2. amps-preamps
  3. 1418592394

Amp for Magnepan MMGs

Please comment on the following options for driving a new pair of Magnepan MMGs:

1) Repair and maybe mod Adcom 555 and matching preamp (original 1980s equipment I think)

2) Behringer EP 4000 for $350 new. I am assuming I will need a preamp of some kind, would the Adcom work?

3) Denon 700 AV receiver for $399. Would use MMGs as L/R for 5.1 eventually

4) Other amps (tube or solid state) for $400. Have read that Magnepan prefers their speakers with tubes, but haven't seen any tube amps in this price range.

Sources will include CD and iPod. Music preferences are folk, 60s rock, female vocals, a Capella.

Have previously owned 3.6s but never powered them properly.

Will be putting these MMGs into my condo living room ( a 13x20x10 box). Sliding glass door takes up one of the narrow ends, pass through to kitchen and a hallway take up the other. Room will contain sectional sofa, desk and large chair. Floor is laminate, will have area rug down. Walls are drywall. Understand that 3 to 4 feet from walls is best, so thinking of placing speakers that distance forward of the sliding glass door wall, but am open to other suggestions.
kythyn

Showing 1 response by mesch

mesch
3,402 posts
 
If I have it right, you are going to develop a system to be used for 2 channel music and 5.1 channel video and have an amplification budget of $400. Under this assumption I would:

1) Determine the value of your present gear. Verify that the adcom amp is working, the condition of the pre, and condition of the HK. Due to age I would not spend much on repairs for these. Check fuses where channel is out. Make A decision to keep or sell. Need to know the value of this gear.

2) Consider sticking to a 2 or 2.1 system, and buying a used SS integrated amplifier not much more than 10 years old. I am not sure of the power requirements for the MMGs.

3) If 5.1 channels remains desirable, and the adcom amp works, purchase a used 5.1 preamp/processor and start from there.
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