Another

Rhanson739, no harm intended. I am finding it odd, that in your original post, you did not mention the need to replace your amp, because of faulty and reliability issues. The amp, on a sonic standpoint, seemed to do everything you wanted an amp to do for you. Unless I missed something in my readings, you withheld the name of the amp manufacturer( not critical), although you mention it to be a very powerful Class D amp. Without the use of a preamp, via your associated equipment listing (also mentioned by Bigkidz), you might be running into an impedance mismatch, or, too low of a voltage gain, this amp requires. I understand the reasons of not using a preamp, but I also understand the benefits of using one. I am just wondering, if, Magnepan, knew of your problem/situation, as well as the amp manufacturer ? I do not know of any of the new, very large, Class D amps available, based on my readings, that would not drive your Maggies. Even some of the high powered Class D pro amps should drive them. How they sound, that is another story. Thank you, Mr.D

Rhanson739, as knowledgeable and experienced as I am, or, think I am, with this hobby of recorded music listening, I do not have a recommendation for you. I will say, as my finances, and my life (in general) are not what they once were, I no longer own very expensive equipment. When listening to speakers, it is, imhi, that unless one designs a listening room, with the utmost care ( sometimes from scratch ), to get near perfection, with a particular set of speakers (same with home theater), the miniscule differences between a moderate priced amp and a mega buck amp, is senseless. I have been there, and I have done that. The equipment thing, that is. I was never so fortunate, as to have the real deal, in a room design. However, I had many clients, and friends, who have. A better room/speaker/listener set up, will always bring more musical satisfaction, to me, and them, than spending more money on equipment, especially amplification. Again, this is imo and experience. I am a music listener first, and an audiophile 2nd. What this means is, I want the musicianship, within the recordings, to show up 1st. I want the playing, to start, and stop, on a dime, and cohesively. I want the players to perform, together. I want to capture the proper tone and weight, of the voices and instruments, before I can pinpoint where they are, in front of me. Did I mention dynamics. Live, unamplified music has it. So many mega systems I have listened to, fail, in what I am looking for. Mind you, I am not suggesting I hear better than anyone else. I just know what I am listening for, to please me, something that has taken many years to get to. In a way, I am lucky. I know I am blabbing. The fact of the matter is, if a speaker/room/listener situation, is better to begin with, the cost of the amp is less important, because, in the end, the subtle differences in amps are not as beneficial to a properly set up room. Those that can afford to do both, more power to them. My system, and my room, really does it for me, as again, I am a lucky listener. MrD.

Ricred1. Subtleties in a better amp, are audible, but, cannot eliminate problems in a room. If anything, it would amplify them, no pun intended. There are many $2-3 K amplifiers that have the "beef" to drive the 3.7s, to realistic levels, without the panels being the weak link. I did say, go for broke, if you can, just acknowledging the importance of the room. Sorry if I was unclear. I also feel, a better front end (source), generally gets you more musical information. My comments were based on the use of the 3.7s, in particular, but, do carry over to all speakers. They do, however, dictate the room size, positioning, acoustics, and all else that you mention. More so than many speakers. Keep in mind, I own, and listen to, very efficient, and, dynamic speakers. Just enjoy ! Mr.D.

Just another comment. Rhanson739, does make mention in his original post, that the room might be problematic, as are some of the recordings. Just saying........Enjoy all ! Mr.D

Guidocorona. I appreciate the explanation. However, in Rhanson's original post, he speaks highly of his amp, and, he does mention at times, of a sharpness or harshness, attributable to the room. Did I miss something ? MrD

If Rhanson, in his original post, indicated that the amp was failing, and unreliable, as he did not, I would never had put my 2 cents in......the way I read it, the amp was wonderful..........Enough from me.........Enjoy ! MrD.

Rhanson, I was not alone. Shakeydeal and Nonoise assumed the same. We did not read your response to Guido. My response was based on your original post. Sorry......MrD.

Rhanson. If you read your original post, and please do, you do not mention you had a reliability issue with your amp. You, in fact, make accolades about how wonderful your system was, including the amp, as being part of your system, but, still wanted to improve upon it. You could have indicated, without mentioning the manufacturer, it was problematic and unreliable, and that was the reason for the post. I read your post, and took your post, literally. So did others. I am moving on. Enjoy ! Mr.D.