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 rar1

I have a soft spot for the ADCOM power & preamp combination, as it was my divorce present to myself 25 years ago. Those are good pieces and probably worth the repair if a competent technician is available. I would not mod them all as it is not necessary. About the only thing 'extra' I would do with them is to have the tech install heavy duty power cords.

Another option in the $600 range would be the Outlaw Audio RR2150 . It would have similar power output as the 555, there is a phono input, and the FM tuner is pretty good.

Rich