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Vandie .7 vs Maggie .7

*** I tried to edit the TITLE.,,Sorry   I mean Vandie 1ci    Thanks

Hello to all! I am hoping I will get some opinions on these 2 speakers. I’m 65...a Pro musician with a degree in music. I’ve own of equipment for sure. Nothing in the Mega buck range. I did own a par of Maggie III’s 25 years ago. Vandersteen’s are really a brand I have never owned or stopped at a dealer or known someone who owned them.

I know opinions are GOING to vary. These are kinda 2 different speakers...but a similar approach. Maggie flat panel, and Vandie "no baffe.

I have an NAD 326BEE integrated amp..( very decent)....I’m about to spring for a Schiit Vidar. I have an MF V90,,Schiit Saga... I own Whafdale Diamond 240’s.

I was also set to pop for the Vidar and got into a discussion with someone at Schiit, and he generally said, looking at speakers/ headphones are usually a bigger change. So started my re-evaluation.

These are the 2 I am down too. I have 1400-1500 to spend. True-ness of timbre, soundstage are most important ot me ...because I have listened and played live music since I was 15.

I do very much appreciate your opinions. I want member to BE subjective and give me your take based on personal experience. Thank you very much, Otto

128x128ottoa63
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 

I'd not consider the 1.7i as an option if you plan to keep the current NAD integrated. They will not sound as good as they are capable of. Also, depending on the size of the listening room, types of music, and the listening volume, the (stereo) Schiit Vidar may come short too but you could potentially grow them to monoblocs later.

I've owned the smaller Magnepan MMGs and currently own the large Vandersteen 2Ci and to me the Vandersteens sound a lot more balanced and closer to "real" music. But all these aside, you should listen to both and then decide for yourself. But when doing so, pay special attention to the partnering amplifiers used in the show room when you hear the Magnepans and consider their impact in your ultimate decision. The 1.7s will sound significantly better when driven by a very high power SS amplifier, likes of Mark Levinson, Krell, Bryston, etc. I think you'll find the1Ci sound a lot more natural and much more forgiving of the partnering gear.

randy-11
1,913 posts
 
bottomline - they are both xlnt

In the 1990s I tested Vandie 2c I owned vs. maggie 1.5's I'd just bought - spent a month - listened every night - no TV - varied source material

Finally, I decided to sell the Vandies but it was a difficult decision.

OTOH, I think Maggie has evolved more rapidly than vandy since then so it may not be so hard a decision.  The 1.7's are really nice

if you listen only to rock maybe V

if you listen to a lot of jazz, female vocals, likely M


gdnrbob
4,421 posts
 
I think Kalali said best. With your equipment the Vandy's should sound better. If you can eventually get a 2wq sub or two, you will way ahead of the game-Vandy subs use a crossover that alleviates the power demands of low frequencies on your amp. So, you can get a speaker system about  as good as a pair of 3a sigs-possibly better.
And, yes I do love the Maggie sound. They just need more power to open up.
B
itsjustme
681 posts
 
I have not heard either specific current models, but i have heard a LOT of Vandersteens over the years, and some of my dealers were RV's dealers.  I owned 2s, 2Ces and 2Cis and had my electronics driving the full-on 5 system at a couple of local dealers. I even heard the old 1Bs (back when the 1 series were an inexpensive, 2-way system, at roughly $700/pr.) I date myself.

Given that you have modest (but yes, good) and lowish power electronics, that has to be a consideration - and Vandys are among the easiest speakers to drive. Not only are they relatively efficient, but their impedance is pretty easy on electronics.  Always musical, they respond well to better input material and to good setup in the room.  Vandersteens' sins are those of omission, not commission.

You really need to listen for yourself, but with $10k worth of equipment driving them in a dealer, it may not reflect your real-world situation -- and i try to avoid the "slippery slope", or "cookies and milk" or whatever you call the spiral that can result :-)

G
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,869 posts
 
Vandersteen, but I am biased having sold them many moons ago and currently have 7’s and Treo on order

many Vandy dealers will demo the 1 with a NAD, Marantz or other value oriented integrated amp, and it will sound great.

the Maggie’s have many virtues for sure but your amp is going to limit you.
i should disclose I am not anti planar, I have a set of Apogee Stages in my vintage room

where are you at, can probably recommend a dealer...
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