Amp Recommendations for Magnepan 12/QR

warrene00 · Nov 16, 2015

Alright so I have kind of preliminarily focused my power amp search on the following amps to power my Mangnepan 12/qr. My existing amp is just not cutting it (Onkyo A-9555) as it is not sufficiently powerful to drive the maggies.

Amp choices:

MSD A-400 (used)
Emotiva XPA-2 (new)
McCormack DNA .5 (used)
Bryston 4B (used)

I really want to go with the McCormack .5 as the reviews of the musicality of this amp are so positive. However, I am a little wary that it will not be able to sufficiently power my Maggies. On the other end of the spectrum is the Emotiva, which has power a plenty. I am just concerned that the Emotiva does not have the build/component quality of the other amps listed.

Any help or opinions is appreciated. The rest of my equipment I will be using is as follows:

Source: Rega Planar 3 w/ Ortofon red, Groovetracer subplatter, upgraded motor

Phono Stage: Rega Fono MM

Pre-amp: Pro-Ject Pre Box RS pre-amp

Speakers: Magnepan 12/QR

FrantzM · Nov 16, 2015

I don't know the amps you mention. I do know however that Emotiva has a 30-day return policy with 100% refund.. So ...

Andre Marc · Nov 16, 2015

warrene00 said:
Alright so I have kind of preliminarily focused my power amp search on the following amps to power my Mangnepan 12/qr. My existing amp is just not cutting it (Onkyo A-9555) as it is not sufficiently powerful to drive the maggies.

Amp choices:

MSD A-400 (used)
Emotiva XPA-2 (new)
McCormack DNA .5 (used)
Bryston 4B (used)

I really want to go with the McCormack .5 as the reviews of the musicality of this amp are so positive. However, I am a little wary that it will not be able to sufficiently power my Maggies. On the other end of the spectrum is the Emotiva, which has power a plenty. I am just concerned that the Emotiva does not have the build/component quality of the other amps listed.

Any help or opinions is appreciated. The rest of my equipment I will be using is as follows:

Source: Rega Planar 3 w/ Ortofon red, Groovetracer subplatter, upgraded motor

Phono Stage: Rega Fono MM

Pre-amp: Pro-Ject Pre Box RS pre-amp

Speakers: Magnepan 12/QR

Since you are familiar with Onkyo M5000R is a BEAST. It will make your Maggies sing...$2500..about 240 wpc into 4 ohms.

Andre Marc · Nov 16, 2015

warrene00 said:
Alright so I have kind of preliminarily focused my power amp search on the following amps to power my Mangnepan 12/qr. My existing amp is just not cutting it (Onkyo A-9555) as it is not sufficiently powerful to drive the maggies.

Amp choices:

MSD A-400 (used)
Emotiva XPA-2 (new)
McCormack DNA .5 (used)
Bryston 4B (used)

I really want to go with the McCormack .5 as the reviews of the musicality of this amp are so positive. However, I am a little wary that it will not be able to sufficiently power my Maggies. On the other end of the spectrum is the Emotiva, which has power a plenty. I am just concerned that the Emotiva does not have the build/component quality of the other amps listed.

Any help or opinions is appreciated. The rest of my equipment I will be using is as follows:

Source: Rega Planar 3 w/ Ortofon red, Groovetracer subplatter, upgraded motor

Phono Stage: Rega Fono MM

Pre-amp: Pro-Ject Pre Box RS pre-amp

Speakers: Magnepan 12/QR

Open to an integrated? I have one for you that will drive a 2 ohm load like picking its nose.

Whatmore · Nov 16, 2015

Get a magtech

Bruce B · Nov 16, 2015

warrene00 said:
Alright so I have kind of preliminarily focused my power amp search on the following amps to power my Mangnepan 12/qr. My existing amp is just not cutting it (Onkyo A-9555) as it is not sufficiently powerful to drive the maggies.

Amp choices:

MSD A-400 (used)
Emotiva XPA-2 (new)
McCormack DNA .5 (used)
Bryston 4B (used)

I really want to go with the McCormack .5 as the reviews of the musicality of this amp are so positive. However, I am a little wary that it will not be able to sufficiently power my Maggies. On the other end of the spectrum is the Emotiva, which has power a plenty. I am just concerned that the Emotiva does not have the build/component quality of the other amps listed.

Any help or opinions is appreciated. The rest of my equipment I will be using is as follows:

Source: Rega Planar 3 w/ Ortofon red, Groovetracer subplatter, upgraded motor

Phono Stage: Rega Fono MM

Pre-amp: Pro-Ject Pre Box RS pre-amp

Speakers: Magnepan 12/QR

Of the amps you mention, I'd take the Bryston.

If you want an Integrated with included DAC, I can't recommend enough the Parasond Halo Integrated ($2495). I'm using that on my Maggie 1.7i speakers.

daytona600 · Nov 16, 2015

Get a magtech +1

drives any speaker ever built or in the future

CKKeung · Nov 17, 2015

Get a magtech x2

http://sanderssoundsystems.com/products/amplifiers/magtech-amp
http://sanderssoundsystems.com/products/amplifiers/magtech-monoblock-amp

Big Dog RJ · Nov 18, 2015

Yes, agreed definitely a Magtec or the Bryston would be great as well. Even a used Sunfire from Bob Carver would be awesome, I used one back in the day when my hearing was sharper...

If you're after a greater sense of control and simplicity all in one, try to check out a carefully used McIntosh integrated, it will drive the maggies with superb musicality and sound-staging that you have yet to experience from your maggies. A brand new Mac would be awesome as well as a brand new Magtec. I'm not too sure at all what you can find around in your location on the used market with these brands.

Onkyo... ? I used to have a university room mate that used to blast his Cervin Vega's with an Onyko integrated, no musicality whatsoever or any proper soundstage for that matter, just loudness, great for frat parties and goodness knows what else went on during those 80's, it was all too blurry at the time...
Cheers, RJ

Darby · Nov 18, 2015

I concur. Magtechs are simply superb,in any system on any speaker/s
As a less expensive alternative though, the Parasound Halo integrated would also work very well indeed. IMO, it is one of the best kept secrets in integrated amplifiers

daytona600 said:
Get a magtech +1

drives any speaker ever built or in the future

GaryProtein · Nov 18, 2015

FrantzM said:
I don't know the amps you mention. I do know however that Emotiva has a 30-day return policy with 100% refund.. So ...

There is no question, I would get the Emotiva and give their 30 day refund policy a run for the money!

I have one of their pre-pros and it is excellent.

Gregadd · Nov 18, 2015

This reallt is the ideal MAggie amp. A sweet sound with gobs of [ower
http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/...estored_amp_upgraded_amplifier/images/685146/

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Amp Recommendations for Magnepan 12/QR

warrene00

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FrantzM

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Andre Marc

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Whatmore

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CKKeung

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Big Dog RJ

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