Integrated amp for magneplanar 1.6s

[Feanor]

Thanks for everybody's suggestions.

I should have added more info about my setup. I'm currently pushing the 1.6s with a BK ST-140 amp, which supplies about 105 wpc into 8 ohms (no stats on 4 ohms). For quieter music folk, jazz, solo piano), it's fantastic, but it seems underpowered for certain "busier" music, for lack of a better word. I lose that wonderful maggie clarity and spaciousness. So, how much of a jump in power do I need to hear a noticeable difference. Something like the NAD C372?

Thanks again, Gary

Your BK has 105 wpc in to 8 ohms and possibly more into 4; the NAD C372 is spec'd to give 150 wpc into 8 or 4 -- this isn't a big difference and isn't likely to give a day<=>night difference based on power only.

I'm assuming the BK ST-140 is an integrated, (can't find it on the BK website)? Does it have Preamp Outs? If so, use it for a preamp and get a ClassDAudio SDS-258 power amp which does 300+ wpc into 4 ohms and sounds great -- much, much better than NAD. (You will need to put it in a case, though.)

[GaryG]

the st140 is a standalone amp... I have a BK preamp that has many issues, so basically i have to update the whole setup. I figured an integrated amp would be more cost effective. In any case, you're basically saying I should double my wpc? Thx

[Feanor]

the st140 is a standalone amp... I have a BK preamp that has many issues, so basically i have to update the whole setup. I figured an integrated amp would be more cost effective. In any case, you're basically saying I should double my wpc? Thx

Yes, you'll need to at least double your power to get dynamic improvement. Bear in mind that doubling your power is actually only a 3 dB increase in volume.

Despite recommending the ClassDAudio amp, I also tend to agree with those who recommend Adcom separates. As Blackraven and maybe others have mentioned, the Adcom GFA 555 or better yet the 555II are great amps for the money.