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Mag 3.6R or 20.1 , Sanders & Montana EPS2

After 20 years of void & darkness, I set out this new audio venture thinking Maggie 3.6R is all I ever needed.

But after driving 200 miles to listen a pair of Maggie 3.6R, my soul wasn't satisfied.

So, I went to Las Vegas T.H.E. show.
I wanted to listen to a pair of Maggie that is well matched up by a manufacturer themselves. (which was Bryston 28BSST with new Mag 1.7 & center piece)

Even the manufacturer's demo didn't convinced me...

So I looked around, and found two speakers that standed out.

One was Sanders Electrostatic Model 10 speakers and
the other was PBN Montana ESL 2. (Both are around $10K per pair.)

Sanders speakers were stunningly clear and focused. Imaging was incredible. All I can say is Clean, Pure & deliver excellent sound from high note to low.

The sound was so clear, it almost made me uncomfortable.
Never heard nothing like this before...

The other speaker I really liked was Peter's Montana ESP 2.
Just a wonderful speaker that moved my soul...
The music flowed effortlessly. I don't know how to describe.... just beautiful.

Maggie, Sanders, and Montana... each has a different character and taste. Like wine... Cab, Merlot & Zin all have different charcteristic...

Maggie probably has most warmth and air, like Renoir's painting not sure where the line starts and ends.

On the other hand, the Sanders speaker was probably most accurate and clear but somewhat lacking in warmth and naturalness (for my taste anyway)

Peter's Montana - comes in some where inbetween the two... well balanced, opening up nicely,... just made my heart warm in satisfaction...

=====

Sorry for the long intro...

Anyway, here is my question.

If anyone had these speakers over the long period of time, could you give your likes and dislikes? (especially weakness or problems if any)

TIA

Jon
jonk78
jonk78 OP
19 posts
 
Hi Shakey,

Thanks for your input on this - good to hear from someone who had both Maggie and Montana.

Forgive me for my ignorance... but what is "boxy coloration" ?

Since you liked Maggie and Montana, you and I seem to have similar taste in speakers. (which is a good news for me. I can narrow down to few speakers)

I looked up Green Mountain speakers.
Europa, Calisto, Calypso, Continuum 3, and EOS.

How many of these have you tested?
Which did you like the most?
I will definitely test drive them.

Uhm....Broaden my horizon?

But you know what? Everytime I try to broaden my horizon, the budget goes up ! (My wife is going to kill me if she finds out my budget went up by another 50% :O)

Are there any other speakers I must/should test them before making a decision?

(I've already acquired Bryston 14BSST & Cary CAD 500 MB which I was going to match up with Maggie 3.6R. But now I may go for something else... after matching with my new speaker, I will sell one of the lesser performing amp.

Also bought Cary audio SLP 98P. Now, I just need a pair of speakers ! Can't wait any more !!)

Happy listening,

Jon
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,514 posts
 
I'm just talking out of my @@s but if you like the sound of big panels and you have the room and power to drive them the 20.1s are a nice robust system. The ESLs are a bit more delicate (mechanically).
All the choices in your subject header are good enough that proper setup would be more important than selection.

Thanx, Russ
888trinity
11 posts
 
I have owned the Isis III electrostats since 04, but find that the treble on Sander's (Innersound) product aggravates the ringing in my ears unlike more conventional speakers. I have to admit that my choice of an Edge G6 amplifier may not be ideal for an electrostat, however.
jonk78 OP
19 posts
 
Hi 605 hifi,

Yes, I trust my judgement. Afterall, I AM the one who will listen and enjoy the music, not the critics.

But I do respect other Audiophiles with great knowledge in audio, especially those who have similar taste bud as mine.

=====

Russ,

Hmmm, I haven't had a chance to listen to 20.1 yet.
I thought the Magnepan company would bring their top of the line to the show (my mistake...)

What do you mean by "delicate"?

Yes, set up !

I do believe set up is one of the most important part in audio system afte speaker and source.

One of my old friend specialized in concert hall design.
He promised to come to my home and help me set up the listening room in April.

We'll ses how much difference that will make to over all sound....

=======

888trinity,

I hear what you mean...
I really liked Sanders speakers, and yet something was bothering me.... (I can't quite pin point what it is... but when I listen to his speaker, I seem to get more tense than relax... his speaker demands undivided full attention from the listener.)

I think I will eventually buy one of Sanders' speaker someday, if I can find a way to soften up the sound a bit.

Mr. Sanders does not belive in tubes but I a feeling that turb preamp might just do the trick... will see.

Thanks for all your inputs !

Cheers,

jon
bobheinatz
722 posts
 
I owned a pair of Innersound Eros 3's and they were outstanding. Never a problem with the treble. I have not heard the newer Sanders speakers but my bet is that he has improved the sound from his Innersound days.
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