amps and cd players for magnepan 1.6qr

An audition of the 1.6s with the Bryston 4BST almost resulted in my buying the combination several months ago. Considering that experience I would suggest looking at a better source than the Planet. Not that it's a bad CDP, but the Maggie/Bryston combination will not be very forgiving of upstream deficiencies. My audition involved a Meridian unit(model # escapes me) which mated well with the system.

I have a pair of 1.5's mated with a 4B-ST/Rogue 66 combo. Source is an Arcam Alpha 8SE and it meshes well. IMHO, your preamp, if you go with a straight amp, may have a greater effect on the outcome. If you do look at a Bryston amp and consider coupling it with a Bryston preamp your choice of source will be more difficult as this pair will be very revelaing. Just my opinion...

Hello... I also have 1.6's and do use a Krell 300i with them on occasion, but lately have been using a Mesa Baron (large tube amp)with the 1.6's. If you go with the Krell, it can sound strident with a "lesser" CD player or DAC. I agree with Rgd spend more on the front end. I use mainly a Cal Labs CL-20 CD-DVD which matches with the Krell/Magnepan very well. Not sure if you are familiar with the Magnepan Users Group (MUG). For all things Magnepan check out: http://www.sonic.net/~howl/MUG/ Feel free to contact direct for further Krell/Maggie thoughts.

If it was me I would get the Bel Canto upsampler and a cheap DVD transport. For amp I have had good luck with a Baron on Magnepans