magnepan mmgs-buy zero autoformers or stands 1st?

cmon' now, not looking for earthshaking, paint-peeling bass. just tighter on some recordings......

Rather than listen to all these opinions, I suggest that you beg, borrow, or steal a higher powered SS amp and listen to what it does with the MMGs. Then decide for yourself. But don't decide on your small tube amp without even listening to anything else.

I understand, but that speaker has severe limitations in the bottom end.

Don't kid yourself.

The stands, (at least good ones) do more than raise the Maggies... They firmly lock them in place, ie...no sway allowed. This results in a more "clear" sound, as the soundwave launching is now from a firmly "locked in place" source.

Some other thoughts:

KT-88 or 6550...better bass than EL34

Room placement...did you try the CARDIS planer setup guide?

Subwoofer (s)...Maggies crossed over at 80hz

Dave