100w tube vs ss for Mag 3.6s

If your dealer will let you try the Cary out at home do it. That will tell the tale. I don't know the two amps directly but have always liked Maggies with tube amps. I also am confident that the ARC is a good sounding amp based on the findings of a friend whom I trust in such matters. There is always the possibility of bi amping using poweder subs. There are many advantages to this sort of set up and allows you to mate a smaller amp than you could otherwise. I hope you are close enough to the dealer to be able to try it before you buy it.

I will say no to Cary audio tube amp. However, try to post this question or do a search at http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/mug/bbs.html

This is THE site for Mag fans.

I use 120wpc OTLs in a room abut half your size and it's JUST enough, high 90's. I also have sub-woofers but I run the 3.6s full-range. If 100wpc tube power isn't enough for you, I wonder if 200wpc solid state is going to go that much louder cleanly. Try it all before you buy, and that's my 2 cents worth.

Look for a used Mesa Baron for less than $2K and have your cake and eat it too with 150wpc.I am in opposite direction problem wise.My Mesa was great for a pair of 89db monitors but now I have 93 db efficiency so am tempted to go to SET's.But too much headroom just means using less of the volume control and I may want a pair of 3.5/3.6's or other speakers that want current and am therefore loathe to get rid of amp.Maddening little hobby eh what?

P.S. the Baron can be run Pentode for 150 wpc but run triode in thirds for 90/120/150 on the fly so you may want more seductive harmonics on some music and full punch on others.