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I own a Music Reference RM200 amp, and would like to get a used SS amp in the $2000 range. What would be some good recomendations?
Would a Pass 150.5 be enough to drive them (300watts 4ohms)
What are some other good synergysic matches for Maggie 3.6's?Thanks
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Parasound Halo JC-1s? I used these on my Sound Labs until just recently. It took a pair of the Ayre monoblocks to best the JC-1s. They are truly outstanding.
I would highly recommend the Butler TDB2250. It puts out 400 watts/channel into 4 ohms and sounds wonderful, the best of SS AND tubes. Also, the bottom end depth and control has to be heard to be believed. They typically sell for $1500 used.
How does that compare to the Butler?
I have never heard of Butler, i think i might be more apt to come accross an Innersound ESL 300.
Should i jump on Innersound if it comes up on Audiogon?
I have not seen a Butler latley..
How does the Butler compare to the Innersound ESL 300?
Mike
Interesting. Having owned an Innersound ESL300 and the Butler, I would say there is no contest. The Butler trounces the Innersound quite handily. The difference is not subtle. I would wait for a butler to appear again on Audiogon. They come and go but do appear quite regularly.
Not too familiar with the name. What made you seek out Butler, and how would compare between the two; Innersound and Butler.
Butler is all tubes correct, not hybrid?Thanks
I wanted a tuby sound without the hassle of tubes. Tube rolling is definitely NOT for me. If you read the 6moons review of the Butler, you will get my view on the amp (most of the review is from an email I sent Srajran.) I will say this is far and away the longest I have owned an amp EVER, and I am still happy with it.I am currently running it with MBL 121's. These are not a particularly friendly load for an amp, by the way.
What do they go for used, they sell for $3,295, (which i must say sounds very reasonable).
If they are that good, it is well worth the wait for me. I love my Music Reference RM200, but looking for a little more ooomf!Thanks for your help.
Driver tubes plus some kind of SS output devices.
Be-Bop and Mahler
Don't know the Butler, but the ESL-300 was a good match for my 3.6s, I thought.
Be-Bop and Mahler
Buy the most powerful McCormack amp(s) you can find. To these tube loving ears, they are best sounding SS amps out there.
Hey Oz,I really like my Pass. Yet, I have only heard a mcKormack in a friends system. It was hard to know anything about any individual part of that system, but it did sound pretty good.
ANyhow, what does the McKormack sound like in relation to the bigger Pass'?
Haven't heard the Pass, I am only familiar with their preamps. But I would imagine the Pass is more incisive, with the McCormack being richer.
As anyone here would say/ask...what do you want out of it???For me if I was to go SS Mark Levinson would make my short list. The years and models vary on which sounds better (all subjective)...they're definitely on the analytical side. But, for some reason I have enjoyed my experiences w/ M.L. and Maggie 3.6's even though I might be labeled (the opposite) being a tube guy myself.
It may cost you a bit more than your looking for (to get enough power, that is)...maybe an older 335 or 336 (plenty O' power!) I just recommend using a tubed pre and cables that are slightly on the warmer side.
Good luck!Jon
I have a Levinson 334 amp with Magnepan 3.6s and run them with a tube preamp (Audio Research LS 15) and find the combo to be outstanding. While the 334 puts out only 250 watts it has enough current to make the maggies really sing. Many people feel the 334 was the most musical of the 3 series amps made by Levinson.
I'm not familiar w/the Audio Research pre, but if it is a good quality tube pre w/ the right tubes I have no doubt that it will most likely create magic w/ the M.L. 334 (or any of the 3 series from that time) and a pair of 3.6's.Enjoy!
Jon
What's wrong with the RM200? I heard this amp (not on Maggies though) and thought it was pretty darn good.
Looking to get more dynamics and strong bass control.
I'm really happy with the Music Reference, but.....
I guess im just looking for a change....If i buy used i figure i could sell again with minimum loss.
Thanks
The ICEPower based amps are getting raves these days. The Murano's look nice. There's also Nuforce.
and listen to my Oddesey Mono's
Maybe we can get together at your house one day.
Are you goinf to the H.E. show in NY in May?
I'll be going Sat May 12th.
I use Monarchy SE-250 hybrid monos with great success. There are so many other recommendations, though, you really should look.
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