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Best Amps for Magneplanar 1.7i Speakers

I have a new pair of Magneplanar 1.7i speakers. Source material is CDs played on an  OPPO 105D disc player, and Qobuz streamed through the OPPO. Current amplification is Rogue Audio Sphinx (version 1). I have an old B&W powered subwoofer (ASW2000)  connected to the subwoofer outputs on the Sphinx. Listening room is about 15’x14’, ceiling height 9’. The sound quality is reasonably good but at times it feels a little underpowered. I’d welcome thoughts  on whether the Sphinx is enough amplifier for the speakers and what other amplifiers (integrated or pre- and power-amp combinations) might work well? Especially interested in views regarding tubes versus solid state. Budget for the amp or amp combo is $4,000 to $8,000. Thanks in advance!

kevin1956
boxcarman
412 posts
 

You want a minimum of 150 watts to sound decent.  More is better.  Like 250.

ebm
9,311 posts
 

Jump on PASS 350.8 will sound GREAT.

mbmi's avatar
mbmi
569 posts
 

The Peachtree GaN 400 watt amp is class D Ganfets. They sound very tubish but have the guts to run those Maggies. I’m picking up a pair of LRS+ today..... Enjoy the music...not the equipment.

jrwaudio
345 posts
 

Has this question been asked before?? : )

I have the Magnepans. 7’s and drove them with my VAC PA 100 100 tube amp and ARC LS15 tube pre amp It was acceptable, but felt the Maggie’s just wanted more watts/current So out came the VAC and in went my Spectron musical MK lll

500watts@8ohm 650@4ohms and 1,200 watts@1ohm

65 amps for 500 milliseconds Now my Maggie’s beg for mercy!

So give them as much watts/current as possible

 

kevin1956 OP
12 posts
 

Lots of ideas here, and thanks to all of you! There is something to mrskeptic’s observation that maybe I am just looking for a Christmas present for myself. Still, with that volume knob well past the halfway mark I do wonder whether the Maggies need a little more juice. 

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