Integrated Amps VS Stereo Amps with Magnepan 1.7's

[Baloo]

Hello Everyone,

I'm looking for feedback for upgrading my system. I'm just getting into HiFi and wanted to get some feedback from audio enthusiasts. I think I'm basically done with my Home Theater setup, but would like to improve my 2 Channel listening experience. I listen to music about 50% of the time, watch 2-Channel TV 30% of the time, and watch 5.1 movies, TV about 20% of the time.

I have the following set-up and about $2k to update the system and will have another $2k in 6 months:

• Magnepan 1.7i Speakers
• Marantz SR6010 Receiver
• Rel T-7 Sub
• MartinLogan Motion 4 Surrounds

Per the Maggie Dealer, I need to properly amp my maggies and the SR6010 doesn't fully cut it and I agree. His setup sounds better on 1.7i's than mine does (He is using a $20k+ setup from source to speaker).

I'm debating on putting all $2k into a stereo amp, then $2k into a pre-amp with HT Bypass and music source in 6 months or splitting the $2k into an integrated amp with HT Bypass and a music source now.

I currently play my music via Spotify Connect through my receiver and don't have a music collection at all. If I move away from Spotify (which I want to) I need to re-allocate some of my equipment funds towards purchasing a music collection (CD, Vinyl, or Digital) or reallocate $250/year of my equipment funds to a Tidal Premium subscription. I plan on putting a Vinyl collection in the future (1+ years from now) but I don't feel that my current setup will benefit from Vinyl.

How would you spend $2k to improve my 2-Channel listening experience? Any recommendations on specific equipment that I should listen to?

 

[KEW]

I would stick with the Marantz as your pre-amp.
It has the ability to switch between configurations (I assume, I know Denon 4000 series do), so I believe you can have a music setting that uses pure direct with just the main speakers active.
Maggies have a reputation for needing good amplification, so I would agree the Marantz is probably not the best option (unless your Maggies are more efficient and higher impedance than most).
Two Outlaw Audio 2200 monoblock's is probably the least expensive option for ensuring you have the juice that you need.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Welcome to AH.

What are the issues that you think you need to upgrade?
The dealer has expensive gear to impress the impressionables to spend a lot.
You cannot compare his showroom to your listening room; they are totally different listening environments and will sound different.
You may or may not need a different amp depending on your needs and there is really a lack of performance that is totally due to the amp.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I agree with both assessments above.

I have been in this hobby for over 25 YR and spent a cumulative amount of $150K+ on many different various gears.

If you must have more power (which you may or may not need) just for 2Ch music listening, I think your best option is to add an external 2Ch amp to your Marantz 6010.

In addition to the Outlaw 2200 amp (which I also like), you might consider these:

http://www.classicaudioparts.com/index.php/amplifiers/ati-at1802-two-channel-x-180-watt-amplifier-b-stock-120v.html

ATI makes a lot of Amps for a lot of companies including some amps (not all amps) for Mark Levinson, Lexicon, Cary Audio, Outlaw, Monoprice. ATI also owns Theta Digital and B&K.


Also Parasound:
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PAC2250V2

 

[Mikado463]

yep, planars and stats need good amplification to sound their best. As suggested use your receiver as a pre and your 2k budget will get you into a good amp.

 

[lovinthehd]

yep, planars and stats need good amplification to sound their best. As suggested use your receiver as a pre and your 2k budget will get you into a good amp.

You can get a very good amp for far less than 2k, too.

 

[Pogre]

I agree with both assessments above.

I have been in this hobby for over 25 YR and spent a cumulative amount of $150K+ on many different various gears.

If you must have more power (which you may or may not need) just for 2Ch music listening, I think your best option is to add an external 2Ch amp to your Marantz 6010.

In addition to the Outlaw 2200 amp (which I also like), you might consider these:

http://www.classicaudioparts.com/index.php/amplifiers/ati-at1802-two-channel-x-180-watt-amplifier-b-stock-120v.html

ATI makes a lot of Amps for a lot of companies including some amps (not all amps) for Mark Levinson, Lexicon, Cary Audio, Outlaw, Monoprice. ATI also owns Theta Digital and B&K.


Also Parasound:
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PAC2250V2

In that price range the Monolith (also made by ATI) is a solid choice and has a few more watts, though not enough to make much of a difference.

 

[lovinthehd]

In that price range the Monolith (also made by ATI) is a solid choice and has a few more watts.

Not to mention that's for 7 channels let alone a mere 2....altho the monolith 2ch isnt a very good deal compared to the 7ch model....

 

[Pogre]

Not to mention that's for 7 channels let alone a mere 2....altho the monolith 2ch isnt a very good deal compared to the 7ch model....

Yeah, when you start adding channels is where the Monolith really starts becoming attractive. 1k for 2x200w ain't bad tho.

 

[lovinthehd]

Yeah, when you start adding channels is where the Monolith really starts becoming attractive. 1k for 2x200w ain't bad tho.

Not compared to the same basic electronics for 7ch, where the price has been much less per channel....weird pricing scheme but may make more of the 2ch guys pay for the whole thing

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

The 7CH Monolith Amp is definitely more cost effective.

For 1K, though, I would rather take the 180W-ATI over the 200W-Monoprice. That way, I could have front metal handles.

 

[lovinthehd]

Yeah, when you start adding channels is where the Monolith really starts becoming attractive. 1k for 2x200w ain't bad tho.

No, $1k for a lousy 2x200 at 8 ohm is silly, no? Not a great $ value there at 2ch....

 

[Pogre]

No, $1k for a lousy 2x200 at 8 ohm is silly, no? Not a great $ value there at 2ch....

You're right, with the Crowns and Beheringers out there, there's a lot cheaper clean power to be had.

 

[KEW]

No, $1k for a lousy 2x200 at 8 ohm is silly, no? Not a great $ value there at 2ch....

Definitely not a good value in terms of watts/$. This and the ATI amp ADTG linked can only be justified if you put a lot of stock in long-term reliability. ATI has a good reputation for solid current handling and reliability.
However, I agree completely with you, if I was buying a stereo Monolith because I expected it to last a few decades, it'd be crazy not to get 5 - 7 channels to get future flexibility with that reliability.
Pro audio is a different animal and I suspect is a better option for price and durability, but really don't know, other than a good pro amp is designed to take a beating/handling!