2. amps-preamps
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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
lukaske
307 posts
 
Mark, known that Magnepan  have a frequenc.of 40 hz-24 KHz and 86 db. ( This is quite low) . You love Magnepan or you don’t. Putting tube pré-amp is good. As poweramp use one with a high impedance:: i suggest Hegel H90, Moon, Pass,Alchemy DPA-1 { very good match).Try all these on a Magnepan before you buy. Please, don’t use extra subwoofers.
I sincerely hope you find the best match!
mzkmxcv
777 posts
 
Emotiva XPA-DR2 looks good.
rodge827's avatar
rodge827
621 posts
 
Maggies require a lot of grunt! The Digital Amplifier Company (DAC) has very powerful amps that sound fantastic! Very close to the best SET tube amps with power! Contact Tommy att DAC and see what he has to offer. He might have a demo or trade in amp he could offer at a discount. BTW he uses Maggies as well as other speakers to test his amps.
Hope you find what your looking for.

https://www.cherryamp.com/
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
The 7B ST monos will be a great match for the 1.7i, especially with a tube pre in front. But given their age, I think a Pass 250.5 at the same price would be a better value.
schmitty1
46 posts
 
I have Maggie’s 1.7i. With a tube preamp and a high current solid state amplifier. Both are audio research. The combo of the 3 quite astounding. There are plenty of Audio Research deals under $2000 in the used market to complement  the Maggie’s. As for your hum if it is coming through your speakers it is likely a leaking filter cap in the power supply.

happy listening 
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