Over the weekend we listened to the Bel Canto S300iU and Arcam A38 (the latter with the Arcam CD17 player), but in neither case with Magnepan speakers. The Arcam was OK, but not great (we do like the clarity of the Arcam sound, but it seemed a bit thin). We liked the cleanness of the Bel Canto - my wife, who's a classical musician, described it as "objective"(is that a typical characteristic of digital amps?) - but then the audio rep switched to a Rouge Cronus Magnum and the fluidity of the sound really struck us. And we later heard the LSA Standard hybrid amp (paired with the Cambridge Audio 840C) and we were very impressed with the deep soundstage, presence and natural sound of the LSA, which frankly I had never heard of before. So I guess now we're adding tubes/hybrids to our list (and perhaps bumping up the budget by a few hundred dollars!); we plan to see how the Rogue and LSA sound with our MG-12s. We'll also try to check out some of the amps you all have suggested. We welcome your continued comments and suggestions.
Which Integrated for Magnepan MG-12?
I've just replaced my Magnepan MG-1 speakers, which died after 30 years of faithful service, with the MG-12 and now want to upgrade my integrated amp (and I do want to stick with an integrated). I listen mostly to classical music, with occasional folk/bluegrass, blues, jazz, etc. thrown in. I'm looking in the price range of $1000 to $2400 (for new or demo/used)and am considering the NAD C375 (or a used M3), Bel Canto S300iU or eVo2i, Creek Evolution 5350 or Destiny, Arcam A38 or Cambridge Audio 840A v2. I done some online research but haven't yet had a chance to listen to these amps and would appreciate any comments/suggestions my fellow audiogoners might have for me. Thanks.
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- 11 posts total
- 11 posts total