Don't know if this will help in your decision, but I have both a Sanders Sound Systems Magtech amp, which is SS, and a pair of VTL MB-250 Signature monos. I use the VTLs in the cooler months only because my room is above the garage and gets too warm in the summer. Speakers are Maggie 1.7s and I prefer the sound with the VTLs slightly over the Magtech because it has more dimensionality. A somewhat more spacious sound. The difference in power output between these amps is substantial, 900 for the Magtech into 4 ohms vs. 250 tube watts for the VTLs. The room is not a perfect rectangle but the approximate size is 19 x 15 with an 8 foot ceiling. BTW I just had to spend $4400 for a new furnace so something has to go and I've decided it's the VTLs since I can't use them all year long. Let me know if you are interested.
Audio Research Ref 150 or 250 with Maggie
hi,
Looking at buying either Audio Research Ref 150 stereo amp or 250 mono amp.
Currently I have Magnepan IIIa, but looking to upgrade to 3.7 or 20.7
Research indicates that Ref 150 is probably sufficient to drive the 3.7. I listen to all genre of music, but most often classical. Like everyone who care about their hearing, I do crank up volume occasionally but always within reasonable limit.
3.7 and 20.7 have same or very similar sensitivity, so is it fair to say that if Ref 150 can drive 3.7, then it can drive the 20.7?
Another big question I have is with regards to stereo amp vs. mono amp. with both amps being called 'great amps', will there still be significant sound quality improvement by going with mono amps instead of stereo amp (setting aside the potential affect of higher power of 250 vs. only 150 watts in the Ref 150)?
Looking at buying either Audio Research Ref 150 stereo amp or 250 mono amp.
Currently I have Magnepan IIIa, but looking to upgrade to 3.7 or 20.7
Research indicates that Ref 150 is probably sufficient to drive the 3.7. I listen to all genre of music, but most often classical. Like everyone who care about their hearing, I do crank up volume occasionally but always within reasonable limit.
3.7 and 20.7 have same or very similar sensitivity, so is it fair to say that if Ref 150 can drive 3.7, then it can drive the 20.7?
Another big question I have is with regards to stereo amp vs. mono amp. with both amps being called 'great amps', will there still be significant sound quality improvement by going with mono amps instead of stereo amp (setting aside the potential affect of higher power of 250 vs. only 150 watts in the Ref 150)?