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Amp-preamp, Integrated paring with Magico A3

I'm looking for people who have had excellent results with pairing an amp-preamp, integrated to Magico A3 or similar Magico's. I recently bought a pair of A3's (love them) and I’m now looking to upgrade my electronics driving them. Currently I have a loner from a friend (not ideal) so nothing really to speak of.

I’ve heard the Constellation gear at the dealer on them and was impressed, also some top Moon (North series) gear also impressed. But I’m a tube guy so I’m also considering a tube preamp-SS amp or hybrid integrated. I just sold my Mac gear so I’m looking to move away from that. Friend has an Audio reasurch tube preamp thats quite nice in his system, Ref 6se i believe, paired with the Moon SS amp (new north searies). But dragging that and or the speakers around to try is not something either of us is inclined to do. Speakers being 110lbs each. Amp about the same lol

What have you had good success with? 

glennewdick
maxwave's avatar
maxwave
1,074 posts
 

@Soix ´´Given what you said I think a tube pre with a good solid state amp makes a lotta sense and may be the best of all worlds.´´

Think about Vinnie Rossi ; Brama Mono and Pre ; generation 1 ( must still be availlable ) or generation 2

ronboco
1,110 posts
 

How about the ARC reference pre with the Boulder 2160 amp? 

zlone
1,319 posts
 

+1 @fastfreight and Audionet. There are a couple of G2 preamps out there as well. The synergy between their components is amazing.

heliguy420's avatar
heliguy420
8 posts
 

I have the Magico S5MkII, but at the time was listing to the A5, and the S5MkII for comparison, and I auditioned McIntosh integrated, Soulution integrated, and Vitus inegrated. Honestly I thought those 3 matched very well with both Magico's. Ended up with the Vitus RI-101 MkII integrated. I've had it for almost a year now with the Magico's and the pairing sounds really nice to me.

avanti1960
1,740 posts
 

@glennewdick 

Having heard the A3s at a local dealer they definitely have a sound signature that can be made or broken by amplification according to my sonic preferences. 

So the choices become important.   

I would suggest a nicely clear and smooth, slightly forward tube preamp that uses 6SN7 tubes- example Cary Audio SLP-05, ModWright LS100.  Combine that with a dead neutral power amp e.g. Bryston 4B3, McIntosh MC312 and you'll have a winner.  

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