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I have Maggie MG 1.6's - need amp advice

I have Magnepan MG 1.6QR's and an Audio Research LS-8 PreAmp but only an Acurus A-200 power amp. I need to upgrade my amp to something twice as powerful I have been told (400 -500 watts) in order to really hear what the Maggies will do.
Since I have a tube preamp what would be a good SS Amp and should I go with MonoBloc's or . . .?
Tube? SS? Need help. I have heard that Classe amps are great with Maggie's. Any help would be appreciated.
Also of note - I have a Velodyne 18" powered sub (1250) watts for the sub.
johnrad
narrod
1,064 posts
 
I think your Acurus has enough power. There are better sounding amps but if you like the sound of the Acurus I suggest you save your money.
etran
67 posts
 
I believe your amp has 300W into 4Ohm which will run the Maggies fine, it depends on how big's your room and how loud you listen, if an average size room your amp's big enough. Tube pre and SS amp is a good match and lot of members reffered. I've this combo to run Mg 10/QR with good results. Cheers.
markwatkiss
508 posts
 
For years I used Bryston amps,Audio Research pre's,and 1.6's with very satisfying results.There seemed to be a natural synergy between Bryston amps and Maggies.This maybe urban legend,I was told when Magnepan and or Bryston went on a road show they used each others products to show case their equipment.Actually, the guy to talk to is James Tanner,he's Brystons point guy.He sold me my first pair of Maggies back in the 80's.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
My MG1.6 never sounded better than when driven by CarverPro ZR1600 digital power amps...600 watts/channel into 4 ohms. Synergy I think. You can buy these amps brand new for less than a grand. My experience, and some measurements, with these amps convinced me that Maggies "like" powerful amps.

At present I have come down to CI Audio D200 monoblocks, 350 watts into 4 ohms. This is enough for me because I run my custom subwoofer systems up to 80 Hz or higher. (The ZR1600 amps now drive the subwoofer systems).
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