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

@knotscott Yes, I have done so. I have settled upon PSVane Horizon or Mazda mil spec.12au7 in my preamp. 

Still sorting out what I want in the buffer (ModWright Analog Bridge). Right now I have RCA clear top 6SN7GTBs, with the supplied JJ tube as the rectifier, and E88CC second selection slots (not using this circuit). 

@yyzsantabarbara Good info! Thanks! I am currently most in favor of the Coda s20, though I would love to hear the Accuphase. I have had a number of class D amps and I am generally a proponent. Before I sold my AGD I tried it on my LRS+, but it struggled with them. That said, the Rogue Dragon mono blocks (D/tube hybrid) are supposed to be a good match. But the general consensus is either class A or high bias AB are the best for maggies. 

@markmuse  

Seems you’re looking for a specific subjective Class A sonic but with the extension typical of SS amps.  Good luck on your search.

 

I just ordered a pair of Rogue Dragon mono blocks. It will be a few weeks probably, but if anyone is interested I will post my thoughts to this thread when I have it.

First Watt amps are not so heavy as Pass iron, but perhaps not powerful enough and maybe too expensive?