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Anyone use the tweeter attenuation on Maggies?

Ok, I am in the process of demoing a pair of Magnepan 12QRs from local dealer and they are doing exactly what I hoped in the three-dimensional soundstage area but come across as too bright for my taste. My room is well damped so that shouldn't be the problem. The dealer said the speakers were broken is so not the problem either.
My question is, has anyone tried using a 1 ohm resistor in the tweeter path to soften it a bit. The manual mentions this method so it must have been brought to their attention many times. Any other suggestions?
My room is 11X13, maybe a bit small for the speakers but as I said, it is well treated so the only problem is visual.
Basic system is Resolution Audio CD-50 (very smooth), Bel Canto Pre3 and PS Audio A-100. Speakers that work best for me have been the Meadowlark Audio Kestrels. Thanks.
timrhu
jult52
155 posts
 
I use a 2 ohm resistor on my MMGs. Without them, the sound is too bright and grainy and I understand the situation is more extreme with the 12s. Also, you need to read up on the choke tweak in the Audio Asylum Planar chat room.
hifiharv
351 posts
 
I tried the attenuators on my MG111A's on a few occasions and the sound always was worse. Sure, it attenuated the treble, but, along with it went alot of air and life. It is like the same reason I never liked Dolby with my tape recordings. Sure, it removed the hiss, but, along with it went alot of air and life. I think you are better off treating the system with room acoustic treatment if necessary. It's alot of work though to get what you want without sucking the life out of the sound. I found the Michael Green Room Tune products to be invaluable.
jimburger
104 posts
 
I use 1 ohm resistors in my 3.6's. With ETF 5.8 software run on my laptop measuring system, I measured a slightly upward tilt in the treble referencing flat at 1khz and rising up 2db at 20khz without the resistor. I would prefer an inroom response of minus 2db at 20khz which is what I get with the 1 ohm resistor. In my room a slightly downward tilt sounds best. The sound was certainly more open and detailed without the resistor but I couldn't live with the upwardly tilted frequency balance. Tweeters to the outside helps attenuate treble response a bit as well.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
I forgot to mention Magnepan's statement that the MG1.6 (and probably other models) measure flat without the resistor. However, it is claimed that recordings often ramp up the high end to compensate for typical speaker roll off, so it may be necessary to roll off the Maggie response to match what the recording expects.
timrhu OP
2,779 posts
 
Thanks for all the responses.
Drew, I wasn't aware of the lower bass when near wall. I have moved them out a few inches and am now exceeding 3 ft.
Hifiharv and Brownsfan, my room is well treated. I use mostly Aurelex products but have some absorption panels also. Corners are treated with bass traps.
Jult52 and Jimburger, I am picking up some resistors from the dealer tomorrow. We'll see how they work.
I do appreciate the comments. It is reassuring to know people do use the resistors. The sonic presentation is what I had hoped for with these speakers but I can not live with the hot (to my ears) treble. One of my main goals is to be able to listen to poorly engineered music I like without being driven out of the room by excessive upper frequency energy.
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