriously hard to drive Apogee panels, with very low and demanding impedance dips at various frequencies, using these amps with excellent results.  The 3.7i  are not nearly as demanding with a relatively stable impedance that rarely dips much below 4 ohms at any frequency but a relaxed, effortless presentation sounds best on any speaker with any music.

2. If you'd rather not use subs, these amps have excellent bass response.  The high power and damping factor (1,000) of these amps are the main reasons for the exceptional bass response.  I use less powerful D-Sonic mono-blocks (M3-600-M that have the same damping factor but half the watts @ 4 ohms) on my older Magnepan 2.7qr speakers and I've never heard these speakers produce better bass.  Even if you ultimately decide to add subs, this quality will still benefit your system performance.

3.The last benefit I want to mention is the mid-range and treble qualities of these amps.  The 6Moons reviewer describes them as having a tube-like full and dimensional mid-range with a smooth treble that is detailed and not rolled-off.  I thought these qualities might be of interest to you since you're also considering using the tubed Rogue M-180.

     Overall, I believe these amps are a very good match for your new speakers.  My thought is that you may want to audition these amps first before even considering more expensive options that may not perform as well since they are a very low risk option due to the in-home trial period and because they offer true hi-end performance at a bargain price.  

Hope this helped you,
    Tim

     

     

This discussion may be helpful.

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/best-cheap-amps-for-magneplanar-speakers

Thanks noble! The  rouges was auto correct  :O)  I will check that amp out, I am not familiar with the  D sonic brand.