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Magnepan 1.6QR with Nakamichi PA7?

41.132.17.211

I have an option of purchasing a Nakamichi PA7 Stasis amp, based on Nelson Pass's Threshold Stasis design, In fact according to Pass its the same circuit but with Japanese components.

Worthwhile buying?

Winders

Follow Ups:

They don't sound as good as the Threshold Statis amps from that period - plantsman 03:07:36 03/16/12 (7)
The amp is nearly twenty-five years old so if it hasn't already been done it should have all the electrolytic caps replaced, especially the big power supply caps. As I recall they ran fairly hot so that would be an additional stress on parts.

As to the sound, first the disclaimer. I worked for a Threshold (and Maganepan) dealer in the mid to late 1980s so it could be argued that I had a dog in this fight. I heard the PA7 twice, once when an existing customer of ours borrowed a PA7 from the Nakamichi dealer and brought it in for us to hear and once when a PA7 owner bought the amp in audition with the speaker lines we sold, but who also wanted to hear the Threshold amps. In both cases the vote was unanimous that the Thresholds sounded significantly better. The PA7 owner was actually fairly disheartened by the comparison since he had believed that he had, in effect, bought a Threshold at a bargain price.

Going by old memories I remember the PA7 sounding slightly veiled across the spectrum in comparison to either the SA-1s or S/500 and also maybe a bit more edgy. It wasn't a bad amp, just not as good as the Thresholds. Whether or not it represents a good buy depends on condition and price. It certainly will drive 1.6s competently but you definitely should get those caps replaced if you buy it.
- RE: They don't sound as good as the Threshold Statis amps from that period - Winders 03:52:43 03/16/12 (6)
  Thanks yes its the same when one buys an old Valve amp all the caps need replacing.
  
  Of course even amps based on the same circuit will sound different depending on the passive components used, layout etc and I am sure this is one of the reasons that the Threshold amps could sound better...
  
  Of course I have no benchmark of a 'Threshould Amp sound' as I have never heard one - but its good to hear that others have so we get an idea of where we stand.
  
  By the same token from a users percpective - one that has not heard Threshold amps - all I am looking for is an amp that can drive the Maggies better than a Naim Nap 250 and not sound worse?
  
  Ta
  
  Winders
  - RE: They don't sound as good as the Threshold Statis amps from that period - tyu 04:02:03 03/16/12 (5)
    Vary hard to work on these Amps!
    I had one in the 90s not bad sound ....I know someone who has one now ..to get caps that fit...$400...boards in the amps week at best..Not like your old tube amp...Be-ware
    goodluck
    - RE: They don't sound as good as the Threshold Statis amps from that period - Winders 04:13:56 03/16/12 (4)
      O.K bought it and ordered all the caps - look reasonably serviceable judging by the docs!
      
      Thanks
      
      Winders
      - Do you still have the Naim? - plantsman 12:53:52 03/16/12 (3)
        
        In Reply to: RE: They don't sound as good as the Threshold Statis amps from that period posted by Winders on March 16, 2012 at 04:13:56
        
        If you've kept it I'd be very interested in how it compares with the PA7 once you get it up and running. Obviously the Nakamichi is substantially more powerful and probably a better match for Maggies but I suspect NAP250 may hold its own or better in some aspects.
        
        RE: Do you still have the Naim? - Winders 14:10:01 03/16/12 (2)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Do you still have the Naim? posted by plantsman on March 16, 2012 at 12:53:52
        
        Yes I have a Naim Nap 250 a 180 and soon the PA7 although that will be on the bench until the new caps arrive.
        
        I tend to collect audio but at a slow pace - seldom sell stuff.
        
        The street cred of the Nak PA7 seems good - I like the current mirror/dumping low feedback concept and the price was right...
        
        We shall see.
        
        Winders
        
        RE: Do you still have the Naim? - tyu 04:06:53 03/17/12 (1)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Do you still have the Naim? posted by Winders on March 16, 2012 at 14:10:01
        
        I no you have went to the pass fourm...an pulled up what he thinks..i saw info there.. I too../.tend to collect audio seldom sell stuff.....
        Best amps for the money i have found are the SunFire....goodluck
        
        RE: Do you still have the Naim? - Winders 04:14:41 03/17/12 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Do you still have the Naim? posted by tyu on March 17, 2012 at 04:06:53
        
        Kinda like big brother are you?
        Yes I guess there are lots of opinions out there - its all good.
        Cheers
        Winders
        
        Edits: 03/17/12

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