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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
avanti1960
1,745 posts
 

@glennewdick 

I heard the A3 driven by an Aavik (Group Denmark) Class D integrated amplifier.  The sound was powerful but soul-less and the system did not sell me on the speakers.  Amp synergy is going to be extremely important with your speakers to make them as enjoyable as possible.  

Since they need a soul along with above average power hence the suggestion for a lush tube preamp with 6SN7 tubes (tube rectifier can also help) as well as a clean Class A or AB power amp.  

If you want to stay Class D the best most soulful sounding amps I have heard are from AGD , specifically the Audion.  Really nice sound that should complement the A3s.  Good Luck !  

nglazer
859 posts
 

I have A3's from the first run. Amazing speakers. I run them with Krell FPB 300cx power amp and VTL 7.5 iii preamp hybrid with two 12au7 tubes. Will not change a thing, probably ever! Give these speakers high quality juice! Neal

joeycastillo
267 posts
 

@glennewdick

I was privilege to hear a Majico S3 paired with Gryphon Diabolo 333 and all I can say is Wow. it's past my $$ budget so all I can say it is worth its price. 

the sound is spectacular, loud and instrumentally accurate. powerful and immediate. it touches the senses. I was about 15 feet away and I can feel the awe of the concert. Yup, the S3 can do its thing if it is powered correctly and beautifully. 

if cost is to be considered, Try this, a Pass Labs X350.8 Amp with a Linear Tube audio Microzotl Pre-amp. I am a Pass guy, but the gryphons are in a different league all together

Good luck

 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
8,061 posts
 

I would not pair Magico A3 with Pass amp as it would double down on the already not exciting delivery of the A3s.
They need a fast and lively amp. Simaudio Moon amps could be a good match. I would also try upper model Shunyata cables with them. They can benefit from transparency and speed upstream. 

henry201
152 posts
 

 All Magicos, including the A3, work exceptionally well with Pass. In fact, the combination of the 250.8 and the A3 is one of the best As combo I’ve ever heard. Best to take advice from Magico owners only wink

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