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Need Amp Advice from the Collective

What amps are a synergistic fit with Maggie LRS+ that won't break my 76 year old back? I am currently using a Bryston 3B3, which at ~300 watts > 4 ohms has gobs of power, certainly more that I use, but it is a bit clinical, lacks midrange magic, is a tad bright, and could image better. See my profile for the rest of the system. 

Pass Labs XA30.8 or X150.8, or Coda No.16 are obvious choices, and I'm certain they would sound great. But they are all 90-110 pounds! I wonder about some of the lower powered Coda's (S5.5, S150, S20) if they would have enough to fire up the Maggies? Comments? 

I have been down the Class D road, and while they certainly have their charms, I don't think they will produce the magic I want.

My room is kind of large at 25 x 25 x 8, but the listening area is about 1/4 of that with the speakers about 8-10 feet from my listening position.

Thanks in advance!

markmuse
billstevenson
1,165 posts
 

I know you seem to have ruled out class D amps, but I think you should try one of the newer ones.  I would loan you my Marantz PM10 if that were possible.  These new class Ds sound quite good.  You need to try some things.  

easystreamer
119 posts
 

If you are looking for midrange magic, an Accuphase P-4600 can do that but it is about 66 lbs

It is a real looker too

celtic66
1,925 posts
 

20kgs.  https://www.sugdenaudio.com/ia-4-integrated-amplifier
I’ve run several pieces of Sugden kit.  They’ve never disappointed.  This particular piece I’ve not run.  Be assured the 33 wpc pure Class A will power the Maggies and you will love the sound.  Good hunting.

kofibaffour
713 posts
 

@markmuse 

which at ~300 watts > 4 ohms has gobs of power, certainly more that I use, but it is a bit clinical, lacks midrange magic, is a tad bright, and could image better

All these correspond to the speakers unfortunately. no amount of amp changes will fix this.

I have heard the LRS and I will describe them in these words:

  • vocals and fundamentals lack body (Samara Joy lacked her rich tonal foundation)
  • Subtle boxy coloration
  • No sub bass and reduced mid bass, you'd need a subwoofer
  • Tiny sweet spot makes for head in a vice presentation
  • Setting them up is not trial as it is “not a set-it-and-forget-it” speaker
  • Struggles with high dynamic peaks in orchestration playback and many high dynamic range speakers

An amp won't fix them

signaforce's avatar
signaforce
546 posts
 

I had a similar issue with both weight & space being factors. I went with the Simaudio Moon 330A. At 250W Into 4ohms, it easily drives my KEF Ref 3’s. It runs cool, sounds great, is convertible to mono & at 33lbs, much easier to handle at our age. I did add a SR orange fuse to it, which improved dynamics & warmth. Good luck. 

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