Appropriate Power for 1.7i's


I am sure this is the type of question that gets asked a lot, so I beg your indulgence for one more:

I have recently upgraded my speakers to a pair of Magnepan 1.7i's.  I am enjoying these speakers even though I know they are not receiving an optimal signal.  My goal is to provide a better signal.
 
My primary source is TIDAL HiFi, and here is my current setup

Power:  Yamaha HTR-5450 (only front channels used).  Ostensibly 85 w/channel --- I am aware that the specs for home theater receivers tend to be -ah optimistic.

DAC:  ifi nano iDSD (burr-brown)

Digital signal provided by PC

My budget for upgrading the Yamaha is modest:  $700-$900

Here is my want list:

100+ w/channel Stereo into 4 ohms.  ( I have no need for more channels):  Preferably Class A/B  (as opposed to D)

I am not opposed to purchasing used, in spite of the additional effort involved.

I am considering the Denon Heos and  Sonos Connect as a preamp.  I am not opposed to an integrated amp, but I like the fact that these units allow me to control my selection via a phone app (my phone is an LGv20 w/ Android 7).  Since I tend to listen to albums rather than individual songs or even playlists, the lack of this convenience is not a deal killer for me.


128x128markainsworth

Showing 11 responses by markainsworth

I am currently leaning toward a Parasound A-23 or Carver TFM-35.  What say you on the relative merits of those amplifiers paired with the Magnepan 1.7i's ?

Thanks, raindance.  I will consider your advice.  It is good to hear from a fellow Maggie owner.
Recently I have heard of people just hooking up their DAC's to their amplifiers.  Is this doable?  If so it might work for me since I am not intending to use multiple sources and I am not a big fidgeter of base / treble / balance, etc.   An advantage of this approach for me is that it would provide a few more dollars to spend on the amp.  Thanks for your comments.
I have made a potentially expensive error. I found a DNA-1 on e-bay and made a bid. I later discovered that the amp is configured as a bridged monaural. (Thought it has L & R outputs, I noticed later that it only had inputs for one channel). Can this be ’Unbridged’ ? If so how expensive would that be?

(Feeling pretty stupid here, boss :D Maybe I won’t win the bid. It’s OK. Have a good chuckle at my expense)

I have sent an inquiry to McCormick (the brand is defunct after being acquired by Conrad-Johnson, but they still do mods/repairs)


Thanks, Raindance and 4hannas, for sharing your experiences.  Most helpful.  If the DNA-1 does not work out, I may try the Stratos.  There seems to be a paucity of used units, so I may bump the budget and buy new.  I did find a pair of platinum mono amps for 1,700.  If they are still available in a couple of weeks I may pull the trigger. 

There is also a Luxman M-117 out there for 600.  What do you think of that option?




Might not be too bad of an idea.  The item was purchased at an estate sale.  The seller says it works.  But that might just mean that it powers up.
I am replacing an old AV receiver that powers up just fine.  It is very quiet.  Too quiet.

Thanks, for  your input 2psyop, but I think from a power perspective, 4hannons is right.  If 350wpc is not enough to drive your speakers, they're bricks.

btw: I got outbid on the McCormack. Just as well, I didn’t really want to deal with having to have it re-configured.

Also I have decided that I am willing to bump my budget to about $1500, though that will mean waiting a couple of weeks. That is also not all bad. It gives me some time to do some research.

On another note, I spoke with John Rustan. He thinks that a Bryston 4B is the way to go. TMR has some ST's for sale at $1600 each. I found it interesting that John offered this advice, even though he does not currently have any to sell. Looking at his website: audioconnect.com, I find he does have something interesting: A pair of PS Audio 250 Deltas.
Hi 2psyop.  Thanks for the suggestion.  I read the review you linked, and immediately wanted one.  However, the price for used units appears to be about 3k.  Out of my range, even given that it obviates the need for a pre-amp.
So my current short list (in no particular order) is:

Bryston 4B ST ($1,600 - good availability)
Krell 400xi ($1,400 - $1,500)
Pair of PS Audio 250 Deltas ($1,100 / pair)
McCormack DNA-1 (Hard to come by)

The first three deliver into 4 ohms. the McCormack delivers 370wpc into 4 ohms.

The Musical Fidelity is out only because of the cost. If I happen onto a deal on one, I will consider it.

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. All have been helpful. I look forward to more.