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What is the best amp setup for Magnepan 3.6 ?

I am the proud owner of Maggie 3.6's currenty getting juice from a Rotel amp and preamp. I am considering some offerings from Odyssey, Monarchy and McCormack. Since the first two offer both stereo and mono versions, which would be a better setup? Would bi-amping give better results than running them mono? If bi-amping is the better choice, can you use two stereo amps or do you always have to use four amps? Did I mention a suitable preamp as well? 5k budget. Thanks.
ebonyvette
drspence
3 posts
 
I am using two pair of Transcendent T8 OTL Monoblocks in a passive biamp arrangement. Plenty of power in a 20x30 room. The best I have heard in my home. The Joule Electra LA-100 Mark III pre-amp, with Purist Audio Silver wiring, really adds the finishing touch.
ebonyvette OP
18 posts
 
I thought that OTL amps were optimzed for 16 ohms?
hasse
230 posts
 
The McCormack amps work well with the Maggies. The DNA-1 dlx does a great job driving my 3.6´s.
drspence
3 posts
 
The Transcendent T-8 Monoblocks are rated @ 50watts per amp into 4 ohms and 80 watts into 8 ohms. The Magnepan 3.6's are rated @ 4 ohms. I find 100 OTL watts per channel to be more that enough in my 20 X 30 room with vaulted ceilings.
I hope this helps, Ebonyvette.

banksfriend
132 posts
 
I have the predecessor to your 3.6 the 3.5 and I have gotten EXCELENT results using BAT electronics. Currently I am using a vk3i and vk500 but i have heard the set up using a vk200 which would be within your price range even including some good quality cables. Also , AGon often has BAT gear on the site. Most of the ads state they are upgrading to higher dollar BAT products- a good testimonial.
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