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amp upgrade

108.167.22.1
Posted on July 1, 2020 at 19:43:19
golgi
Audiophile

Posts: 275
Location: midwest USA
Joined: January 29, 2004
 I've had my MG10QR for 22 years and they still amaze me. I've done some upgrades to my system, especially the front end. The system does sound really good, however I'm starting to wonder if maybe my aging (also 22 years old) Rotel RB981 power amp may be the weakest link.

So, I'm starting to read reviews about a possible upgrade. The Sanders Magtech seems like a good one. What are some others to consider in the $4k-$6k range? Would an amp in this range be noticeably better than my trusty but decidedly budget Rotel amp? Although I'm very happy with my speakers, I have a feeling that I'll get curious about the 3.7's or maybe even 20.7's. I'd like to make sure this amp upgrade can grow with me if and when I do upgrade to these better Magnepan models.

.
Main system- Rotel RCD950/Topping D90, Schiit Freya+ (GE 6SN7GTB tubes), Rotel RB981, Magnepan 10QR, Martin Logan Dynamo sub

Headphone system- Little Dot MKIII, Sennhesier HD6xx & HD 580,
iFi iPhono, Technics SL1210 MK2, Denon DL103R

 

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RE: amp upgrade, posted on July 3, 2020 at 22:30:49
Joe Mags
Audiophile

Posts: 85
Location: Myrtle Beach S.C.
Joined: December 1, 2004
 with that budget I would absolutely put the Hegel amps on my short list.

 

a ton of options, posted on July 4, 2020 at 05:48:12
Green Lantern
Audiophile

Posts: 16952
Location: San Diego, Ca
Joined: November 12, 2002
Contributor
  Since: June 17, 2003
 Everyone has their own reasons for owning any particular Maggie. Having said that, I personally wouldn't spend $6400 on a amp for a speaker you can pick up on ebay for $400.

If your room is such that you've maintained the 10's for so long I'd look at the LRS or 1.7i, in addition to those amps you've already mentioned.

If your room is such that you can accommodate the larger, true ribbon series (used) I would definitely explore those options as well.











 

RE: a ton of options, posted on July 4, 2020 at 06:20:02
golgi
Audiophile

Posts: 275
Location: midwest USA
Joined: January 29, 2004
 The listening room is 16' x 40'. I've just hung on to the MG10's from my apartment dwelling days of past. However, even in this size of a room, they fill in very nicely.
Main system- Rotel RCD950/Topping D90, Schiit Freya+ (GE 6SN7GTB tubes), Rotel RB981, Magnepan 10QR, Martin Logan Dynamo sub

Headphone system- Little Dot MKIII, Sennhesier HD6xx & HD 580,
iFi iPhono, Technics SL1210 MK2, Denon DL103R

 

RE: a ton of options, posted on July 4, 2020 at 06:41:22
Green Lantern
Audiophile

Posts: 16952
Location: San Diego, Ca
Joined: November 12, 2002
Contributor
  Since: June 17, 2003
 ok, now THAT is a great room lol...

After re-reading my post I hope I didn't sound too put offish', EVERY Maggie is a winner and worthy of the best amps around.

I'm a firm believer in bi-amping, dual mono's is the way to go for me.

New you could entertain the 3.7i with Class D amps, 1.7i new with a pair of new amps would be within reach as well.

Used you could score a pair of 3.5's for a song, 3.6's will climb a bit higher. Used 20.1's are in the $4K range. Anything used I would wait until something local comes up so you could audition. Took me 4-5 years before I found a set of MG20's that popped up locally.

Best of luck on your choices!









 

RE: amp upgrade, posted on July 4, 2020 at 07:18:17
mt9894
Audiophile

Posts: 1
Location: Boston, MA
Joined: August 1, 2009
 I had an H2O S250 years ago when I ran Apogee Scintillas briefly. Excellent pairing.

I just noticed one posted for sale here and on US Audio Mart:

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649632070-h2o-audio-s250-signature-stereo-amplifier-updated/


Read the 6Moons review. It was made with the 1-ohm Scintilla in mind, it should easily handle any Maggie. For $2K it's a bargain.

 

RE: amp upgrade, posted on July 6, 2020 at 19:28:39
tortjohn@yahoo.com
Audiophile

Posts: 204
Location: MA USA
Joined: March 28, 2018
 You could probably pick up a Pass 250.8 in the $6k range, it's a great amp to pair with Maggie's.
Joto

 

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