Magnepan vs Ohm/Walsh ?

both are different, but both are 'music lover' speakers. the 'sweetspot' you require may determine your choice, and if you like to 'rock'.

I currently rotate Ohm 100s and Maggie SMGs in a system that uses twin Velo SPLR subs as well. Therefore, my observations are "real time", but they stop at 80hz.

The Ohms produce a "drier" presentation that strikes me as pretty much dead neutral in tonal balance. In many respects, this feels a bit "Quad-like". Big dynamic swings aren't a strong point here (again, see Quad), but with some break-in are okay. Imaging is nearly unique, well defined with a sense of weight and body that you only get from omnis.

The Maggies have a "rounder" presentation that reflects a touch more energy through the upper bass and presence region. Ironically, the planar Maggies sound much less like Quads than do the Ohms. Macrodynamics here are similarly restricted, but "micros" (for example, plucked guitar) have a special "jump" to them. Imaging is very, very good, but less layered than Ohms (back images tend to feel glued to the wall) and less "weighty" as well.

Overall, you can make a case for either. Of course, when used as a stand-alone, the Ohms have impressive bass extension and weight. (They also cost 3X, as much.) Some years back, I owned Maggie 3.5s, which are twice the price of the Ohm 100s, but (albeit recalled with imperfect memory) I'd still give the Ohms a significant edge on bottom. Caveat: time and limited experience with full range operation of the Ohms REQUIRE that you digest that observation with a dose of salt.

A further bass observation: Ohms are incredibly easy to integrate with a sub (and controller), the Maggies are a pain in the ass. I eventually got a great match with the Maggies, but it was painful.

My ultimate take is that these speakers represent simply "different strokes". I've had the Maggies on line for 2 weeks now, so I'm currently in "Maggie" mode, but when the Ohms rotate back in (soon enough), I know I'll lean that way again.

I bought both products factory direct with return rights and I've elected to keep both. Overall, no dynamic speaker I've heard (and I currently own some very expensive, very fine examples of that breed) can match the particular strengths of either the Maggies or the Ohms. OTOH, those speakers still have other charms (mainly macro-dynamic) that weigh in their favor.

If forced to keep only one speaker system, I'd probably (somewhat reluctantly) choose Ohms with subs. If forced to go with Maggie/Subs, I wouldn't suffer a whole lot. On a stand alone basis, the Ohms are an easy call. Off my experience of the last year, I'd be inclined to choose either the Ohm/sub or Maggie/sub combo over any dynamic driver alternative that I've heard at any price point(caveat: I haven't heard everything).

Hope this helps.

Marty

A couple more thoughts:

Both speakers require a fair bit of juice to open up dynamically - no SET amps allowed and 150+ WPC is probably a good idea.

To recapture a sense of macrodynamics, I listen to both the Ohms and the Maggies at app 5db louder than either of my main dynamic alternatives. Not quite the same as you'd get from great dynamic drivers, but the overall effect is satisfying to me.

Ultimate SPLS are limited - super high volume levels aren't available from either speaker without distress.

The Maggies seem stronger when beautiful tone is the point of the music. If I'm listening to a Coleman Hawkins sax solo, I'd lean to Maggie. The Ohms excel when the mix gets denser. Some of the Eels live music + taped effects or Lindsey Buckingham's multi-tracked vocals on "Under The Skin" just unfold on the Ohms in a startling way.

Marty

And a last PS

IMHO, the little Maggies at $600, with my Velo SMS-1 sub controller at app $500 and a pair of excellent subs - your choice - at less than $1400 make a strong case for "best buy" status. As long as the room's not too big, your amps have enough juice to drive the system to optimal SPLs, and you're not looking for outright head banging volume levels, this is truly amazing performance at <$2500. Overall, I prefer the Ohm combo, but for value....

Marty

Hi Guys,

Thanks for your thoughts, I appreciate it.

I have a pair of the Magnepan 1.6QR's on order that should be arriving next week... for my taste, it is probably the right decision... an intimate sounding system for a smaller room (11 x 14), likely powered by tubes. Although I may need to sell my Prima Luna Dialogue Two to buy a more powerful tube amp (maybe a Cary SLI-80 Signature or VTL ST-85). I can try it first and see if it's got enough juice. I will be sitting fairly close to the speakers and usually listen at low to moderate levels, so it may be alright.

I might also see if I can pick up a pair of Ohms to play with and compare.

Further thoughts on the Maggie vs. Ohm comparison are always welcomed. Thanks Again!

...an intimate sounding system for a smaller room (11 x 14), likely powered by tubes.

That is a small room for dipole speakers that need to be out from the walls to sound their best. I found the 1.6QRs to be the wrong choice for my 13 X 15 room after my move. (Though it should be noted the room is not dedicated to listening so other furniture added to placement problems.)

I fared much better with the more tightly controlled directivity of the Spendors, even though it meant a smaller sweet spot. That didn't bother me much since I'm the only critical listener in the house.

I think it simply points out the need to hear speakers in your own room. Which one you find "best" is going to be highly dependent on circumstances unique to your situation.