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
gumbedamit
109 posts
 

I would look on Audiogon or another site for any vintage Classe Amp with 200 wattsper channel. CA200, CLASSE 15. something like that. You might get lucky. 

They are good power hungry panels, but they do reward you when you feed them well.

ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,151 posts
 

Many years ago I tried a Classe CA-200 on a pair of 3.5rs and I didn’t think it was a good match. I didn’t keep the amp long at all.

gumbedamit
109 posts
 

I'm reading posts from people telling you , your room is too small, get a tube amp and so on.  My first pair of Maggie's I listened to them in a small room, I still enjoyed them. Of course after I moved and got a larger place, they sounded much better.  There are so many people saying, it's not the watts, it's the current,  guess what, good high powered amps have high current to push those panels. As I stated earlier along with a few others,  look for and older Classe, Parasound,  older amps in that power and class range.  Enjoy the Music...

Ag insider logo xs@2x
bouncehit
74 posts
 

On a budget the Adcom 555 is tough to beat!

gumbedamit
109 posts
 

One of the first amps I had to drive my Maggie's,  (2.5r,IIIa') was the Harmon Kardon Signature 1.5, that was a great lil power house. Very musical. I'm sorry I sold it.

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