Magnepan for Background Listening

Cool. It sounds like the biggest limiting factor is going to be treble since these guys aren’t very tall. Do the stands allow you to tilt them back or has anyone tried the book trick to fire them higher?  

I set mine up in my old office (MMGs) and sound was significantly improved (seated position) when I raised them up about 12 inches and set them pretty much vertical. A "milk carton" with some nice fabric draped over it makes a decent looking stand. You could also play around with solid hollow stands to see what it does for sound (I don't think the plastic open web milk cartons had much impact, other than height, on sound).

Mine were along the long wall, about 5 feet from the back wall, and the depth effect on soundstage was impressive. Sadly, at home I cannot get them sounding their best in my (our) living room.

Maggie owner off and on for 20 years. Whether you’re listening critically or have music on in the background, they will not disappoint. I know this has been said a thousand times...Maggies need power (and volume/loudness) to really sing. You might be disappointed if you’re only listening at low levels. I had an all digital integrated with maybe 75 watts (4ohms), and it just struggled to make my 1.7s wake up. I hope this helps. Happy listening!

Maggies are great speakers for any type of listening where you want music and not distortion.  Placement is key for "serious" listening, but of little consequence when used for background music as we and many others do at xmas and other holidays where music is fun to hear during all family times.

I have been listening to them since 1973-4, and can tell you without question that no other speaker I ever heard gives you less "listening fatigue" than Maggies no matter how softly or loudly you play them. 

UNFORTUNATELY, for serious loud listening, you need the best possible equipment in front of them.  I suggest (usually very expensive) Audio Research gear, but many others make equally excellent tube products.  Typically, high-current solid state electronics are OK for the bottom end if you are bi- or tri-amping Maggies, but my experience is that tubes seem to sound better.  Naturally, pick your own poison, as the cliche goes, but Maggies are ALWAYS the best choice in speakers regardless of the listening volume given the best electronics.  Enjoy the music!

Cheers!

Richard

You might be disappointed if you’re only listening at low levels. I had an all digital integrated with maybe 75 watts (4ohms), and it just struggled to make my 1.7s wake up.

You bring up an interesting point. I have heard several people say that Maggie’s don’t sound good at low volume levels and I have heard several people that have said they can’t be beat at low volume levels.