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In the under $2500 category, diminishing returns?

In the less than $2500 (new/used) category for integrated amps, is there a point of diminishing returns?

Here's my situation, I'd like to set up a system around a pair of Maggies (MMG) I already have. One source will be my iMac with a Music Streamer DAC. I'll likely have a modest turntable soon too (Rega RP-1). I listen to a wide variety of things, but let's just say... Radiohead
I can budget upto $2500 for an amp, but would love to spend much less than that and sink the rest into CDs and vinyl.
An NAD C 326BEE can be had for around $4-500. A Music Fidelity A5 (used) for about $1500. Would there be a 3x difference between the two? Can I get a significant upgrade in sound by spending the whole $2500? I'd like to hear your thoughts.
adnan
schubert
7,386 posts
 
I have MMG's,thought they sounded good with 50 watt amp.remember they are 4 ohms.
But discovered 100 a side was better and 200 even better.
Now use a rebuilt,modded Hafler 500 putting a measured 524 watts a channel into 4 ohms and they sound great !

Maggies need juice,the more the better.IMHO more power is preferable to a better amp,of course one wants both-LOL .
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
For bellow a $1k Aragon 8008 300Wpc will drive'em near perfect. The rest of budget you can get sub and dive into nirvana.
meiwan
399 posts
 
Having owned/tried pretty much every integrated under $4K, I've learned that diminishing returns don't really start to kick in until about $3k (new list price). But you have to double the price to get 'a lot' more. A $2k is way better than $1k, $3k is way better than $2k.

That being said, there are tons of choices and system matching is very important. Don't be afraid to spend the money to get what you want, just take the time to listen and decide for yourself.

Personally, quality is always better than quantity (power) if you can't have both. Most high quality integrated amps under $3k run with 50-100 wpc, which is fine for most uses and should be fine for your Maggies. If you are looking at tons of power, expect to give up on quality at this price point.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
Forgot about integrated.
Once you get introduced to W4S STI500, you'll realize that diminishing returns are almost at its best right there.
schubert
7,386 posts
 
I've owned Maggies for over 20 years ,they will not do anything like their best at 50-100 watts.
The best I've heard MMG's sound,all things cosidered , is with Belles Amps,with a 150 as a minimum.
Personally I'd find the cheapest used Belle putting ot 300 watts into 4 ohms,buy that and not look back.
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