Magnepan, How Low Can You Go...power-wise

More is better, my experience with Maggie 3.6R's was that they woke up at about 400 W, started to sing at about 600, and came completely alive at 1000w (into 4 ohms that is).

My fav amps for them; Cary CAD 500 MB, Innersound (now Sanders Sound) all the ESL amps, and I have not had them, but I too hear the Wyred4Sound amps are sublime with the Maggies.

When Magnepan shows their speakers now they use Bryston Amps, usually the 28Bsst. Before that, they used the 7Bsst, I think that let's you know what kind of power they need.

Thomastrouble, I can tell you from much experience, that yes you can run Maggies 3.6r's with lower power amps, but you will not hear what they can do with those amps. They will be veiled and limited with almost no bass or impact.

If you are really keying on the smaller powered amp, you could get a different speaker that would do more for you.

The Vandersteen 3a comes to mind in that price range. With lower power amps as you want to use, you will get much better, cleaner, more open sound from the Vandy's.

I would also look at the Paradigm Signature S6, a great speaker that can be found in the same price range.

Or look for some really nice monitors that are more efficient.

You will not get what you want from Magnepan 3.6R's with low powered amps. Sound will come out, but not anywhere near what they are capable of.

I keep being amazed by the responses to this. I want to know how many of these respondents have ever actually owned these speakers, and if so, how long did they keep them? If they used the dreadfully underpowered amps they have recommended I would assume it became very unsatisfying listening.

If you put that NAD integrated on a pair of 3.6r Maggies, it's not going to sound good. The amp may be fine with other speakers, but it's not going to bring those panels to life.