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Audio Research Ref 250s for Magnepan 20.1s?

OK, I'm thinking about taking the plunge into large tube amp, upgrading. Will the ARC Ref 250s have enough power for the Magnepan 20.1 speakers? Anyone using this combo? The Ref 750s seem too far out there for me but I would like to hear if someone has experience with either of these? Right now I have ARC Ref 3 preamp and Ref 8 CD player along with Pass Labs XP25 phonopre, VPI table with dynavector cart, and Pass Labs X600.5s. I have plenty of power but had an eye opening experience with a friend's Cary Audio 60 watt triode stereo amp. Nowhere near the power needed but it had qualities I desire such as midrange bloom and wide soundstage without harsh upper end. It was bass shy but I do have Nola subs. Should I sell the pass 600.5s and get ARC ref 250s? or 750s (god forbid)?
powerdoctor
hasse
230 posts
 
They did a great job of driving the 20.7´s at a show in Sweden a couple of weeks ago but according to the dealer the Lamm M2.2 is even better.
The Pass XA.5-amps are also considered a great match.
REF250/MG20.7

bpwalsh
1,207 posts
 
If you buy Refs be sure to have a significant budget for replacement tubes.

MG 20.1s require biamping to be at their best, which is often overlooked.
tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,623 posts
 
I don't think the ARC Refs have the sound you are looking for: "qualities I desire such as midrange bloom and wide soundstage without harsh upper end." They do not have the traditional "tube sound".

In general, top of the line tube amps probably sound more like your Pass amps than the Cary.

You might want to keep the Pass amps and experiment with lower priced tube amps from conrad-johnson, BAT, McIntosh, Quicksilver, Rogue, Cary, etc. until you zero in on the sound you want and then spend the big bucks for the big power.
vicdamone
850 posts
 
Hand made in the USA, all point to point wiring, USA, 2 ohm tap, easy to bias, runs fairly cool for a tube amp, 7 year transferable warrantee.

http://www.bobcarver.com/vta305.asp

www.underwoodhifi.com for good priceing.

http://www.stereophile.com/content/kingsound-excels
jallen
502 posts
 
Any tube amp with a board makes me nervous. The Carver is getting good press. They should be good. The asl hurricane are also very good. If you can tolerate a board, the manley 250 or 500 can get the job done. Audition is a must. Do try pass and bryston. Try biamp with a marchand xm 26 bryston 14 or 7 bst on the bass and 4bst on top. That sound opened my maggies like never before. Open, dynamic, powerful and so majestic.
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