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Help me put a system together for my son

One day out of no where my (future) daughter in law say's my son is collecting albums. I had no idea he had any interest in audio, let alone vinyl (must have been paying attention to my hobby after all!) . They are in the process of buying a condo where his system will be used. He mentioned that bass was not important to him and that he was more interested in good midrange system. So far I picked up a (new) Rega RP1 TT that came complete with tone-arm & Ortofon cartridge. I am in the process of acquiring a used pair of Magnapan MMG. Keeping a low budget cost in mind, what amp/ pre amp or integrated would you think would work with what I have so far. And, he will need a phono pre as well. He has no interest in any other source at this time, just a vinyl set up.
markpao
zd542
5,339 posts
 
I'm not a big fan of Magnepan speakers but I have owned the 1.6's. One of the amps I tried was a Cambridge Audio integrated (640v2). It did a very decent job of powering the 1.6's in the living room of a nice size condo at medium listening volumes. (Approx. 15x25). An entry level unit from them should be more than enough for a pair of MMG's. Cambridge also makes a very nice, low cost phono preamp to match. Lindisfarne mentions the Rega. I don't think you can go wrong with that one either. I would just make sure that it can make enough power to drive the speakers.
kotta's avatar
kotta
649 posts
 
The Brio is a very nice 49w int. amp which does have a good phono pre-amp built in, which used would be under $400. But no headphone jack. I personally have not tried but I would take a good look at the Marantz 6004. The NAD 326BEEE comes to mind as well. Not sure if around 50w is enough power to drive the maggies. I suppose if they are not pushed too hard, they would be alright. If one were to go used, the choices are quite extensive. A powerful older amp matched w/a good pre-amp. Bulky and take w/more space but probably better able to drive the spks. Good Luck!
tbromgard
814 posts
 
I would rec the NAD int amp too. Get one used if possible.
warrenh's avatar
warrenh
2,299 posts
 
I love Maggies to death, but very(room, room and more room to come alive) problematic. Since it is fete acomplais (as far as the speakers go) and he is in an apartment, I would go with the most SS (go integrated) you can get for the buck.
truman
168 posts
 
Look for a used Quad 909 ($1695) for around $700 to drive the Maggies. 140 w/ch and a bit of boost in the bass as they were made for planers. Pair with $500 used PS audio GCPH phono preamp with volume control($1000). You're good to go. Add a tube preamp when he adds another source component. Alternately, Belles 150 amp. If this is too much $, go with a used B&K 140 amp, about $250, but stick with the GCPH.
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