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 
markainsworth
kcleveland
15 posts
 
If your amp has a toroidal transformer that may be creating the hum. You could try checking the fastener(s) on the transformer.

I installed DC blockers in my earlier Innersound amps so that the transformer would quiet down. These can be made with a bridge rectifier and a couple of electrolytic capacitors. The newer Sanders amps use a fully potted toroid and have virtually no electro-mechanical hum.

By the way the Sanders Magtech should be more than up to the task of driving Maggies or just about any speaker. I have two with LMS (speaker management system) driving my Sanders electrostats. Best sound I've had in my 40+ years at this "hobby".

Good luck.
markainsworth's avatar
markainsworth OP
93 posts
 
Kcleveland: Thanks. I am sure the Sanders are fabulous. New they are well out of reach for me. I have not seen any on the used market.
BTW. The hum appears to be fixed. It was mechanical rather than electrical. (something was vibrating). Tightening all the screws on the bottom fixed it. Note I did not tighten the torroidals. They are secured with a pretty hefty bolt.
transnova's avatar
transnova
351 posts
 
Last year I wandered in to a nice little store in Deerfield Beach, FL. The owner was playing a pair of 1,7i's with a Prima Luna 35 or 40 wpc tube integrated. I was shocked at how good they sounded!!! I told him that I thought Maggies required high power SS amplification. I believe his response had something to do with the high current capability of the Prima Luna amp.
waterzlife
139 posts
 
DITTO on the Peachtree power amp suggestion.....most transparent system I know 9 a friend ) has a tall Maggie speaker/hybrid ribbon tweeter driven bymodel  a 200w Peachtree amp driving it -  NIRVANA!!
msmoto
7 posts
 
Just a note on "hum" or other speaker noise... I was getting a crackling paper sound from one channel, replaced tubes in my preamp and it went away.  At least for about six months, then the noise slowly returned.  So, this time, I disconnected all the speaker connections to use a pair of small speakers until I could get the issue figured out.  I was asked to record the sound so the folks at VTL could help me diagnose the issue, but upon reconnecting, at which time I also sprayed the connections with Sprayon S02001 Electrical Cleaner and Lubrications Spray (Sherwin-Williams), the issue was resolved.  I now use this spray on every electrical connection when putting things together.
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