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Thoughts on the best bang for the buck

Hi All,
I am looking to put together a system that will provide the best possible sound for the dollar (probably a common request) I am sold on the primary source, Apple TV and the speakers, Magnepan MG 12's but I'm not sure about the best DAC and amp.

My short list includes the Peachtree Decco or the Cambridge DACMagic & 640A integrated.

I have listened to the Decco with Apple TV and a pair of stand-mounted B&Ws and was really impressed with the sound. I love the design and the tube pre-amp, my concern is the 50wpc. I don't know if that will be sufficient to get the most out of the Maggies. I know the Decco has pre-outs but a stand-alone power amp to accompany the Decco would blow-out the budget. (most of my listening will be at low to moderate volumes)

I have not auditioned the Cambridge stuff (I don't think it's available locally) but I have read nothing but glowing reviews.

I would really appreciate any feedback; thanks in advance!
pduff
dwhitt
347 posts
 
i have owned the maggie, i have owned the decco...it is a great unit, but more pricey than the cambridge, which i now on and think for the money, you won't beat it. i would buy the cambridge , reasonable at audio advisor or ther places and get me a rotel int. amp...you will need aleast 150 watts to drive the maggies to moderate levels, with the money you save buying the cambridge vs the decco, which is around 4 to 5 hundred dollars you can put what you where going to spend on an amp and add that 4 hundred and buy you a great powerful amp...the maggies will love you...dwhitt
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,838 posts
 
If you like to crank it up, more than 80w/ch may be needed for Maggies.
dwhitt
347 posts
 
yes, you need power for maggies, the more you get the better...
dwhitt
347 posts
 
reasonable priced power....rotel
nad

mid priced......musical fidelity

one of the best either new or used with maggies, bryston
150 watts for any amp
pduff OP
7 posts
 
Guys,
Thanks very much for the feedback. If the early consensus is the MG12's really benefit from the extra horsepower, I think the question becomes Cambridge v. Rotel v. NAD; integrated amp-wise. I've heard great things about all the brands and have owned a Rotel 965 disc player (and loved it). Some of the threads here (and elsewhere) talk about a more sterile sound from the Rotel amps (I'm paraphrasing, but the gist is they're brighter, etc than some may like) @ $399, the Cambridge 640a looks to be hard to beat. Do I pick up a lot more amp by extending the budget to $700 or so? Or would I be better-off to spring for top quality interconnects & cabling, etc with the $400 Cambridge?

Again, I really appreciate the help

thanks
Pat
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