Hello
I have Ref3, Ref8, Ref210's with Magnepan 20.1's.
These are in a dedicated Listening Room which is 20' x 24' x 9'.
I mostly play orchestral music full orchestra and small groups. I also listened to Patricia Barber, Diana Krall type stuff.
The Ref 210's drive the Magnepan very well, they produce a very musical sound which is a replication to a degree of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra which I hear often. Playing a Mercury Living Presence CD or LP my setup seems easily powerful enough.
I can play Patricia Barber at any level I need with no compression.
While I have a ARC D400 solid state AMP (though 18 years old) it sounds more powerful, BUT it doesn't sound nearly as good and musical. The bass is tighter, but IMHO too tight and not real.
The 20.1's with the ARC equipment can transport you to the musical event.
I will say I think I am limited in power if I am plying solo piano, something like Sheffield drum and track but does not bother me too much. I suspect that the Ref 250 will be far more powerful sounding than the 210 and still retain the ARC tube musicality.
I have never tried the larger Mac's or Bryston.
I suspect I am giving you only 50 - 75% of the answer.
I have Ref3, Ref8, Ref210's with Magnepan 20.1's.
These are in a dedicated Listening Room which is 20' x 24' x 9'.
I mostly play orchestral music full orchestra and small groups. I also listened to Patricia Barber, Diana Krall type stuff.
The Ref 210's drive the Magnepan very well, they produce a very musical sound which is a replication to a degree of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra which I hear often. Playing a Mercury Living Presence CD or LP my setup seems easily powerful enough.
I can play Patricia Barber at any level I need with no compression.
While I have a ARC D400 solid state AMP (though 18 years old) it sounds more powerful, BUT it doesn't sound nearly as good and musical. The bass is tighter, but IMHO too tight and not real.
The 20.1's with the ARC equipment can transport you to the musical event.
I will say I think I am limited in power if I am plying solo piano, something like Sheffield drum and track but does not bother me too much. I suspect that the Ref 250 will be far more powerful sounding than the 210 and still retain the ARC tube musicality.
I have never tried the larger Mac's or Bryston.
I suspect I am giving you only 50 - 75% of the answer.