Moving from the Magnepan 3.6 to the 20.1

Well, that is one option I have been debating... not sure which I will do first, a better amp or a pair of 20.1's.... probably a better amp though, so that I can see what the 3.6's can really do...

The 3.6 midrange driver is larger than the 20.1, and IMO they have superior sound, discounting the lower bass response!

I do not care for having magnets on both sides, in the push-pull configuration.

I would pick up a new amp first, before you buy the 20.1's, you will need it to dry the 20.1's anyway.

Many amps would be upgrades: the Cary's you mention which I have and love, Parasound Halo JC-1's (great), varios Sanders Sound (or older Innersound ESL amps), the Wyred4Sounds, Spectron (not my fav, but lots of folks love), the Bel Canto Ref1000's, big Pass or Classe are always great, well, they are just great period.

I don't like the McIntosh amp sound with Maggies, just my taste.

That all said, and I also own the 3.6R's, I think the 20.1's not only have more bass, but are top to bottom more coherent, have great seperation of instruments, and a bigger soundstage.

In my opinion, and it's worth what's being paid for it, I think the 20.1 is the best speaker I have ever heard, period.

Get the amp first, that may improve the sound enough for you to wait, but by all means, move up if you wish. I think I may do the same thing next year.

Another option is adding a subwoofer. I know that some here will not be receptive to this idea, but I've had more than a little success with my Maggie+subwoofer set-up (at least for my taste).

I used to own 3.5s and currently own the little MMG, which I sometimes use with 2 Rythmik subs and a Velodyne SMS-1 controller (which optimizes sub/main integration and room corrects the bass response from the subs). I also use an NHT active x-over to roll off the bass on the MMGs (the SMS is NOT in the main signal path). Overall I prefer the current SMG + subs to my old 3.5s and suspect that 3.6s with DRC subs might make a formidable combo.

Just one more option to consider.

Marty

MacdadTexas,

do the Cary 500 MB's ever seem to run out of steam driving your 3.6's? What do you like the most about them? Did you compare them against other high-power amps before you purchased them?