Noob Planar Speaker Advice Needed

I had Maggie 1.6's with VTL MB250 (triode) monoblocks. In front of all that I had a Copland 303 preamp with an Arcam FMJ CD23 player. The system had plenty of dig to it and didn't lack at all in bass response. The midrange was gorgeous and the presentation was holographic.

Just my take on it all...

If you have any inclination to DIY, I’d suggest considering John Kreskovsky’s NaO Mini. The NaO Mini will give you the air and openness of the stats and maggies, but have dynamics closer to a box speaker. Most of the people that have built the NaOs are former stat and Maggie owners.

I’ve heard or owned various planar speakers over the years, including Quads, MLs, and maggies, and my NaO IIts are the best all around performance dipole speaker that I have heard.

You’ll get clean and open mids (yeah, female vocals are great), while also having tight, punchy bass that will “shake the floor” when needed for HT. The NaO Mini only needs one, moderate power, stereo amp.

The build is very simple. Even if you needed a cabinetmaker/woodworker’s help, the cost would be no more than those you mentioned. However, the Mini’s performance would probably be more comparable to a much more expensive speaker.

I appreciate a feedback.

(I tried a post on the HT forum 1st and just was not getting what i needed from that)

Choice by auditioning: I wish i could drive around an audition speakers - but im married with little kids and thats just not going to fly. The used market keeps its value so i am going to buy something based on recommendations and sell it if im not happy.

Maggie 1.7s: I'd love to try them out... but they will only be had new for awhile and i cant afford 2k for them.

Recommendations vs Budget: I appreciate all the recommendations. Many of them have been outside of my price range though. I have a little over 2k to spend on speakers + amp.

Any more thoughts?

Thanks!

"I have a little over 2k to spend on speakers + amp."

Martin Logan SL3 and an Odyssey Stratos Amp.

Woodenpeter (creative name, dude), how far out into the room can you place the front main speakers? As you probably know, most dipoles require aome significant space between themselves and the rear wall for proper timing and imaging.

Since you have stated that more than half of the intended use is for HT, you might want to consider mixing Maggie wall-mounted HT speakers (MMGW) with MMGs or 1.6s for a well-integrated setup. Just a thought...