Planar Speaker Asylum

Welcome! Need support, you got it. Or share your ideas and experiences.

Planar Speaker Asylum

Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's

108.14.103.129

Need to start the process of replacing the Emotiva heavy weights. Are there D class mono-amps worth investing in? I am much older now weight of the amp is a significant factor in the choice. Are there class A/B amps available at weight under 30 pounds that can drive Magnepans. Thanks

Follow Ups:

RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's - Mcmusicman 06:30:27 10/09/21 (8)
OP, I listen to the 1.7 & my experiments with Class D were unsatisfactory.
If I were in your situation, I would consider bridging the 3b3 or the 2.5 B3. I think they come in at 35 & 25 Lbs. A little costly yes, but to save a bad back would be worth it. I run the 4B3 and the cubed series are sublime with the 1.7
- RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's - Utley1 06:35:55 10/09/21 (7)
  Musicman: Thanks for replying; I did not catch the manufacturer or brand; is it Bryston.or-? Thanks! UT
  - RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's - Mcmusicman 07:25:22 10/09/21 (6)
    Yes. Bryston. The cubed series with the magnepans are a perfect match. Even better if you have a nice tube pre. Mine is the EAR Yoshino 868. But yes, Bridging the smaller Brystons and running them as monos will solve your weight issue and still give you the Capacitance & Current needed when the transients dip into 2 Ohms.
    - RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's - Utley1 07:31:34 10/09/21 (5)
      Yes but they are 3x the price of the speakers. That makes the hobby absurd...Their prices have basically doubled while Magnepan has risen modestly..... and 25 to 35 pounds is too much even when class D is a complete gamble -but thanks...
      - RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's - desperado915 17:40:45 10/13/21 (4)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's posted by Utley1 on October 09, 2021 at 07:31:34
        
        I also couldn't get Class D to work for me with my 1.7i's. I sent 3 back. I did borrow a Bryston 4B (very nice amp) that sounded great but there wasn't that much of a difference between it and the XPA-2 Gen 3. If you do have the capital, get the Bryston mono's.
        
        RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's - Utley1 18:42:59 10/13/21 (3)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's posted by desperado915 on October 13, 2021 at 17:40:45
        
        Hi:
        Thanks for the info(there is a lot chatter about the Bryston in the asylum. I was born in Canada and would love to support it. I always thought the CLASSE domestic product better. But even the Bryston is too heavy at this point. I would flirt with the Odyssey (Stratos or Khatargo) but they are also heavy..)
        I have been following Ralph on his views on D amps and the consensus on the Asylum . It does seem Warren had nailed it...on price reward stripping away the failed multiple options. I never heard a D amp...
        But he suggested to give up on the 1.7's because of the amp problem. Frankly the XPA 1's often sounded very good with the Cary and Japanese power cords but design wise they are a catastrophe using 10 amp slow blow fuses and being some 82 pounds each.
        Ralph I realized makes his own amps-probably absolutely fabulous so he coming in two direction but he is smart.
        Now that I am without amps I tempted to find a way to audition JanZsen's electrostatic powered. and get out of the amp dilemma...
        Hey keep me informed of you audio quest and I will do the same. I have an old Tandberg 3012 integrated that works and I might just order an LRS if 140 watts can run it/ It is a high current amp as opposed the Japanese stuff
        
        RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's - pictureguy 18:50:52 10/13/21 (2)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's posted by Utley1 on October 13, 2021 at 18:42:59
        
        'High Current', is IMO a red herring 'spec'.
        Measured for a VERY short time and at a very low output voltage........Not really something your speakers can make use of.
        
        EMO had the PA-1, a 'd' amp based on the B&O ASC module. It was a HIT and now commands over-list used prices!
        
        IMO? If you are DIY inclined? Check ou the HYPEX webside. A Pair of the NC400 modules and a power supply? Depending on case, the weight should be EASY on your back / legs. One per speaker IF they'll biamp, would be perfecto.....
        
        EMO dodged the XPA-1 bullet by going to a SMPS for the new generation AND thereby cutting a lot of weight. No telling how much the Toroid of maybe 1.6KvA or whatver actually weighed.
        Shipping damage was KILLING them. I'd ship a pair on a pallet, but nobody went to that trouble IF they had to send 'em back fo repair. An Insurance Nightmare, to be sure.......
        
        I don't know if EMO will part with the Schematic or NOT?
        Too much is never enough
        
        RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's - Utley1 19:48:53 10/13/21 (1)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's posted by pictureguy on October 13, 2021 at 18:50:52
        
        Your thoughts are sharply drawn -thanks-Sanity demands I find my way to Class-D but as you view the various Asylum themes on class D you know why it is called the ASYLUM. A lot of smart , well meaning enthusiasts , driving this moron nuts with contradictory opinions and technologies.. I like your Hypex idea... Thanks-Always fun to read you...
        
        RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's - pictureguy 21:48:52 10/13/21 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's posted by Utley1 on October 13, 2021 at 19:48:53
        
        Yes......'D' is one of those '3rd rail' issues. I won't burden you with my opinion but I have owned a 'D' amp which I kept for 3 or 4 years than sold for something more.....conventional AND with a feature set I found more useable....
        
        Several Resellers can tap into the Hypex OEM line which you and I can't buy.....except thru 'them'.
        
        We CAN get the NCore NC400 which is a hockey puck sized amp which should be able to power Maggies.....but not the Biggies in a big room.....Thugh I do have a block diagram of a 2-channel amp with MiniDSP which is designed for active biamp speakers.
        
        I suppose you could build a case out of wood, but metal is traditional. And difficult to bend and fabricate. I've seen a service which features software design...and they'll build / bend for you....
        Too much is never enough
RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's - tortjohn@yahoo.com 18:50:01 09/08/21 (2)
How about a Parasound Halo integrated I had one with 1.7i speakers and it was superior in all ways to the Emo's. The sound was simply fantastic. I think it's about 33 pounds and will give you everything you do need.
Joto
- RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's - Utley1 11:32:53 10/08/21 (1)
  For those interested in the EMOTIVA/TRIPP LITE SAGA. Tripp Lite denied my claim for reimbursement....
  - RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's - pictureguy 20:36:13 10/15/21 (0)
    WITHOUT inspection? sounds like an opening 'bargaining chip'.......
    
    Spend 50$ or 100$ and have a LAWYER write 'em a litter reminding them of their warranty and obligations under it....after FIRST giving you a read on the TrippLite warranty statement.
    
    NEVER MIND. They apparently only really warrant defects in 'materials and workmanship'....which is a polite way of telling you to go pound sand.
    
    Check out Brick Wal....Surge-X or Zero Surge for a WHOLE HOUSE solution and than get a Gigantic (I inow weight limits!) Isoltioan transformer to clean up the line......
    
    Too much is never enough
RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's - Mark Man 08:53:43 09/08/21 (0)
Hope all is well in your world.

I've heard he's with a pair of 1.7i's and a CJ Preamp.

Really special amps.

Eric from Magnepan has a pair of these and an ARC 20 pre with a pair of .7's.

Just my two cents.
- Bel Canto ref M600's (Open in New Window)
RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's - Shoey 17:17:42 09/04/21 (1)
I will second the PS Audio M700 mono blocks. Replaced the Parasound A21. Deeper bass , vocals are more forward (I like) Instruments, further back. Over all better layering of the soundscape. Speakers are .7 in a dedicated room, with acoustics
Sam
- RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's - Utley1 22:41:10 09/04/21 (0)
  Thank you Shoey: If you play organ music can you let me know how that works..Seems like a great match for me. Most appreciated. UT
RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's - Kurtle 15:58:13 09/04/21 (16)
Check out VTV for reasonably priced Class D Hypex nCore NC1200 amps. 400/700/1200 into 8/4/2 ohms. I am happily driving my 1.7s (in a small room) with the Purifi amp (400w onto 4 ohms). The Purifi is the "evolution" of the designers work who developed the nCore amps (Bruno Putzeys).

VTV had some production issues early on which you will likely come across in researching them. These issues seem to have been resolved. The do offer a 30 day return policy. They ship free to you, so only financial risk is paying return shipping.
- https://vtvamplifier.com/product/vtv-amplifier-monoblock-hyp (Open in New Window)
- RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's - emailtim 22:15:35 09/04/21 (1)
  "... I am happily driving my 1.7s (in a small room) with the Purifi amp (400w onto 4 ohms). The Purifi is the "evolution" of the designers work who developed the nCore amps (Bruno Putzeys). ..."
  
  Can you describe a bit more about your Purifi/1.7 pairing ? I have had my eye on the Purifi amps for a while.
  
  Thanks much.
  - RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's - Kurtle 19:31:50 09/05/21 (0)
    Emailtim,
    
    I am busy tonight/tomorrow, I will get back to you either tomorrow night or Tuesday.
- RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's - Utley1 17:00:40 09/04/21 (13)
  Thank you...I am trying to open my mind to class D-physically I have no other choice, cannot lug the pair of 85lb. monsters'
  The Cary preamp might mate well. With the caveat that my room is 28'x16'x10'
  Is the realization of volume comparable to A/B traditional with comparable power ratings and high current. My old Yamaha M2 was not high current enough to drive the 1.7. Thanks Kurtle!
  - RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's - Kurtle 17:42:48 09/04/21 (12)
    Utley1,
    
    I read of lots of folks choosing tube preamps to pair with class D amps, I have no experience here. AA inmate Feanor has posted about this, using a couple of different tube pre's with his Purifi.
    
    In a room the size of yours I would believe the NC1200 would be a much better choice than thr Puifi, particularly for Maggie's. The NC1200 is rated at 40 amps current.
    
    The Purify in my small almost square room (12x14) has plenty of power. The input gain is at 19 (can be set to 26) and I normally listen with the volume control at about 9 o-clock, never higher than 12 o-clock.
    
    I really think you would be better served by the NC1200 in a bigger room though.
    
    PS Audio has some nice (albeit more spendy) options available using the IcePower modules, as does Wyred4Sound.
    
    As for A/B amps, check out the link to the new Audio by Van Alstein A/B 300watts into 4 ohm amps that weigh in at 17 lbs a piece (that's class D territory in terms of weight). Frank Van Alstein makes very nice stuff. These run $1699 each.
    - RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's - Utley1 07:54:28 10/02/21 (10)
      Thank you for all your help ;debating between this and PS Audio(M700'S). You have been most in getting me in the right direction. I am dying here without my music...but must solve the voltage drops in the city also. For some reason it has been hard to navigate through this choices---(not clear where the purifi's are sold except abroad. Is this wrong?)
      - RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's - desperado915 12:26:05 10/02/21 (9)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's posted by Utley1 on October 02, 2021 at 07:54:28
        
        Try this amp for Purifi: https://vtvamplifier.com/vtv-purifi/
        
        Optional input buffers give you a lot of lattitude with the end state. I called them and they recommebded this one for Maggies: https://vtvamplifier.com/product/vtv-hypex-nc1200-stereo-amplifier/
        
        But, you may consider this one: https://www.classdaudio.com/
        
        I ordered one and i should receive it soon. Purportedly as good as Class D gets. They have a 15 day return cycle, so if I don't like it with my 1.7i's I can return it. It is so small and light that if I need to return it then the cost would be minimal. I will report back after I get a chance to try it.
        
        RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's - Utley1 12:45:37 10/04/21 (7)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's posted by desperado915 on October 02, 2021 at 12:26:05
        
        Hi:
        I spoke to Warren at VTV He really thought the N1200 stereo amp would work fine for the 1.7's. That with the Mags the change to mono blocks with the options were not necessary and you more power out of that single unit.Hey desperado. Am I missing something. Compared to the Emotiva's he thought this an upgrade. (Do you know anything about coupon codes?) I won't miss the $1339. He thought the speaker terminal upgrades were unnecessary. One disadvantage on switch in the back....Thoughts please!
        Thanks again UT
        
        RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's - desperado915 13:18:36 10/04/21 (6)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's posted by Utley1 on October 04, 2021 at 12:45:37
        
        What preamplifier are you using? Just curious to see what you would be mating to Class D.
        
        Is there a specific reason you want mono blocks?
        
        I get my Mini GaN 5 Balanced Power Amplifier on Wednesday so you may want to hold off until I can report whether it lives up to the hype or not. If it doesn't, I have 2 weeks to return it.
        
        That said, Warren recommended the Hypex NC1200 Stereo Amplifier to me for my 1.7i's as well.
        
        RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's - Utley1 06:56:10 10/06/21 (3)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's posted by desperado915 on October 04, 2021 at 13:18:36
        
        Hi! Truly hope to hear an enthusiastic report on the Maxi
        Best,
        Utley
        
        RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's - desperado915 14:30:30 10/07/21 (2)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's posted by Utley1 on October 06, 2021 at 06:56:10
        
        At this time, I cannot in good conscience recommend this amplifier. I need some more time with it to give it a chance, but am considering sending it back and buying something with huge power/current. Not so sure about this Class D thing.
        
        RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's - Utley1 15:10:05 10/07/21 (1)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's posted by desperado915 on October 07, 2021 at 14:30:30
        
        Thanks! It seemed like a long shot...but whatever....the VTV products are still a possibility for me...because of the weight issue---Please continue to post...UT
        
        RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's - desperado915 15:47:58 10/07/21 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's posted by Utley1 on October 07, 2021 at 15:10:05
        
        It sounds good, is well built, and meets your light weight requirement. With the Schiit Vidar I could get 75-80db without clipping. With the Mini GaN 5 I could get 80-85db. I have sent both Vidar and Mini GaN 5 into protection mode if I exceed the before mentioned sound pressure levels. I need more current/power for when I want to crank it up a little.
        
        I think that there is a good reason that VTV recommends the NCore 1200. I may just get a pair of the Emotiva XPA HC-1's and try that next. That is, unless somebody comes up with a better solution for me.
        
        RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's - Utley1 05:31:37 10/05/21 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's posted by desperado915 on October 04, 2021 at 13:18:36
        
        I am using a CARY SL100 It is a solid state pre tuned sound some what like tubes, dual channeled with good separation and is fairly laid back. I had mono blocks Emotiva's. I thought they did make a difference but that is in traditional solid state- and of course you got more power. Warren said mono blocks are not really necessary at this point with N1200 but there are advantages in placement. Disadvantage is longer speaker length cables are required. GOOD LUCK TODAY WITH THIS UNIT.Eager to hear your report. Very exciting.
        I also noticed with the stereo unit, the power button is placed in the back of the unit...Do not know if that is awkward and I wild have to bring that matter up with Warren before purchase.
        
        RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's - Utley1 16:12:37 10/04/21 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's posted by desperado915 on October 04, 2021 at 13:18:36
        
        Thanks so much-will wait- Hope one of these alternatives are the audio angels we are hoping for. UT
        
        RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's - Utley1 13:20:23 10/02/21 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's posted by desperado915 on October 02, 2021 at 12:26:05
        
        Thank you Desperado. A blessing! Just difficult eye operation so your help is invaluable while get it to together- Utley
    - RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's - Kurtle 18:38:20 09/04/21 (0)
      Utley1,
      
      Sorry. Here is the link to the Audio by Van Alstine M225 amps, apparently I forgot to paste it in the earlier email mentioning them.
      https://avahifi.com/products/dva-m225-mono-block-solid-state (Open in New Window)
RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's - MarcL 11:54:06 09/04/21 (3)
I'm using a Nord One to drive my 3.7's.

Lots of choices.

https://www.nordacoustics.co.uk/products

Agilist, Musician, Photographer, Audiophile
Magneplanar: 3.7, CC5, MC1, DWM; Outlaw: UltraX12, LFM-1C; Emotiva: XMC-1, PA-1; Nord: Nord One NC500DM; Outlaw: Model 7500; OPPO 205
- RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's - Utley1 17:07:34 09/04/21 (2)
  May I ask if you play organ music through the amps and their ability to hand church spaces and the quickness of the piano. Is it easy to listen to voices on them? Thanks .UT
  - RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's - MarcL 17:56:20 09/04/21 (0)
    I listen to all kinds of classical and jazz. What I noticed immediately was that the bass was much better defined with the Nord amp compared to the Outlaw amp I used before. The Nord is 700W @4ohms compared to 300W for the Outlaw.
    
    So to my ear for all acoustic instruments it sounds especially good.
    
    I have also heard the 3.7i with Purifi amps. My friend has that speaker and a NAD receiver with the Purifi Class D amp and it sounds great.
    
    Agilist, Musician, Photographer, Audiophile
    Magneplanar: 3.7, CC5, MC1, DWM; Outlaw: UltraX12, LFM-1C; Emotiva: XMC-1, PA-1; Nord: Nord One NC500DM; Outlaw: Model 7500; OPPO 205
  - RE: Need light weight amps to drive Mg 1.7 after loss of Emotiva's - Kurtle 17:49:39 09/04/21 (0)
    I haven't listened to organ music through my Purifi amp, but plenty of piano and classical/baroque and the spaciousness is amazing, the amp is very transparent and controls the 1.7 panels very well. I find the level of powerful clean bass to be more than satisfactory.
Think PS Audio M700s * - Mike K 11:11:54 09/04/21 (3)
Whether or not you can observe a thing depends upon the theory you use. It is the theory which decides what can be observed. - Albert Einstein
- RE: Think PS Audio M700s * - Utley1 17:04:51 09/04/21 (2)
  Thanks for your suggestion. How would they handle the spacial environment and depth of organ music. Are they 'fast enough' to catch the range of a piano?What ever you can tell me would be useful. Thanks so much. UT
  - RE: Think PS Audio M700s * - Mike K 09:50:36 09/05/21 (1)
    They are just fine with piano, at least with the sort of piano music I
    listen to (acoustic jazz). I cannot speak to how they handle organ music,
    as I do not listen to that, except incidentally. I wouldn't anticipate
    any problems, in any case. PS Audio allows a 30 day trial period in any
    event, so if you don't like 'em, send 'em back.
    Whether or not you can observe a thing depends upon the theory you use. It is the theory which decides what can be observed. - Albert Einstein
    - RE: Think PS Audio M700s * - gadio4533 13:29:35 09/07/21 (0)
      I recently switched to the M700's and really like them. They are never strained and can go as loud as I can stand without falling apart. Piano is beautifully rendered. Can't so much seak for organ, but can't imagine it would be an issue.

Post a Followup:

FAQ

Post a Message!

Forgot Password?

Moniker (Username):
Password (Optional):
	Remember my Moniker & Password (What's this?) Eat Me
E-Mail (Optional):
Subject:

Message:	(Posts are subject to Content Rules)

Optional Link URL:
Optional Link Title:
Optional Image URL:
Upload Image:
E-mail Replies:	Automagically notify you when someone responds.

To view your new posting or follow-up, click on the RELOAD or REFRESH button on your browser.

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Schiit Audio