quad 2805 vs magnepan 1.7

My non-critical neighbors still have some 301s up on the shelf. I have no idea how often they are used. They sounded quite unlike any other Bose I have ever heard. Minimally acceptable, even.
THAT Is what I think the problem with Bose really is. No 'house sound'. If you listened to Maggies from the top of the line to the MMG, you'd be amazed at the similarities.

They (the neighbors) were floored when I put some Diana Krall on my Maggies / D amp / CA 840.

ok thank you all.

I am trying to listen a pair of 1.7.

I would like to know if they can play acceptable in low volume levels (as JV wrote in TAS review).
It's very ipmortant to me cause I have a baby in house.
Quads are great in low volume levels.

Keep on posting your expirences.

thanks again...

As an owner of the Quad'63 and the Mag 1.6qr, I'd say it depends upon what you mean by "classical". The 2805= '63, and are hard to beat on vocals and small ensembles. The 1.6 is close to the 1.7 and surpass the Quads only in their powerfulness- and that is with real powerful amps. The 150.5 may not be enough. The Quads are simply more resolving of low level detail, while the Mags can play higher SPLs on more complex music. It is a trade off.

I have not heard the 1.7 Maggies, but almost every review I can recall of any Maggie has a reference to requiring a lot of power and the volume turned up to sound alive.

I have heard the Quad 2805 and they are excellent. Given your stated listening material and volume preference, the Quads would be the obvious choice. I have only heard the 2805 with tube power so I don't have anything good or bad to say about the match with the Pass amp. I hope it works out for you.

No contest. Quads. I like and have sold the Maggies also but to me the Quads are in another league. So natural, fast, easy, detailed. They can come alive with even the Quad II mono blocks. Seriously good speakers. If they are really the same price (new 1.7's vs. used 2805's) then by all means get the Quads.