Class D vs Class AB- Looking for best used budget amplifier for Magnepan MG12

[thxbest]

I am in the market for a budget used amp for my Magnepan MG12.

I tried Parasound classic line, model 2125 and currently using Parasound model 275. Both amps can easily drive the maggies up to 90db without any audible distortion.

I am considering a budget class D amp like Crown, Behringer etc. or a class AB amp with MOSFET output stage, like B&K or other options like, Parasound, NAD, Anthem, Sunfire etc.

Price range $300 - $600 for a used unit.

What I'm looking for is an improvement in power, soundstage and detail to get best performance out of the Maggies MG12 compared to current setup with Parasound 2125 or 275.

Amps came into my mind in that price range so far:

B&K ST125.2
Parasound HCA 1500A
Crown Pro XLi1500
Crown XLS2502

Questions:

1- Can Crown modern Class D-Drive Core Technology like Crown Pro XLi1500 or Crown XLS2502 with lot of power sound as good or better than a class AB amp with maggies?

2- Is B&K ST125.2 a good match or better than Crown XLS2502 for the MG12? Which one does sound better with the Maggies?

Thanks

 

[lovinthehd]

Never had Maggies but do use some Crown XLS amps which I think would work fine, and also have and use class AB amps as well but I wouldn't choose based on class alone (unless you'll carry it a lot then class D would be a clear winner ). Finding soundstage in an amp? Not likely. More detail? Doubt it. You might prefer one amp over another for some reason I suppose, not my usual experience.

You can get a new Crown XLS 1502 for 400, the 2502 for $550....

 

[PENG]

Agreed with HD, if the 2125 can drive the Maggie's "easily", as oppose to say, marginally, then a more powerful amp should not make a difference. People often claimed it would, even night and day kind of difference, likely due to the effect of expectation bias.

 

[Out-Of-Phase]

Try the Crown XLS Series 2502.

Purchase the amp from a local music store chain.

 

[davidscott]

I am in the market for a budget used amp for my Magnepan MG12.

I tried Parasound classic line, model 2125 and currently using Parasound model 275. Both amps can easily drive the maggies up to 90db without any audible distortion.

I am considering a budget class D amp like Crown, Behringer etc. or a class AB amp with MOSFET output stage, like B&K or other options like, Parasound, NAD, Anthem, Sunfire etc.

Price range $300 - $600 for a used unit.

What I'm looking for is an improvement in power, soundstage and detail to get best performance out of the Maggies MG12 compared to current setup with Parasound 2125 or 275.

Amps came into my mind in that price range so far:

B&K ST125.2
Parasound HCA 1500A
Crown Pro XLi1500
Crown XLS2502

Questions:

1- Can Crown modern Class D-Drive Core Technology like Crown Pro XLi1500 or Crown XLS2502 with lot of power sound as good or better than a class AB amp with maggies?

2- Is B&K ST125.2 a good match or better than Crown XLS2502 for the MG12? Which one does sound better with the Maggies?

Thanks

I believe that the newer Nad amps are class D.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Pro amps like Crown, QSC, or Yamaha would definitely work.

Not too long ago I sold my ATI AT3002 amp for $1200 on Craigslist.

Might be able to find an ATI AT2002 for $800-$900 or AT1802 for $600-$700.

 

[highfigh]

I am in the market for a budget used amp for my Magnepan MG12.

I tried Parasound classic line, model 2125 and currently using Parasound model 275. Both amps can easily drive the maggies up to 90db without any audible distortion.

I am considering a budget class D amp like Crown, Behringer etc. or a class AB amp with MOSFET output stage, like B&K or other options like, Parasound, NAD, Anthem, Sunfire etc.

Price range $300 - $600 for a used unit.

What I'm looking for is an improvement in power, soundstage and detail to get best performance out of the Maggies MG12 compared to current setup with Parasound 2125 or 275.

Amps came into my mind in that price range so far:

B&K ST125.2
Parasound HCA 1500A
Crown Pro XLi1500
Crown XLS2502

Questions:

1- Can Crown modern Class D-Drive Core Technology like Crown Pro XLi1500 or Crown XLS2502 with lot of power sound as good or better than a class AB amp with maggies?

2- Is B&K ST125.2 a good match or better than Crown XLS2502 for the MG12? Which one does sound better with the Maggies?

Thanks

Move the speakers. You'll hear a lot more change if you do that. I have a Parasound A23 and there's nothing wrong with the stage that I haven't changed by moving my speakers. I don't have Magnapans, but I have listened to several and I know they use the rear reflections- this may be where your room is causing issues. The class of the amplifier should have nothing to do with the staging.