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Magnepan 1.7 to 3.7i or Pass Labs XA60.5 to X100.5

I'm in the process of upgrading my system and facing a choice. Currently I'm using an pass labs amplification (XONO, X1, XA60.5) feed by Michell Gyro, SME IV and Shelter 90x and ending with Maggie 1.7 (mye sound stands).

I've listened to both 3.7i and Wilson Sabrina, Sashas, all of which could benefit from a bit more amp.

I have a dedicated music room (12x10) and listen to late sixties classic rock, country rock, folk as well as Cash, Owen country and vocal jazz.

I have trade-up value for the 1.7 at my dealer as well trade-up value on the XA60.5. I could probably stretch to a demo pair XA160.5 but am concerned without a dedicated power outlet I'm taxing the system. Also by the way, I don't tend to push the system beyond a bit past midpoint on the pre-amp, although the XA60.5 class-A meter dances about on complex crescendos.

Two question. Upgrade amp or speakers first assuming only one change for the next 12 months? If the amp, is the XA100.5 enough of a jump?
tgonzales
raymonda
855 posts
 
That is a small room. Stay with the 1.7. If you feel the amp is not up to the task of handling them.....try one with more current. If you feel it is an up grade, then you made your decision.

Since you are into rock, you might just consider a subwoofer. It might give you the omf you are looking for. Crossing over at 60hz or so will relieve the low demand from your current amp as well as free up the panel of the frequencies below 60....providing a possibly better sounding upper bass and mid. Not to mention that a sub can also seem to open up the sound stage, too.
tgonzales OP
30 posts
 
Thanks for thoughts. I never thought of the room as small, but I guess it's all relative. Not that it matters, but I actually took the time to measure it. It's actually 18' x 15'. The only reason I was thinking of 3.7i rather than 1.7 was the added quality of full range ribbon.

I have considered adding DMW base panels or a powered sub as you mentioned.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
In a smaller room like you have, you may have a difficult time getting your system to reproduce low notes. Have you compared how your system sounds when you listen with the door open and closed? If not, it would be a worthwhile experiment.

Also, I think you should list who your dealer is. There aren't that many good ones left, and the 1 year trade up policy is extremely valuable. The only dealer I know of that still does this is Audio Connection.
raymonda
855 posts
 
18x15 is much larger and could handle the 3.7's.
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
Keep the 1.7s, keep your amplification. If you really want to energize the room, improve tonal balance, and have a rig that sounds right on any kind of music, spend your money on one or two (preferably sealed) subwoofers.

JL Audio now has the more affordable Dominion and e-Sub lines. e-Sub also has a high-pass network which could reduce strain and increase dynamics in the 1.7s. They have been enthusiastically reviewed by TAS. I have a pair of Mirage MM-8s which are pretty similar in performance to the JL Dominion d108s. I can't *believe* what good sound I get out of my rig. It really popped into focus when I got the phase control dialed in right.

Anything from solo instrument or voice up through acoustic ensemble to classic rock to brash big band to full scale orchestra and chorus or opera, it just plain delivers, and the subs take care of the bottom octave while letting the 1.7s shine from 45 Hz on up.
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