2. amps-preamps
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Budget amp that will give Magnepan 3.6Rs better depth of soundstage

I have 3.6Rs and using Emotiva UMC200 pre/proc and an Outlaw Audio 7100 in a 14 by 14 foot room. So I don't need to turn the volume up to massive levels. The amp will do 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 165 watts per channel into 4 ohms. I have been thinking of getting a separate two channel amp for the 3.6Rs. I have read that it takes lots of current to get the best soundstage with instrument placement and depth. I am getting wide soundstage and good sound, but the depth is somewhat muddied enough to not get instrument placement. I am looking for a two channel amp that will give me more of the potential of the 3.6Rs, but be able to be purchased for less that $750 used.  Is there any amp that will be worth upgrading to for that kind of money or do I need a new pre/proc as well?

cdavis2260
ronboco
841 posts
 

@cdavis2260 

I believe you could probably use those speakers in your room if you can get the room right as panzrwagn has suggested. I suggest consulting a professional for advice. Jeff at hdacoustics is very good. I was told my speakers would not work in my smaller room but with Jeff’s design they are fabulous! Good luck!

stevehardy1
78 posts
 

You didn’t mention how far away your Maggies are from the front wall. In my experience with Maggies, they MUST be a minimum of 4 feet out to get optimum front to back imaging. Anything less and the soundstage will suffer and no amp is going to make it much better. While a lot of people say 3 feet out will work, they don’t fully open up until they’re out 4 feet or more. If you are unable to bring them out that far, diffusion and not absorption behind the speakers will help with imaging. Try pulling them out to 4 feet (if they’re not already) and toe them in slightly, before spending money on an amplifier.

riccitone
229 posts
 

The room would need addressing before considering more power, but a better amp can make some significant improvements to the presence, dynamics and stage. 
 

What about wood diffusion behind the speakers along the front wall and then on the first reflection points? I purchased some cheap and very effective BXI quadratic panels on Amazon that did amazing things for the imaging and stage depth. 
 

 

Ag insider logo xs@2x
bouncehit
74 posts
 

I’ve owned numerous Magnepan models spanning 40 years time, and currently use MG 20.7’s.

 

in this order:

6’ from rear wall (put them on casters with locking wheels if need be)

experiment with toe in-mms matter

cheap but great amps? Crown Pro series, carver sunfire, parasouund. Adcom

 

good listening!!!

ross6860's avatar
ross6860
103 posts
 

I am currently running Magnepan 1.7i in an 11' x 14' room with two REL subs.

Speakers need to be 4'-5' from the front wall.  

I have used as little as 25 watts to 50 watts from a good tube amp.  Only bass was improved with big SS power.

For $750 or less, you are looking at older amps.  I had an ATI 1502 (225 watts @ 4 ohms) that did fine.  Look for high-current more than just a watt rating.  

Unfortunately, a lot of these older amps are due for service.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

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