2. amps-preamps
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Integrated amp to go with Magnepan 3.7i

I currently have an NAD C388 powering my 3.7i's.  Originally I heard the 3.7i's paired with Parasound monoblocs and really liked them but wasn't prepared to spend that much.  A few years later I saw them with the NAD and thought the set-up offered 90% of the life like open sound I remembered.  

Like many people I really liked it but a few years out my setup feels underwhelming and almost distorted or harsh at higher volume.  So I'm looking at upgrading the amp.  I only stream Tidal through a Node 2i, mostly rock and alternative.  I just want the music to sound as real as possible - instruments and vocals.

I really like the ease of integrated vs separates.  Reading numerous threads, Pass amps seem to be ideal with Magnepan like the INT250, but to get a good DAC and less heat was thinking of others.  Seeing used listings, the Hegel H390 and NAD M33 stood out as ideal for me.

The NAD and Hegel are cheaper and easy but wondering if I would miss out on much better sound with the Pass.  
molarmasher
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
I just want the music to sound as real as possible

The devil is in the expectations. : )

Your Magnepan 3.7i's are excellent...but the Node 2i, NAD integrated, and Mogami/Monster cabling are not equals (of your speaker).

Between the amp, preamp, DAC.. looks like close to $15k.

Likely. Make sure you address power and cabling as well.

The best presentation I've heard with Maggies has been a McIntosh stack. ARC is another pairing commonly seen. Mentioning both, in case you are open to options other than PASS.
phcollie's avatar
phcollie
342 posts
 
Op,  
     There is a price point where an integrated is a better deal, but remember you are paying for the quality of the components in the unit, and in some cases giving up some sound quality via shared power supplies and noise.  The 3.7i is a very nice speaker and would justify the expense of separates.  I prefer DACs to be separate anyway since there has been much change and advancement regarding these units.  For my ears, a Tube Preamp and a nice SS amp with the current to drive the Magnepans is the best solution to get the most out of those speakers.  Pass 250.8, Parasound JC5, Bryston 4B3 are some of the examples that I positively know pair well with those speakers.  You do not have to use monoblocks.  Anyway this is just one opinion, but it is an opinion based on experience, ownership and current listening every evening.  Best of luck to you my friend and enjoy those 3.7i, I am looking to buy a set but my current audio room is only big enough for the 1.7.
secretguy
1,723 posts
 
I used a NAD integrated on my IIIs. Worked beautifully. FWIW...I now have 1.6, driven by a Rogue Cronus Magnum. I also heard 3.7s driven by the Cronus at a dealer. Sublime.
kchalupa
4 posts
 

Try the NAD M33.  I have been a skeptic about class D amps, but after buying the NAD I'm convinced that the technology is now mature enough to compete with the best class A/AB amps.  The NAD has penty of power (200 watts/channel), is dead quite, is actually mildly sweet sounding (not the "chalky" sound of earlier class D amps) and doesn't seem to mind difficult loads (I use mine with a pair of Acoustat 2+2's which are 82 db inefficient AND a nasty minimum 2 ohm load).  I traded in Parasound monoblocks, a Parasound preamp, a streamer and a phone preamp.  The simplicity is fantastic (no more expensive cables all over the place), no heat, and the sound is as good or better than the separates.  Plus it has Dirac room correction which does a great job of taming a couple nasty room nodes.  Unbelievable value for the money.  My only concern is reliability.  I have had no problems so far, but my experience with other NAD products has been mixed in that respect.

kennymacc
418 posts
 

Hegel H390.

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