2. amps-preamps
  3. 1079943036

What affordable amp should go w/ magnepan 1.6?

I am a real novice here guys. My situation is this, I am building a stereo system from the ground up, wich pretty much means I have nothing except the magnepan 1.6's. I am trying 2 figure out what I should use 2 drive them. I would like 2 stay under 1500(is that realistic?)and I am not interested in home theatre(possibly a sub later). I am very new 2 this so any and all info(cables,other components complimentary 2 the magnepans) would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
nidan

Showing 2 responses by eldartford

eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Like Zenieth, to drive MG1.6 I used an Adcom amp, a 5503, 350 wpc at 4 ohms. It was better than a 100wpc Adcom.
I recently changed to CarverPro ZR1600 digital amp rated at 600 wpc into 4 ohms. The CarverPro amp costs only $840 or so via internet. I repeat what many others have said, this amp is super with Maggies. It does use a fan, so you might want to retrofit an available very quiet fan, or disconnect the fan entirely (which is OK for the home audio application).
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Nidan...I happen to have both the CarverPro ZR1600, and a QSC RMX 1450. The QSC is good for 450 watts at very low cost and I bought it for a subwoofer application. I did not expect very good results using it full range, but I hooked it up that way as an experiment, and was pleasantly surprised. It would be a very good choice for a low cost system, where the high power rating would make it possible to use excellent speakers like Maggies (which are not costly themselves but generally require costly power amps).

The QSC does use a noisy fan, and unlike the CarverPro high efficiency digital amp, you cannot safely disconnect it. It is variable speed, controlled by temperature but it never really gets quiet.It may be possible to use a lower noise fan, as is the case for the CarverPro. The best solution is to locate it in a remote location: mine is in the cellar underneath the speakers.

Both amps sport balanced inputs, if that turns you on. Both are very solidly constructed. Warranty is 3 years for the QSC and 5 years for the CarverPro.

Both amps should be given objective consideration. The QSC costs even less than the CarverPro, and I really can't hear much wrong with it. The CarverPro invites comparison with the very best.
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