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Maggies with no Sub: Fantastic surprise

OK, I have had Maggies for years, and always had subs with them: Vandersteens, DefTech, Velodyne, JL Audio, Sunfire, SVS Sound, etc...

When using set up software I have measure the lower end to 35 hz consistantly, so then I would take a ton of time and effort placing the subs in the correct spots, and letting the sub or controller (SMS-1) set up the crossover for different locations. I was always looking for that perfect integration for both stereo and LFE effects, so I finally bought a Rel B1 and I am awaiting it's delivery.

In the mean time, I have for the first time ever, been listening to the Maggie 3.6R's without a sub, and I am shocked. My God, there's a lot of bass there. I have a lot of juice going to them (Cary CAD 500 MB's) and Mye Stands, but wow, they really sound great. I'm kind of sorry I bought the Rel now. I think I may just buy a cheap sub for LFE effects on movies and just leave the Maggie's on their own for Stereo.

Anyone else have this experience??

It may all be amp related, but I will now dispute anyone who says Maggies have no low end authority. I am shocked that much of the low end bass I thought was coming from the subs over the years was actually coming from the Maggies!!
macdadtexas
martykl
3,578 posts
 
I used to own 3.5s and the issue was never insufficient bass. Getting smooth bass response was always the problem for me - probably because of room matching issues. I eventually moved on from the 3.5s. In my current room, the SMS/Rythmik sub/MMG combo provides much smoother response below 100hz than I was ever able to wring out of the 3.5s stand alone. I'm not suggesting that this is relevant to your situation - different room & different speaker - just my experience.

Marty
onemug
784 posts
 
Agree.
I have the 3.6's. I could turn the sub on/off with the remote on my pre and for much of the music I could not tell "but" there were times the sub made it more enjoyable. I don't feel I have to spend alot of money on a sub. My ear is not that sensitive to 20-35hz. If I had to cross over at 80hz, yeah/maybe, but I don't. The trick is having a sub that geta out of the way quickly and doesn't mess up what the Maggies are doing at their lowest point. Even x/oed at 35, their is stuff going on at 70,105,140.
ml8764ag's avatar
ml8764ag
502 posts
 
I have the 1.6's...I went from expensive truly full range speakers...totally expected compromise. Yes, there is less low level information (but now I'm wondering how 'natural' that was anyway)...but in my opinion/system, it is NOT missed. To my surprise...many of the commonly held beliefs did not show up in my system (e.g. you need a sub, you will not be able to get decent SPLs, they are not a rock speaker)....My experience could NOT be farther from that. One caveat: I am running with some substantial/quality power --I now believe that is absolutely the key to getting the most out of maggies and that the weakness are only produced by compromises elsewhere.
jallen
502 posts
 
I have evaluated the the 3.6 with either the passive Xover and active with the XM44 Marchand and James 1500 sub crossed over at 80Hz, and the main differences will be on the type of music listen to. If you like string quartets, vocals, etc., forget the sub and enjoy. If you like grand orchestra, hard driving jazz, get the external xover and sub., like a James, JL audio, or the Mirage is said to be good with them. The weight and dynamics is just greater with the sub well integrated. And yes, maggie likes her power. Feed her well and she will make great music. The Bryston 4BSST, 14BSST, and 7BSST and the (2) versions are said to be magic, and great synergy. The ARC tubes on top is said to also be magical. I have tubes on top and Bryston on the bottom...real maggie magic......Jallen
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
I have a new pair of Maggie 3.6R's driven by a Krell400xi with foundational support via dual Definitive 200TL subs crossed over at 40hz. My power cords are MIT AC 2 (Krell) and Transparent MM Reference (Sony XA5400ES) with MIT Oracle V1.2 Cabling. All fuses are HiFi Tuning for all components including the subs! My subs are on wood stands wt brass spiked feet. I have never had as much quality bass in my room period, even without the subs. I still like the subs for extended solidity down low on Orchestral and hard hitting Jazz, but then again, I used my subs on my Krell Res 1's and Sophias as well. In other words, the 3.6R's play very loud and clean with tremendous authority with well designed amplification (doubles down form 8 to 4 to 2 ohms). My 400xi loves the load and drives the Maggies to ear shattering levels with no strain or problems whatsoever:O) I am very happy!!
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