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PMC 24 and Canalis Cambria two way floorstanders; What is the advantage to this design?:

I recently noticed several 2 way floor standers, in particular, the PMC.24 ($6000 retail) and the Canalis Cambria  at $5000 retail.  Pro-AC and  Spendor also offer a few 2 way floorstanders

Is there any advantage to a 2 way floor stander  to a 3 way system??

I am aware that less drivers and crossovers, and a slimmer cabinet "usually" provide better sound quality; However, the retail prices of the above don't seemed to represent "good value".

Thank you, S.J. 

sunnyjim
ps
770 posts
 
Sunny,
I think that choosing speakers is perhaps the most difficult task. Over time I've learned a few things that work for me.

1- Decent speakers can sound pretty darn good when powered by excellent electronics.

2- "Great" speakers can sound pretty darn awful when powered by mediocre electronics.

3-Auditioning speakers, even at high-end audio salons, yields just a taste of what they can or cannot deliver.  It's only when one takes them home, and lives with them, that one begins to understand.  

4- The room is a very important component, often overlooked.

I read many reviews and so-called buyer's guides of numerous speakers before I made my choices.  Since then I've spent months dialing in what I have.  I love the journey but I also enjoy arriving a favorable end of said journey.  My goal is to enjoy music in my home- I'm there.  Thankfully.

I understand that "better" speakers exist. At this point I don't care.   :)

FYI: I have Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor M's and Magnepan .7's.  Completely different designs and both are completely enjoyable depending on my mood and the weather outside.


sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 

To ps.  All good points  I think the Sonus Faber Cremona, etc is out of my price range. I did consider the Magnepan..7 which received many very good reviews. However, even though they are a different design with a different sound field than the GET 7's,  I thought they would be just a move sideways with a few minimal exceptions. I could consider the new 1.7i  which was issued last year; but you are familiar with the Maggies problematic nature in rooms of different sizes and lay-outs.

My listening space is 12X15 which opens into a equal size dining and kitchen area.  I believe the dealer I bought GET 7's from is also a Magneplanar dealer. I "might" have the option of a trade-in, but also have to pay 9.5% state tax on the remaining balance after trade value is applied..

BTW, I have passed over the Scansonic 2.5 's  which I have read and been told take a long time to break in and are finicky about placement.  I also passed on he Audio Physics Avanti II speaker , and Virgo I and IIs. The former is too big and also heavy, and the latter are too old in design  and could be possibly electronic and mechanical liability regardless of AP's reputation.


Thank you for the advice

S.J.        

ps
770 posts
 
Sunny,
Here are my final thoughts:

There's nothing "problematic" about Magnepans unless you object to their physical appearance, and expect the kind of bass that a 3-way dynamic speaker might provide.  There's a lot of plain bunk on the internets about Maggies.  IMO they're one of the least expensive ways to get into high-end speakers.

My listening space is similar to yours only smaller- 11x13 and the back wall opens to the living room and the inside wall has a doorway to the adjacent kitchen.  My .7's are about 4' from the front wall and about 10" from the side walls.  They sound fantastic. I run an all-tube system.  Wall of sound!  :)  Depth. Tactile.  And my cats don't mess with 'em.

Magnepans are arguably easier to position than many dynamic speakers due to their bipolar design which minimizes side wall reflections.  I found myself experimenting more with the Sonus Faber monitors to get them optimally positioned.

Here's my best tip:

If you want a completely killer system,  purchased new, for under $1000 bux, get a pair of Magnepan MMG's and a pair of Andrew Jones 8" powered subs.  Put one sub in one of the front corners and the other on a diagonal in a rear corner.  You won't believe what you'll be hearing.  Seriously.  Absolutely 100%  guaranteed.  :)  

Over and out.  
sunnyjim OP
927 posts
 

TO PS;   Thank you again for the recommendation and advice.

One final question, you highly regard the Maggie .7;  however, does the Maggie 1.7i offer more and better performance??  I have the electronics to drive either one.  I listed my system's components above on 1/4/18

S.J... 

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