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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)?
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Showing 1 response by stickman451

stickman451
553 posts
 
I have the 20.7's, had the 3.6's previously. IMO you will be disappointed with the AR 150's, not enough power. The 250's will do the job, but are a very pricey option. I have tried many amps with my Maggies and the best by a wide margin are the tube amps that I use now; the Carver Black Beauty 305's. The Black Beauty's use six KT-120's per side and seem effortless at driving the 20.7's. I never feel that I am lacking power or dynamics no matter how loudly I play music, rock or large scale classical. My room is failry large too, 17.5 x 26 x 9. The Black Beauty's make the 20's fill the room with sound. They will not be quite as extended on top as the AR but they will be more 'organic' with richer tone. You can tweak that a bit by changing the 12AX7 input tube on the amps, adjusting bias, and by using the built-in feedback swtich. Check out these two reviews and this video review on Utube:

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/carver-black-beauty-305-power-amplifier/

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/superioraudio/equipment/0512/bob_carver_cherry_180_tube_monoblock_amplifier.htm

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uBBlDNCW0UE
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