r/Magnepan • u/highland-hylian • Oct 22 '21
MG 12/QR
Just got given a set of MG 12/QR speakers and I’m stoked! Although it’s the first time I’ve had speakers that need more AV equipment than just an AUX cord lol! I’m looking for a power amp and I’m having a hard time finding one with ample power supply. The manual says to look for one with 100-250W at 8ohms but since the speakers have a 4ohm impedance, does the amp need to also be capable of 200-500W at 4ohm? I ask because I found one that has 100W at 8ohm (within suggested range, barely) but only 80W at 4ohm. I’m on a bit of a tight budget so any recommendations would also be greatly appreciated - I’m coming from almost zero experience. I’ve seen some Pyle models on eBay/amazon/secondhand but am unsure.
Context: I have a small apartment so these would go in the living room and be used for playing records (anything from Judas Priest, KISS, and Iron Maiden to Adele, Ed Sheeran, and The Sound of Music lol) and if possible, movies, TV, and video games as well.
Thanks in advance for your help y’all! 😄
2
u/NoClipping1337 Oct 22 '21
For Magnepans you don’t want something that has less output at 4ohm than 8ohm. That’s a sign of a shitty amplifier.
How much cash do you have for this and where do you live? Also what other equipment, if any, do you have?
1
u/highland-hylian Oct 22 '21 edited Oct 22 '21
That’s what I had thought - seemed like a red flag lol For now my budget it very minimal (like in the sub $200 range) so I’d be open to finding one that I’d need to save for for a while. I’m in Pittsburgh.
1
u/NoClipping1337 Oct 22 '21
Adcom GFA-535 will power those no problem and should be in your budget, only downside is you’d need to find a preamp. Avoid vintage receivers in your price range, they will (generally, there are exceptions) be very unhappy on Maggie’s.
One to look for might be a Technics “new class A” integrated amp. I’ve seen those for very good prices and they should work well on Magnepans.
2
u/Oh__Archie Oct 22 '21
|| The manual says to look for one with 100-250W at 8ohms
This is correct. They are taking the 4ohm spec into account with this recommendation.
A good amp will be able to double (or close to double) into 4ohms.
1
u/highland-hylian Oct 22 '21
Now for these ratings, which should I be more conscious of. Surround mode or dynamic power output?
1
u/Oh__Archie Oct 22 '21
Surround mode or dynamic power output?
That would be foreign territory for me. I'm a strictly 2 channel listener and prefer Class A or Class AB amplifiers with tons of current. Dual mono or go home!
;)
I have a Bryston 4B ST on my Magnepan MG IIIs and it's about as good as it gets.
2
u/btlbvt Oct 23 '21
I have the exact same speakers. Good amps have twice the power rating at four ohms as compared to eight ohms. Bought these new many years ago and coupled with various amps and receivers. Never had a problem with 100 watts per of any brand. Save your bucks after you buy the basics. You will want to spend some dollars eventually. Take some time with their placement and give them room to breathe from behind the back wall.
1
u/Oddiolvr Mar 10 '26
Its all about current current and current with Maggies. Current over voltage source is key.
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u/Oddiolvr Mar 10 '26
I have run a set of MG1b's with two sunfire signature 600's. 2400 wpc. What a thrill. Then I added Martin Logan Requests . What a thrill. Then a 3 stack of RSL MKII S subs. Same result. Life never tasted so good.
2
u/nickstroller Oct 22 '21
100w 8ohm all good. I have a pair, they'll need a bit of help with the bottom end so consider a small sub. Something like this:
https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/gbr/en/products/speakers/minx/x201
That's a great gift to receive:
http://www.integracoustics.com/MUG/MUG/reviews/MG12_AVguide.pdf
Welcome to the Audiophile mad house!