Two power amps for Magnepan 1.7i ?


I've got some new Maggies on the way after having gotten rid of my 1.6 qr's about six years ago because kittens.

I have an N.A.D. preamp as well as the c270 power amp. The c270 is rated 120w stereo and 300w mono.

Back when I had the 1.6's I had an opportunity to temporarily try bi-amping them and enjoyed the result.

My understanding is that you can't bi-amp the 1.7i's (forgive my ignorance but I think that's where one amp powers the tweeters and the other the woofers?).

I can get another c270 for around $300. My question is, is it worth it? I think that would mean bridging the amp to be mono and then using one amp for one speaker and the other amp for the other speaker.

When I had 1.6 qr's the one c270 amp was adequate in terms of volume but I did find myself turning it up to eleven...

cbordian

the pair of C270's will work fine, but your speakers will sound much better with a better amp when you can upgrade...I used an Odyssey Khartago Extreme SE and liked it much more than NAD or Schiit Vidar...not super more money than the $300 you have ready and what you can get for your NAD...

I have 1.7s.  Started with NAD 200 wpc stereo and they sounded great.  Then installed an Emotiva 300 wpc stereo and they sounded better.  Now installed Van Alstine DVA225 monos on each channel and they sound even better.  As others have stated, they need power.  So, yes, I would say buy another amp and run monos.  I think it will make a difference for u.

The Van Alstine amps are awesome. They’re not more powerful than the others above, just much better

No. I meant the Van Alstine post directly above. Nad and Emotiva. Sorry I was not clear.