[lovelexicon]

My goal is to get the best sonic performance out of the Magnepan 1.7i (4 ohm, 86db sensitivity).  With that in mind, which of the mono blocks---the M225 or the SET 600---would you recommend, and why?

[I.Greyhound Fan]

Wow, totally different sound between the 2 amps.  I did a review on the 225's and SET 400 with my 1.6's using a BAT VK51se preamp.
I love both amps.  I prefer the sweet midrange of the SET 400 but the 225's are very musical and dynamic. In my system I found the  225's to be a little forward in presentation.  But that may have more to do with my BAT preamp.
 
I did hear the original DVA 850 hybrid amp at Franks and loved the sound.  It got a great write up in TAS I believe. I have  not heard the DVA SET 600 which is all SS.   I would ask Frank if the DVA SET 600 has the same sound as the SET 400.

I do like the great power of the SET 600.  It will play effortlessly with the Maggies, especially at loud volumes.  Of course people will ask why do you need that much power. Dynamics improve with more current, capacitance and power with Maggies.

[danielgk]

SET600 would be happier delivering lots of power to a low impedance load than the M225 would be.  The SET600 has twice as many output mosfets, so twice the drive capability (and half the output impedance).  The M225 can drive a 4 ohm load, but the SET600 can drive it easier. 

That said, I'd guess that the M225 would probably work fine, but be aware that a 4 ohm 86db Magnepan is probably right at its limits in terms of difficult speaker loads.  The M225's work stunningly, and continuously with no heat issues, on Frank's 4 ohm 86db Philharmonic's so I'd guess they'd be great with Magnepan's too. 


Dan

[I.Greyhound Fan]

SET600 would be happier delivering lots of power to a low impedance load than the M225 would be.  The SET600 has twice as many output mosfets, so twice the drive capability (and half the output impedance).  The M225 can drive a 4 ohm load, but the SET600 can drive it easier. 

That said, I'd guess that the M225 would probably work fine, but be aware that a 4 ohm 86db Magnepan is probably right at its limits in terms of difficult speaker loads.  The M225's work stunningly, and continuously with no heat issues, on Frank's 4 ohm 86db Philharmonic's so I'd guess they'd be great with Magnepan's too. 


Dan

Very true  Dan.  The Maggies dip to at least 2 ohms and the 600 would be a better fit.

[WGH]

Keep in mind that the 225's are a balanced design and only have an XLR input. Great if your preamp has XLR outputs, if it doesn't then you will need the new AVA R2X converter box and a pair of XLR cables.

In keeping with your goal to get the best sonic performance out of the Magnepan 1.7i then you should really give a listen to the Hapa Quiescence S RCA interconnects and Aero USB. Everyone who has heard them has bought them.
Unbiased reviews of both cables: https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?board=45