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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
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,333 posts
 
Remember an ES hybrid design like Martin Logan can be an alternative to Maggies + sub for more slam out of the box.

PErsonally, I'm not a fan of most speaker systems that attempt to merge the best aspects of dynamic and other driver technologies, but some folks are.

For me, I prefer a good fast dynamic monitor, like the Triangle Titus, with a sub for very good and cost effective full range sound that is not hard to set up.

I didn't know at the time when I acquired the Triangle monitors and started to use them with a sub that they would signal the beginning of the end for the big, hard to place (with a small sweet spot) Maggies in my house.
macdadtexas OP
1,794 posts
 
I've never liked Martin Logan's, well except for the CLS series, those were/are really special. They never sound coherent to me, especially on loud rock music.

That said, I got my sub all hooked up and dialed in and......

Yeah, sounds better with the sub, and this sub is MUCH better than my last one (which UPS destroyed in shipping btw, and we are in dispute still on the insurance I paid for), which I thought was very good.

The new one's a Rel B1 and after some problems with the hookup instructions that seemed to have something to do with the type of amps I have (balanced differntial??), I am dialed in and really happy.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,333 posts
 
I've heard smaller Rel subs (not sure of model) dialed in very well with the big Maggie 20.s in my favorite local dealers system.

Glad its working out for you.
ggeers222
37 posts
 
1.6QR's biwired with Speltz Anti-Cable with no doubt results in the effect of a pair of subs in the mix - Of course you must have these at least 48" from the rear wall - and also dependent upon associated amp, preamp, CD player, etc ;-)
mn2hifi
31 posts
 
After reading through this thread, I am wondering about the crossover frequency I chose for my Marchand XM44 3 way which is expected in next few days. I still use my Maggie IIIa's and recently acquired a second Audio Research D400mkII to bi-amp. I also have a pair of Velodyne F1200s in my system. After hearing from a guy at Velodyne who said he had lots of experience with Maggies I ordered a 50hz crossover hi and low with a 48db slope at the low end. Thoughts/opinions wecome and sought.

Right now I am using the passive XO1 but can't wait to hear the set-up with the Marchand.
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