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Is a Bryston 3B SST2 enough for Magnepan 3.7i or 20.7?

Hello,

I currently have a Bryston 3B SST2 with BP26 Preamp.  My current speakers are Magnepan .7s with a small KEF sub.  I love the combination but am getting the upgrade bug.  

I'm just not sure the 3B SST2 has enough power to drive the 3.7i's or even the 20.7s well.  I do not listen at very high volume levels, as a good deal of my listening is late at night after everyone else is asleep.  That is another concern is that will the amp drive them well at very low volume?  Not sure I would need the sub with the 3.7s or 20.7s.

Appreciate any thoughts from Bryston and Maggie owners.

Thanks,

GK



grekon39
chrissain
470 posts
 
Hello, my first instinct was to to say no, a 3b would not be enough, Maggie's love and require power, but since you said you do not listen loud it the 3b might do just fine. Could you bring it to your dealer and have a listen? 
Christopher 

grekon39 OP
43 posts
 

Yes taking the 3B SST2 to a dealer is definetly an option and what I will try to do.  Thanks for the input.


GK

lhasaguy's avatar
lhasaguy
355 posts
 
I think the Bryston is underpowered for the Maggies.  I own 3.6 Maggies and my first amp with them was an Audio Research 150.2 amp.  It also speced out at 150 into 8 ohms and 300 into 4 ohms.

Maggies need a lot of current.  You cannot bring out their true essence without more power.

I am now running McIntosh MC501 mono blocks and the difference is huge.

Just one guys opinion.  I have had my current set up for 11 years now as I am not a chaser of gear.  Happy to listen to the music now.
grekon39 OP
43 posts
 
Thanks for the responses.  

My plan is to take the Bryston into the dealer to demo it with the 3.7s.  The dealer believes the Bryston has enough power for the maggies but he is more than happy to let me demo the amp there.
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