The Gear to drive Mini Maggies


First, I wanted to say hello to everyone. So, I am at a point where I want to start potentially building a nice desktop speaker system. I don't have a listening room and my pc desk is inside my entertainment room which is probably medium to large in size. For mostly near field listening would the following items be overkill or would you recommend something else?

1.) Amp: Bryston 28bsst2 (1 for each speaker).
2.) Preamp: Bryston BP26
3.) DAC: Asus Essence one (already own it for headphones figured I would use the balanced out to the preamplifier if that works).
4.) Power Conditioner: Bryston BIT20 Power Conditioner.
5.) Speakers: 2 Mini Maggies
6.) Sub Woofer: Martin Logan Descent i

Now I admit I am not really good at any of this and it would be my first real audiophile set up for speakers. Do you guys think I missed anything from a sound stand point? I appreciate any help that you can provide.

Thank you,
-Jim
jkman
Lowrider makes a good point, essentially that the amplifier has to be in its comfort zone when providing enough current to drive 4 ohms. My impression, though, is that among 4 ohm speakers the Maggies represent relatively benign loads, as the "phase angle" of their impedance, which is a measure of how purely resistive the impedance is, is relatively benign. Non-resistive phase angles, especially if they are capacitive (as opposed to inductive), increase the current requirements that are imposed on the amplifier.

Also, in contrast to the Maggies the impedances of many other speakers that are rated at 4 ohms will drop to significantly less than 4 ohms at some frequencies.

I had noticed that the 28BSST2 achieves its high power capability in part by having "bridged" outputs. More often than not bridged amplifiers are not suitable for use with speakers having 4 ohm or other low impedances, because of the current limitations they usually have. I didn't mention that fact in my earlier post, though, because in this case the 28BSST2's rated 8 ohm power capability is so vast that the fact that it is bridged seems unlikely to matter under any reasonable circumstances. Not that I'm recommending that amplifier for use with the Mini's, though, as my preceding post should make clear. :-)

Jim, concerning your question about tube vs. solid state, very few tube amps can provide both 500 watts and good sound quality. And those that can are likely to cost a small (or perhaps not so small) fortune. Again, though, I'm not suggesting that you need such high power.

Regards,
-- Al
On the other hand, Bryston and Magnapan did introduce the Mini's at some show connected to the 28B-SST2's. Overkill for sure but I don't think it would blow up the speaker.
I was considering getting these Mini's for my desktop but now I am also interested in the Audience THE ONE desktop speaker. It would be very interesting to have a comparison between the 2, both provide 30-day trials direct from the manufacturer. I am currently using an Audioengine A2's on the desktop which is passable.
I was considering getting these Mini's for my desktop but now I am also interested in the Audience THE ONE desktop speaker. It would be very interesting to have a comparison between the 2, both provide 30-day trials direct from the manufacturer. I am currently using an Audioengine A2's on the desktop which is passable.
Yyzsantabarbara - You make a good point I did read somewhere that they used it at a show that's why I picked that specific amp. Though that may have been just for the show and maybe it isn't for everyday listening? I really wish Magnepan could weigh in to my question (even though they don't like too). I never heard of THE ONE (though it sounds like a matrix trailer). I will take a peek at those speakers thanks for sharing.