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Please help a rookie –used amps for magnepan 3.7?

This is my first post on any kind of audio forum, so I apologize in advance for my ignorance if I’m violating any convention/etiquette etc. I love music, but confessed to being overwhelmed regarding all the technical development since the days of tubes.

I am planning to buy some Magnepan 3.7 speakers. I don’t think I can afford to buy the ideal amplifier for my system right now, and would very much appreciate any advice or suggestions about what sort of used amplifier set up would be the best compromise between cost and sound quality for the near term.

I use both digital and analog sources and have Audio Research LS17SE tube pre amp and Bryston DAC and 8 year-old Rotel RB 980 BX amplifiler, which I believe is rated at 125 W. This set up has worked well with my current Vandersteen II ce speakers.

My local audio dealer told me that for the maggies I should get an amp with at least 200 W of power and suggested an Audio Research DS 225, which I could buy used for $3,900. This is a bit more than I would like to spend, however if the consensus of the group is this is the best option I could start saving towards this.

Alternatively, I was wondering if there might be a slightly less expensive amplifier suggestion somewhere closer to $2,500? (I might be able slip that one as my wife with minimal angst).

I’ve always been interested in the idea of separate mono block amplifiers. From my admittedly uninformed perspective, the logic of separate amps, potentially located closer to the speakers seem reasonable, however I have no idea if that’s accurate or even an option I should consider. Maybe I should consider getting another Rotel RB 980 like the one I have now, which I think should be fairly inexpensively – does that make sense?

I very much appreciate any and all advice and suggestions from the knowledgeable members of this community.

Thanks, Mike
mallen1010
kjweisner's avatar
kjweisner
293 posts
 
I ran my 1.6s for years with a BAT VK-200 at 100 wpc and never felt it was a compromise. I did add a Vandersteen 2Wq sub which essentially made the VK-200 "more powerful" in that the crossover rolled off the signal to the amp starting at 80 hz. In essence the 100 watts were not being heavily consumed below 80 hz.

This was a nice building block approach from a budget point of view. I think VK-200s can be had around $1000-$1200 when you can find them. It is a fully balanced design and you should know they run fairly hot.

Last point--I sent mine off to BAT after 14 years of use and had it re-capped and checked over. Cost was about $400 to get it basically back to new. BAT's service is extraordinary.
mallen1010 OP
3 posts
 
Thanks to everyone for all your very helpful advice and suggestions – much appreciated!

Based on the feedback, I think I'm hearing that a solid-state, class A/B amp with 200 W of power would probably work well.

Is there a way to know which of the ARC amplifiers are solid-state? I'm admitted to being very confused about what their naming convention means.

Another naïve question about mono blocks; if I assume I need 200 watts per channel of solid-state power in a single stereo amplifier, is that the same thing as two, 100 Watt mono block amp's?

Thanks in advance for your consideration and help!
Mike
bill_k
912 posts
 
Mike - when referring to a stereo power amp's rating, it is specified "per channel", so the rating of a mono amp would need to be the same to provide the same amount of power. In other words a 200 wpc stereo amp provides the same amount of power as a pair of 200 watt mono amps.
raymonda
855 posts
 
Since you have settle on SS then you absolutely must consider Classe 201 or 200. It will be a great match with your Maggie's. It will leave you not wanting for more or second guessing, really!

Thank me later!
teeshot
123 posts
 
I would not recommend the Modwright recommended above. I had problems with mine and it seemed to run out of power earlier than other amps I have used. If you are willing to look outside the name brands I would recommend the Primare A32 which can be had for $2500 or less and is a powerful 250 watts into 8 ohms. Well built too. The Sanders is another good suggestion. Your system will be great. Happy listening.
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