Check the Cardas website for instructions on setting up Magnepans. I agree the do not produce the same level of bass as box speakers, but they are extremely sensitive to set up. Mine were set up five feet from the back wall.
Magnepan vs B&W: Same specs, different bass?
Hey everyone,
I recently acquired a set of Magnepan 3.7 speakers which are rated down to 35 Hz, and I've been comparing them to my B&W 803S speakers (also rated to 35 Hz). While I enjoy the big sound and clarity of the Magnepans, the B&W's blow the Magnepans away in the bass department in an A-B comparison test.
I figured this would be the case, but I can't explain why there's such a big difference in bass when the speakers have the same specs. Can anyone explain?
B&W 803S specs:
35Hz – 22kHz ±3dB
Magnepan 3.7 specs:
35Hz- 40 kHz
Thanks,
Chris
I recently acquired a set of Magnepan 3.7 speakers which are rated down to 35 Hz, and I've been comparing them to my B&W 803S speakers (also rated to 35 Hz). While I enjoy the big sound and clarity of the Magnepans, the B&W's blow the Magnepans away in the bass department in an A-B comparison test.
I figured this would be the case, but I can't explain why there's such a big difference in bass when the speakers have the same specs. Can anyone explain?
B&W 803S specs:
35Hz – 22kHz ±3dB
Magnepan 3.7 specs:
35Hz- 40 kHz
Thanks,
Chris
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- 21 posts total
@cjwessing its all in the setup. For two years I struggled with setup of Maggie’s from the 1.7i’s to the 3.7l’s and then with the 20.7’s. I was able just a few months ago to dial them in and the bass is amazing. Sonically amazing! Follow the Limage methodology for placement and you will get the results you desire. Air, openness and deep hit you in the chest bass. -Cheers |
I just followed the setup instructions from the Cardas website, here are my room measurements: http://www.socalhifi.com/Magnepan_Room_Setup.jpg Here's the Maggie's in their 'optimal' position, something tells me my wife won't allow this... =) http://socalhifi.com/Maggie_vs_B&W_3.JPG Here's the B&W's in a similar position: http://socalhifi.com/Maggie_vs_B&W_4.JPG Here's the measurement comparison: http://www.socalhifi.com/Maggie_3.7_vs_803S_take2.png Looks like moving the Maggie's definitely helped in the 40-80 Hz range, but now I've got a significant room mode around 100 Hz. Also they still don't have the low end punch of the B&W's, maybe it's that sub-40 Hz performance of the B&W that I'm feeling? |
- 21 posts total