2. amps-preamps
  3. 148006-93722

Power Amp advice

I am looking for advice on a power amp to drive my Magnepan 1.7i's.  My source is my Cambridge Network player which I use to stream Tidal.  My preamp is Tube unit: Transcend 6SN7 Line Stage by Aric Audio.  My current amp is a Parasound HCA2200.  The Parasound has lately developed an annoying hum.  I was thinking of getting it repaired, but thought that now might be a good time to upgrade that 30 year old piece.

I was looking for advice on a good match for the preamp/speaker combination.  My budget is around $2,000.  I don't mind buying used.  I was thinking to go with tubes, but I fear that any tube amp with enough oomph to properly drive those Maggies would be well outside of my budget.

Discussions here are always thoughtful, so I am looking forward to what you folks have to share.

Thanks,
Mark 
128x128markainsworth
lhasaguy's avatar
lhasaguy
342 posts
 
I ran through a number of amps for my 3.6 Maggies and discovered McIntosh MC501 mono blocks.   

You will probably not need that much power, but a smaller McIntosh might fit your needs, even if you have to atretch the budget a bit.

Maggies and Mac are magic to my ears.  Others may differ.
audiomaze
128 posts
 
I have had three sets of Maggie's. 2 1.7s and one 1.7i .started with a onkyo 805 reciever which was a high currant amp at 185 w @ 4 ohms. Oh. Than some sales man sold me a McIntosh mc 50 and that was an improvement but still no omg. Thank another salesperson said it will sing with a McIntosh mc 275 tube amp great imaging a smooth sounding but still something missing. Than I bought a parasound A21+. WOW!!! Paired with a Parasound p5 it was off to the races . Only 5 years to get there but worth it.  P.S. I just changed the stock tweeter jumper to a solid copper wire and removed the fuse and inserted a brass tube in place. Nice improvement.  Goodluck 
adg101
1,063 posts
 
If you can buy a Pass Labs X250.5 for $2.200 US you better jump on that and run.
gratefuleric
112 posts
 
Peachtree Nova 300 is super clean 300wpc 4>16ohm, built in state of the art DAC and USB in. It will drive any speaker with authority and a glorious sound stage.
terry9
2,354 posts
 
I ran Tympanis with Bryston, and they sounded good. Especially for the price.
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