New Maggie Owner; What amp????

I have SMGa's in one of my systems and with respect to the question "How much power do Maggies need?" the correct answer is always MORE. They really need as much power as you can give them to get them to "bloom." I am using separates with an amp rated at 315 wpc @4 ohms and it is definitely NOT overkill. It replaced an amp rated at 200 wpc @ 4 ohms that frequently ran out of steam at high listening levels.

Given your stated desire for an integrated and your budget, the two that come immediately to mind would be a used Krell KAV300 or Musical Fidelity A300. Either of these should have the muscle necessary to drive your Maggies. I would be hesitant to buy anything with substantially less power.

Docwarnock's post points to the fact that you've got to consider how loud you'll want to play them. So you've got to factor room size into the equation, along with your tastes. I settled on the Belles 150a Hot Rod (200 watts @ 4 ohms) and have been quite happy, it's been up to all the reviews I read on Soundstage.com and from Sam Tellig. My listening room is about 500 square feet with a 16 foot cathedral ceiling. But, I don't listen at the levels some people do and could understand why some would enjoy more power. One thing that would give me pause about using the Musical Fidelity with Maggies is the light weight bass that reviewers report. I've found 1.6's to need equipment with a solid low end to sound their best in my room.

I have used these speakers with a Krell KSA100MkII this amp sounds like a tube amp but as mentioned elswhere in this post is a fast amp with a lot of bottom end. There was great synergy in this combo. I have seen it used on Audiogon for $1600-$2000. Good luck and enjoy.

I'm a Bryston fan by far and run 7B's with my Martin Logan's. A 4B ST amp would work well for your sonically and budget wise. Good Luck...

Hello My company deals the audio refinement while it is a great Integre It is not enough power to drive any Magnaplanar You need a very fast high current amplifier with 120 or better for 1.6 you should try the nad C370 It uses the same design in the amp section as the wonderful 218thx but with less power Thanks David