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

in my experience the most cost effective amps (used) to drive big maggies well enough in a regular size room to normal levels are

klaus’ odyssey amps (even the less expensive older ones are excellent, khartago or stratos -- caps upgrade helps)

primare i-30 integrated 100 wpc, 180 wpc into 4, stout and very musical

older musical fidelity a308 or similar

older van alstine synergy or similar (a little more sharp sounding)

older audio research 100.2 (100/200 into 4) - lovely tube like warmth, if you can find one

 

 

Hello Cdavis2260! As a fellow Maggie owner and amp snooper, Starke Sound's 4 channel amp will give you great performance in the stereo mode. New, thay are $1400, but go on sale now and then for as low as $1000. Maybe you can find one used. I have five of them in use. They are the best power amps I have ever used. I used to build my own amps, but not anymore! Happy Listening.

You need a powerful amp and no tube i try a lot of amps but with the cello duet it was great.

You will not be disappointed in Odyssey ... the last used unit sold  a week ago but they list frequently.  

https://hifizero.com/index.php?q=odyssey

You may want try a graphic equalizer. They fell out of favor in the 1980s but have become very popular with the headphone community in recent years. They can also allow you to tailor the sound of a speaker system to your particular listening room.

Schiit Audio sells three graphic equalizers: Loki Mini+ $149, Lokius $299, Loki Max $1499. I use the Lokius and it works quite well for my headphone system. It will also offer an inexpensive way to experiment with your Maggies.