Magnepan 20.1 versus Infinity IRS Beta

If you are considering each option why wouldn't you also consider the new 20.7?
This is not an answer to your question and I don't think the new 20.7 will extend the bass further.
But it seems to me you (especially since you are at close to the same price point) that you might want to consider the 20.7 instead of the 20.1

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Because you don't mention the 20.7, price must be a concern. You can buy a set of Betas, if you can find them for around $5-6k and Maggies around $7-9k. I would suggest getting the Maggies and a pair of good subs. The Betas are great speakers, but they are also 24 years old. Parts and repair will be a hassle with the Betas. Going the Maggie/sub route will be more expensive, but I believe that route will be more practical...plus you will get excellent sound. You need a big room for the 20.1, you'll need a huge room for the Betas.
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thanks a lot for your responses

I have a couple of Renaissance 90 which I loved until the day I heard with the same electronics and source I have, a Magnepan 1.7 .... yes a 1.7 !
no chance for my Renaissance 90 to compete with them in terms of high definition in the mids and highs ... amazing 1.7 !! ...
but anyway the Renaissance will stay where they are now

Quite a few years ago I falled in love in the system of a friend: Infinity RS1B ... as I have not the space for these monsters, I was wondering if the younger IRS Beta could offer a similar quality with a "Magnepan-like high definition"

but you are right in remembering me that the IRS Beta are becoming old ... which might bring some problems with it ...

I am hearing mostly big symphonic music and acoustic Jazz, so that I don't care so much about "slapping bass" but more on homogeneous bass-mid-highs integration, holographic sound staging, high definition and in hearing the space where the recording session(s) have been realized or if you prefer the ambiance sound...

one point where the 1,7 couldn't convince me completely was the color of violins which was slightly metallic and thin ... how is this with the 20,1 or 20,7 ?

I would be also interessed in the 20,7 but if I could get them at the US price ... I am based in Europe and the dealers here offer the 20,1 at a price above 22'000 $ us !!! ... most of the time without even the possibility to hear them !

thanks for your feedback

As long runner MGs fan, over 20 years, I owned MG 1.5 and then MG 3.6 and finally MG 20.1. I can say that MG 20.1 is so much superior above other two models that it is easy to understand price difference between them. Frankly speaking sound performance of MG 1.5 was always more pleasured than with MG 3.6, but MG 20.1 is completely another level. If you can effort MG 20.1 than this is the way to go. In Europe price of new MGs is really high compared to USA market, more like double. But there may be solution to find used, not to old pair at moderate price. My preferred music is as well acoustic jazz and some classical and looks like that MG 20.1 most probably matching your described sound preferences.

Regards

Thanks Guma

may I ask which amp & preamp you are using ?

Clavil, with smaller models, in final stage only I used Bedini amps, Classic 100, 4 of them to have bi-amping and VTL 7.5 for pre. MG 20.1 also working fine with same combination but to get best from them system was changed to Spectron Musicians and Joule Electra JE-450ME like famous combination among audiophiles. Yes, this working great. Off course there are also other wonderful combinations.

Regards