Amp copatable with Maggie 1.7
lobowolf -- Sun, 02/13/2011 - 17:34
Have a set of Maggie 1.7's on order. Wondering if my current NAD 2700 THX amp will be a good match for them?
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How about an audio research DS450? they were playing the Maggie 3.7 at CES 2011 with these and were a great combo. HP is also reviewing the 3.7's with audioreserach gear in the next issue. Im not sure if hes trying it with ARC. you can read it now if you are a golden ear club member. I would say stay over 200W at minimum. The more power the more these speakers will sing. I would certainly look into the DS450 and audition them if possible for sure.
This is a frequently debated and discussed topic for the entire magneplanar series. I agree w/ others who emphasize the ability of the amplifier to provide high current. A well designed amplifier that can double its output from 8 to 4 ohms w/ fewer wpc is a better choice than another amplifier that has a greater wpc rating but cannot "double down". Another important variable is the size of your listening room. I run my 3.6s w/ a Ref3/VT200MkI combination and I find the 200wpc more than adequate.
Hey Sam, I would love the AR but the NAD is sitting in the rack and PAID FOR. LOL 1st thing I am thinking is to upgrade the NAD preamp. Must be getting old because the thought of a remote is appealing.
My bad, I thought u were asking for possibly best matches given how good the 1.7s are. The ARC or any new amp would be expensive. Especially in these times. I've had a nad before. They are great as entry-level products. But to get the best out of 1.6 or 1.7 u really have to invest in a great amp. In the future when and if you think it's worth it to invest in it, Do give it a thought. You would be shocked at how things will change. Enjoy your system!
Also if u r thinking of switching a preamp, may I suggest looking into DACs as well. Some of them have a volume control with it. I would also suggest looking into computer audio, i.e. Saving ur CDs lossless like in a FlAC format on a hard disk and using a computer as a transport. On computer audio u should do a lot of research first then take action or invest. U really need to know the details before u jump in it. Again this could be a future consideration!
I would not pair the 1.7s with NAD gear. In my experience, NAD will make the 1.7s sound thin and dry. I just purchased a Pass X150.5 2-channel amp (to dive my Magnepan 1.7s), it is fantastic. It drives the 1.7s with supierior drive, rythm, and power. A wonderful sense of ease and authority are also present. NAD is a good entry-level company that offers good entry level components, but in my experience they really need proper system integration (great with Paradigm). They are just not great with Magnepans. I recommend Pass hands down.
I agree with Zach; NAD would not do the 1.7s justice. I was running dual Adcom 5400s when I got my 1.7s. Plenty of power, but I just wasn't getting the sweet, delicate detail I know Maggie's are capable of. The Adcom amps seemed to suck the life out of the Maggie's. By that I mean they really sounded only slightly better the typical high-end box speakers. When I sat for a demo of the 1.7s, the dealer had them paired with a McIntosh MA6600 Integrated Amp and the MCD301. After they set up the Maggie's in my home and a weeks worth of disappointment hearing them with my Adcom amps, I opted for a different approach. The dealer was willing to set up the same system I had heard in the store in my home. Nearly eight months later, the McIntosh gear is still in my listening room. Now I know why people who are McIntosh advocates are very steadfast in professing McIntosh as some of the best gear in high-end audio. This pairing has a natural, open soundstage with detail I've never heard at this price point. My vinyl has new life and I find myself wanting to listen to vinyl much more with this set up. Anyway, if Mcintosh gear is in your budget, I would highly recommend giving it a serious listen. Best of luck on your quest.