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Anyone use the tweeter attenuation on Maggies?

Ok, I am in the process of demoing a pair of Magnepan 12QRs from local dealer and they are doing exactly what I hoped in the three-dimensional soundstage area but come across as too bright for my taste. My room is well damped so that shouldn't be the problem. The dealer said the speakers were broken is so not the problem either.
My question is, has anyone tried using a 1 ohm resistor in the tweeter path to soften it a bit. The manual mentions this method so it must have been brought to their attention many times. Any other suggestions?
My room is 11X13, maybe a bit small for the speakers but as I said, it is well treated so the only problem is visual.
Basic system is Resolution Audio CD-50 (very smooth), Bel Canto Pre3 and PS Audio A-100. Speakers that work best for me have been the Meadowlark Audio Kestrels. Thanks.
timrhu
timrhu OP
2,779 posts
 
They are 34 inches from the back wall. If they were too close to the wall I would expect excessive bass. Actually the bass seems very good, better than I expected. Working with the toe-in made a huge difference earlier today but the harshness is still there with certain recordings.
The issue is excessive treble. If the music is well recorded they sound very good, I'd say keepers for sure. But if the recording is poor they sound extremely harsh.
My system is built to sound good (listenable) even on poorly mastered recordings. If these speakers aren't capable of this then there's no reason for me to pursue them. They are sounding excellent now with XTC's "Apple Venus."
Thanks, keep it coming.
drew_eckhardt
394 posts
 
>They are 34 inches from the back wall. If they were too close to the wall I would expect excessive bass.

Dipoles don't work like that.

Conventional speakers have more bass when located near walls because the reflections coming off the back side add in-phase with the direct sound.

With dipoles the sounds coming off the back side start out at 180 degrees out of phase with the direct sound so close placement to the front wall results in too little low bass which is the same thing as too much treble.
brownsfan
1,508 posts
 
I don't use tweeter attenuation, but I do find it necessary to deaden the corners behind the speakers. The room is about 8'x 17'x 22' and is carpeted with absorbant sofa and loveseat. The speakers are about 4.5' out from the back wall. Corner treatments can make all the difference.
jult52
155 posts
 
I use a 2 ohm resistor on my MMGs. Without them, the sound is too bright and grainy and I understand the situation is more extreme with the 12s. Also, you need to read up on the choke tweak in the Audio Asylum Planar chat room.
hifiharv
351 posts
 
I tried the attenuators on my MG111A's on a few occasions and the sound always was worse. Sure, it attenuated the treble, but, along with it went alot of air and life. It is like the same reason I never liked Dolby with my tape recordings. Sure, it removed the hiss, but, along with it went alot of air and life. I think you are better off treating the system with room acoustic treatment if necessary. It's alot of work though to get what you want without sucking the life out of the sound. I found the Michael Green Room Tune products to be invaluable.
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