Appropriate Power for 1.7i's


I am sure this is the type of question that gets asked a lot, so I beg your indulgence for one more:

I have recently upgraded my speakers to a pair of Magnepan 1.7i's.  I am enjoying these speakers even though I know they are not receiving an optimal signal.  My goal is to provide a better signal.
 
My primary source is TIDAL HiFi, and here is my current setup

Power:  Yamaha HTR-5450 (only front channels used).  Ostensibly 85 w/channel --- I am aware that the specs for home theater receivers tend to be -ah optimistic.

DAC:  ifi nano iDSD (burr-brown)

Digital signal provided by PC

My budget for upgrading the Yamaha is modest:  $700-$900

Here is my want list:

100+ w/channel Stereo into 4 ohms.  ( I have no need for more channels):  Preferably Class A/B  (as opposed to D)

I am not opposed to purchasing used, in spite of the additional effort involved.

I am considering the Denon Heos and  Sonos Connect as a preamp.  I am not opposed to an integrated amp, but I like the fact that these units allow me to control my selection via a phone app (my phone is an LGv20 w/ Android 7).  Since I tend to listen to albums rather than individual songs or even playlists, the lack of this convenience is not a deal killer for me.


128x128markainsworth
Hi 2psyop.  Thanks for the suggestion.  I read the review you linked, and immediately wanted one.  However, the price for used units appears to be about 3k.  Out of my range, even given that it obviates the need for a pre-amp.
So my current short list (in no particular order) is:

Bryston 4B ST ($1,600 - good availability)
Krell 400xi ($1,400 - $1,500)
Pair of PS Audio 250 Deltas ($1,100 / pair)
McCormack DNA-1 (Hard to come by)

The first three deliver into 4 ohms. the McCormack delivers 370wpc into 4 ohms.

The Musical Fidelity is out only because of the cost. If I happen onto a deal on one, I will consider it.

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. All have been helpful. I look forward to more.

I have the 1.7i, I was using a Parasound Halo Integrated with it sounded good but something was missing so I had Klaus Bunge at Odyssey build me a Kismet amplifier in a Stratos case, Huge difference in Sound stage, Clarity and Bass ! but it was expensive , for your budget take  a look at the new Schiilt Vedar it will drive the 1.7i and is priced at $699 plus shipping, you can than save money and buy another one and go Mono which will give you 400 watts per Channel @4 ohms at  High Current , the maggies need 60 amps to really sing.

I'm driving a pair of 1.7i Magnepans with a Audio Research 300.2 power amp I purchased here on Audiogon a while back. The ARC 300.2 produces 300 wpc at 8 ohms / 500 wpc into 4 ohms.

This is plenty of power for Maggies, and can be had for $1500-$1800 if you're willing to wait for one to come up for sale.

  -gb-

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