+++++ on Pass-Labs electronics. ! I have an XP-22 preamp and XA30.8 stereo amp and have had several First-Watt amplifiers. They're "bullet-proof" and have a reputation for quality and especially reliability. They also have great sound quality.
Recommendations for an Amp/Preamp combo excellent musically and very reliable
Hello, having often encountered major reliability problems with components that may be too sophisticated in their design and which have taken too many months to be repaired, I thank you for giving me your recommendations for an Amp/Preamp combo that is excellent musically and also solid as a rock. My speakers are Magnepan 3.7i with 2 Vandersteen subwoofers.. My room is 550ft2. I am looking for a holographic placement of voices and instruments, a 3D soundstage. I want a sound that gives me goosebumps. I do not want the bass to be sloppy. I am looking for a sound that is not tiring after a few hours of listening. My musical styles are very varied from classical music to jazz, pop, world music, rock, blues, rap, hip-hop...Budget is up to $15k and I could consider used equipment. Thank you.
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Of all the amps I have paired with Maggies, including two different 300 WpC Codas, none have paired better than Parasound’s A21 and JC5. The Codas were not nearly as good at driving those current hungry panels. The Codas are great amps for conventional cone speakers, but otherwise it’s night/day when compared to the Parasounds. One truth I learned while owning Maggies is there is really no such thing as providing them too much reserve power. The higher the power the better. Class D power does not apply however, they need high current Class A/B. For 3.7s, I would want no less than 500 WPC into 4 ohms as a starting point. Ideally, you want an amp that can put out over 1kW during transient peaks. Maggies driven with lesser power sound like completely different speakers.
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I have a similar set up with 3.7i's and REL subs. I bought used Pass XA 60.8 amps about 5 years ago, leave them on 24/7 and love the sound. I have had 3 Allnic pre-amps and the Allnic house sound includes a strong holographic element. The L8000 DHT is sublime with the 3.7i's. Currently using the DHT pre-amp from a Lamipzator Goldengate DAC. There is something magical with DHT's and 3.7i's.
There is a point at higher volume levels where the sound changes and loses its liquid character. It is at a point of high SPL where I would only be listening to a single track or part of a track and not a playlist. I am not sure if it is the amp running out of juice or it is a room effect/interaction. I have a large room but one wall is mostly glass doors and windows. |
Agree with @atmasphere . Tube pre and a reputable class D amp. |
I have driven Apogees and Magies with an Aragon 4004 MKII for 30 years along with the Aragon 24k Pre. Dan D'Agostino (Krell) designed them as Dual Mono that can deliver 200w @8ohms, 400w @4ohms and about 600w into 2ohms. They can deliver all of the current they are handed. Absolutely silent background. I know they are old, but they are really special without having to lay out thousands of dollars.
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- 43 posts total