Please help: need advice on amp purchase

Archived from groups: rec.audio.high-end (More info?)

Hi,

I have a B&K 307 receiver driving a pair of Magnepan MG-IIIA speakers.
Though the B&K receiver has high current output stages, its power
output at 4 ohms is not 2x or even 1.5x its 8 ohm output (It is rated
to deliver 150 w/ch into 8 ohms going up to 185 w/ch into 4 ohms.) Even
with these figures the MGIIIA - B&K combination sounds quite
satisfying, "satisfying" of course is my subjective opionion, but I
sometimes feel the need to play the B&K fairly loud to "open" up the
Maggies.

Considering the MG-IIIA's inefficiency and 4 ohm power requirements, I
wonder if another dedicated high power amp for pure stereo listening
would "open" up the maggies much more at all listening levels.

I would then use the B&K with more efficient speakers than the maggies
for home theater and use it purely as a preamp driving the dedicated
amp mentioned above hooked up to the MG-IIIAs for stereo listening.

Budgetary constraints (< $450 US) rule out monoblocks or any high-end
stereo amp that would have the required power characteristics. However,
I do have an opportunity to pick up a used Proton D1200 amp in my
budget that seems to have a design that can deliver peak/transient
power levels going in the vicinity of 1kW/ch (continuous power rating
is 100w/ch). If you are familiar with the Proton design you may
understand what I am referring to. However I have not been able to find
much material on the web on this amp that would indicate whether this
amp would really make a sonic difference over the B&K. There have also
been some posts about the parts quality / reliability of Proton
equipment. I am also scheduled to relocate overseas to a place that
will not have Proton dealers around, so reliability is of importance to
me. The Proton D1200 seller is saying that his specific Proton D1200
has never required service, though.

Should I go for the Proton D1200? Your thoughts and comments would be
valuable to me, please advise.

thanks,

Pranay