Tube Pre with larger Maggies ???

[ths61]

Is anyone using a Tube PreAmp with the larger(3.X, 20.x) Maggies?

If so, what and what are your perceptions?

TIA

[Robert_Anderson]

I use an EAR 868 with my big Krell amps and Maggie 20.1's. I love it, even more than my old ARC Ref 3.

[harri009]

I am using a Aesthetix Calypso pre and the results were great as well

[klao]

I'm enjoying mine too: Aesthetix Calypso Signature & Maggie 20.7's.

[zuluwarrior0760]

I use a Convergent Audio Technologies SL-1 Renaissance w/ Phono
along with latest Bryston 7BSST2's.

I've had the preamp thru my last 3 pairs of speakers but the Magnepans
love them.....

I use the Bryston amplifiers because they never seems to run out of steam
and they are a natural pairing for Magnepan (You will hear Magnepan's
demonstrated typically with these amps at shows etc)

[audiot servant]

CAT SL1 Bryston combo sounds very tasty Zulu.

A valve pre and SS amp combo seems to play to the Maggie's natural strengths with plenty of real speed and texture - I love the spirit of Shindo with the 20.7s and would also think that a GAT might also be the go!

[ehoove]

I'm using a Audio Research 16MkII with my Tri-amped MGIIIa's. Love it!
Regards,
Jim

[wildcat82]

I'm using a C2300 with NOS Mullards for pre-amp and Modwright bdb-105 with Sophia Electric 6SN7. Both of these blend very nicely with the 20.7s

[cma29]

I use a Convergent Audio Technologies SL-1 Renaissance w/ Phono
along with latest Bryston 7BSST2's.

I've had the preamp thru my last 3 pairs of speakers but the Magnepans
love them.....

I use the Bryston amplifiers because they never seems to run out of steam
and they are a natural pairing for Magnepan (You will hear Magnepan's
demonstrated typically with these amps at shows etc)


I love your set up, zuluwarrior0760.

A while ago I used an Audio Research LS5 MkII line stage which used 10 tubes and it sounded excellent on my 3.7s and 20.7s. However, I did not have the patience to deal with tube idiosyncrasies and I migrated to a passive preamp which I like very much.

[Jbauza]

I use an AR ref 5 with my 3.7 and sound great.

[mgard]

McIntosh C2300 preamp with Gold Lion tubes powered by MC601 amps. McIntosh is all I have ever owned so I can't give you any comparisons.

~Mike

[wildcat82]

McIntosh C2300 preamp with Gold Lion tubes powered by MC601 amps. McIntosh is all I have ever owned so I can't give you any comparisons. ~Mike

So which Maggies do you have?

Brett

[ths61]

So which Maggies do you have?

Brett

Mike has 3.7's listed in his signature.

[wildcat82]

Mike has 3.7's listed in his signature.

For some reason I don't see his signature.

[ths61]

For some reason I don't see his signature.

Here is Mike's signature:

McIntosh C2300 preamp,Gold Lion 12AX7A Tubes, MC601 amps, MR88 tuner, Bryston BDP-1, BDA-1, BHA-1 Magnepan 3.7 speakers, JL F110 Subs, Sound Anchor Sub stands, Nakamichi OMS5 CDP, Nakamichi 480 cassette deck, Tandberg 9141X reel to reel, Bang & Olufsen 1700 turntable, Wireworld Silver Eclipse 6 balanced IC's, Silver Eclipse 6 speaker cable, Headphones Audeze LCD 2 ver. 2 with Q-Cable, Grado SR-60i

[mgard]

Sorry guys just got back to follow up on the thread. Yes, I have the 3.7's and love them. As I mentioned I haven't had that many different systems so I can't give any comparisons. I moved my system out of our living room into our finished basement. As everyone knows the room plays a big part in the sound. I probably will not get them dialed in with the subs until the winter. At least now I have the room to move them around.

~Mike

[cma29]

Sorry guys just got back to follow up on the thread. Yes, I have the 3.7's and love them. As I mentioned I haven't had that many different systems so I can't give any comparisons. I moved my system out of our living room into our finished basement. As everyone knows the room plays a big part in the sound. I probably will not get them dialed in with the subs until the winter. At least now I have the room to move them around. ~Mike

A dedicated basement listening room is the best location for big Maggie speakers. When I was purchasing a house my top criterion was a finished basement. I cannot imagine putting my 20.7s in the family room. Just too big and my wife would not put up with it. Also, I like listening in a private environment, so the basement is perfect. :thumbsup:

[salmtpa]

I use an Audio Research LS26 preamp in my system, driving a Mac MC402. Neutral, sublime would be the easiest way to describe the sound. Have never had an issue with the LS26 proper, it works flawlessly and reliably. But last time I replaced tubes I had one go bad after only about eight months. ARC gave me a discount when I reordered tubes because of the short time I had the pair that went bad. I'd recommend ARC without hesitation.

[Hifisand]

I use either a Miyajimi EC-5 or Audio Research SP-10 driving ARC D-150 or D-250 with 20.7's. Beautiful sound. This old gear after a tuneup at factory sounds fantastic. only wish I could use KT-120 or 150 tubes, but no room in amp.

[vegaracer1]

I really enjoy my 3.7 Mags with a Cary slp03 Pre amp and a big pair of Solid state Cary Monoblocks.The tubes are gold lions. Really musical with plenty of authority.

[mgard]

I really enjoy my 3.7 Mags with a Cary slp03 Pre amp and a big pair of Solid state Cary Monoblocks.The tubes are gold lions. Really musical with plenty of authority.

vegaracer1,

Welcome to AA! Your Cary gear I'll bet really makes those Maggie's come alive. :music:

~Mike

[vegaracer1]

vegaracer1,

Welcome to AA! Your Cary gear I'll bet really makes those Maggie's come alive. :music:

~Mike
Thanks Mike,my Maggie's never go hungry.