Posted by steven d (A) on September 12, 2016 at 09:38:19

In Reply to: RE: New high power amp. Let the stoning begin :) posted by RickeyM on September 11, 2016 at 07:26:15

I'm not surprised at all by your findings. High-power amps, IMO, bring out the best of Maggies when you want transients, dynamics, and control at higher listening levels.

I also had a McCormack DNA amplifier on hand for a month or so. This was the DNA-500. It drove my 2.5s effortlessly- no strain, no compression. It was like a Mercedes engine being asked to go faster and faster: it said OK, I can do that for you. The DNA-500 was harmonically quite rich and had a wonderful tone, and had all that "airiness" audiophiles approve of. The only reason I didn't go ahead and make it my own was, due it's quite low input impedance of 10 KOhms, the bass rolled off a bit too early in my system. It was much easier for me to look for another amp (for which a contender was waiting in the wings) then to borrow/trial other preamps.

Like Satie, I also tried a Crown XLS1500 and my impressions were similar. It just lacked slam; a bit too lean in the bass. It was clean and transparent enough though. They do an admirable job on subwoofer duty to me - quick, tactile bass from the two 8" isobaric drivers.

The amp that was in the wings eventually became a permanent component of the system is the MC2 Audio MC750, a pro amp from the UK. Well-balanced tonality, ample power and headroom; it simply presents all the music to you.

Keep on enjoying your BGW and don't let anyone rain on your parade!

• MC2 Audio MC750   (Open in New Window)