cato2008
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Can expensive low powered amps drive inefficient speakers?
Elk
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Tough issue. At this level all of the amps you list are excellent. The issue is what you prefer and this can be determined only through listening.

A good dealer should be able to help. The McCormack is a wonderful amp. Discuss with the dealer what you like about it and what you would like to improve upon.

Speaking of which, in what ways do you find the McCormack inadequate? I really like the amp and thus am curious.

RGibran
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You probably know you can narrow it down a little by crossing anything that is not comfortable handling a 2 ohm load off the list.

Lots of Logan owners big fans of Pass Labs.

cato2008
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Hi Elk,

I think the McCormack is quite good - and as good as you can get at its price level. However, I have an opportunity to get the amp I really want. A more expensive amp would get out of the way more, I believe.

Also, I never liked tube amps unless they are really, really powerful. But can a 200 wpc amp drive the speakers well? I believe the big arc and vtl will. If it is solid state, I think I would have to spend 3 times the money and go with a Lamm or a Burmester. But are they powerful enough? That's my dilemma. Cheers.

cato2008
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Quote:

A good dealer should be able to help. ... Discuss with the dealer what you like about it and what you would like to improve upon.

Hi Elk,

Another thought I have is that I distrust dealers and manufacturers. Dealers are good for lower priced stuff. At this level, however, they all think they have the best. But they are committed to a certain product and are pushing it. I think what the industry needs - at this level at least, are consultants or experienced fans. I need objective guidance, not shmoozing from a sweet talking Shark. Thank God for the Internet.

JoeE SP9
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For me tube driven ESL's are the way to go. I use tubes to drive my Acoustats. 200 watts of ARC or VTL tube power should be more than sufficient for your ML's.

cato2008
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Quote:
For me tube driven ESL's are the way to go. I use tubes to drive my Acoustats. 200 watts of ARC or VTL tube power should be more than sufficient for your ML's.

JoeE,

Per my ears, I always thought that tube amps sounded syrupy and unreal, at least at the lower price points. They lack the sharp attack of live music that makes things sound real to me. So my question to this forum is: Is there something about the higher priced amps that eliminate that syrupiness via their design (power supply? something else?). Can a 150 CAT or a 220 wpc Atma Sphere really drive that inefficient speaker well?

Elk
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I really like Atma Sphere amps with big Maggies. Very crisp, clean, percussive. Amazing piano sound for example.

ncdrawl
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Best sounding amp ive ever heard with maggies(and other difficult loads)

http://www.moscode.com/

JIMV
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I cannot speak to your gear but my PrimaLuna Dialogue will not drive my Maggie's...

greenelec
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I use an Audio-Research VT-100 to drive a pair of Magnepan MMGs. Very inefficient and 4 ohm load as well. The 100 watts drives the panels to 101 db (Rat Shack)at the listening position (8ft), very clean. But sounds really great at 92-95 db. I don't get the urge to turn up. Anyway, I would say that this is the smallest (100w) tube amp I would want to drive these speakers with. I have some very efficient Yamaha speakers w/15in 3ways. I measured 110db not even all the way up! It was fun for a day or two, but started missing the maggies. Anyway in your budget you should look at the big ARC amps. They are the true high end. Quality build and quality sound. Or look for a used pair of the 600W mono blocks. They will drive any speaker.

struts
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Rated Power is not a reliable indicator of sound quality, but low impedance speakers do require amps capable of supplying plenty of current. Tubes are not good at supplying current so to make a powerful amp you need lots of them. For driving difficult loads without strain my vote therefore goes to SS.

My personal favourites include Boulder and mbl; I would also have to agree with the recommendation of Pass Labs. For instance, the Boulder 1060 would drive the Prodigies with ease and is still one of the best amps I have ever heard.

Good luck!

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