Amp recommendation for Magnepan 3.7's?

~
Dsper --

Feel free to PM me for more information. I've been auditioning new amps in
my home, and have some interesting results. I had another thread on this, but
haven't updated it lately. I've got Magnepan 3.7 and 2x Vandersteen 2wq
subs.

Started with a Spectron Musician III mk2 w/upgrades, stereo (~$5K)

Sander Magtech went down pretty quickly. Stereo (~$5.2K)

Merrill VERITAS monos is the current leader. Fantastic kit. ($12K)

Now listening to Bel Canto REF600M monos. Not bad, not bad. (??)

This week, Rowland Continuum S2 will likely go up against the Merrills and Bel
Cantos. Integrated. (~$9K)

Don't underestimate the resources needed to drive these speakers to their full
potential.

Rob

Rob, very interesting comments on a nice variety of amps! I've heard so many raves about the Sanders Magtech driving Maggies that I'm a bit surprised about your reaction, but have read that they have an analytical perspective. Am very interested in hearing more about the new REF600Ms as you get some time with them, not many out there yet. I run the Rowland 625 with my 3.7i speakers and find the combination superb along with a suitable quality preamp. I understand that the new 625 II is even more costly though. Good listening and please continue to share your thoughts with us, it is most appreciated!

Btw, the Bel Canto REF600M amps list for $4,990 per pair.

Bill_k --

In looking at the specs for the Magtech, it would seem that they have tons of power for the Maggies. Indeed, that's what they were designed for, hence "Mag"tech.

Roger was quite adamant that there wouldn't be any break-in time on the amp, that with only an hour or two of warmup, they'd sound like the ever would. After a couple of days, I asked, "Are you sure?" He was quite sure. Well, I found the presentation rather flat and two-dimensional, lacking any real involvement at all. Power? Yes. Muscle? Yes. Engaging? No. It played the notes, but... Is that "analytical?" Methinks so.

Based on my own experience, I should've run them up about 300 hours to give them at least a fair shake, but Roger said.....

The Bel Cantos get better as the hours go by. As you might expect, they're young, likely less than 300 hours, so I'm going to give them about another 10 days while I A/B with the Veritas (wicked broken in), and the Rowland Continuum, who the dealer claims is broken in, but I don't know how many hours, exactly.

For what the Bel Cantos are doing, they're a remarkable bargain, with an adorably small footprint.

I should add that I probably learned more from Roger Sanders in a few emails than I have from a week of poring over posts and reviews. He has a wealth of knowledge at his fingertips, which aren't afraid of typing at all. He was quite helpful in sorting out any number of things.

He also offers a risk-free trial, so if anyone is considering these powerhouses, you can't go wrong at all. 30 days, shipping both ways, prompt and personalized attention.