Kevkey, I'm driving my Magnepan MG12QR's with a 35 watt tube amp. My room is 14' x 13' with a 14 foot ceiling. I listen to many types of music from classical to jazz, etc. Even some audiophile recordings. I'm using a Van Alstine Super PAS 3si (not the Dynaco modded pream but VA's own design) without any problems. I don't play at loud concert levels but it does play loud enough where I can't hear the phone ring or another person talking. My volume pot is at 1 o clock on most cd's to 3 o clock on phono. My system plays without strain and is very effortless. My amp is a modified Dynaco ST 70 w sound valves input board.
Everyone said it would not drive the Maggies but so far they have eaten crow on this one in amazement. My preamp only has about 18 db of gain.
As the other resonders stated it does depend on your room size and how loud you want to play it. I listen for detail and delicacy and naturalness. I get all this and some and I am very happy at the moment. I think I have a very good budget system. I'm using a Oppo 980 with a Scott Nixon Tube DAC and a Rotel 970 phono stage and I use a DB Audio 8HG moving coil phono too. I can't make my mind up on which one I like the best. My speaker cable is Kimber 4PR. Yes, the cheap stuff.
