2301 vs. 501 for mid/high biamp.

[Jesse]

Been thinking about selling two of my 501's for a pair of 2301's.

After my Pass Labs XVR1, I have two 501's driving each Maggie 20.1.

Option;
1) Stay with four 501's
2) Stay with two 501's on the low end and drive the mid/highs with 2301's? (Ivan, I already know what your thinking, I can't afford a pair of 2KW's or even 1.2's for the bass so don't even suggest it ).

What would you do and why? What is your experience with these amps?

Thanks.

[PHC1]

I'd stay Solid State with Magnepans.

[Jesse]

Originally Posted by PHC1

I'd stay Solid State with Magnepans.

Why?

[PHC1]

Current is your friend with Magnepans. Anytime I've heard them with SS, the bigger and balsier the amp was, the better they sounded. They also take well to bi-amping don't they?

[1KW]

My Magnepans sound great with my MC207 which is only 200 watts/channel. My vote is to keep the MC501's.

[Jesse]

I agree with you guys. It's nice to think about upgrading sometimes but to tell you the truth, I just don't think it's possible for my system or perhaps not worth the incremental improvement that may or not be had by an enormous investment.

As for biamping, they certainly do take well to it Serge. The Pass Labs XVR1 offers performance and flexibility that brings such an enormous improvement in all areas of musical delivery that the very idea of passive XO's is simply not an option for me ever again.

[W9TR]

Just curious - anybody here listened to the 2301 driving Maggies?

[1KW]

Why would the 2301 be a upgrade over the 501's ? The 501's have more power, less distortion. I know the 2301's are pretty, much more expensive but they will not have the control over the maggies that the 500 watt 501's will have. Just curious are you connecting your amp. to the maggies without a crossover ?

[crytklmass]

why not buy the 1.2k? or even the 2k. If you can afford 4 501's shouldnt be an issue. I think Mac is still offering there 75% trade in. I would buy those before you buy the 2301's. Just my opinion.