Magnepan for Background Listening

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.

I have both the 1.7i and the MMGs. I think as long as you have them oriented so that your casual listening is in the realm of on axis more than off, you will be delighted. Additionally, if they are on axis you will be rewarded with dynamic stability as they present as a line source speaker keeping the decibels more consistent across larger distances from the speakers. I had previously had the 1.7i's oriented across my rectangular room with the speakers on the long wall. I recently put them along the short wall and have realized bigger bass, better imaging, and better dynamics in this type of room.YMMV

Happy Listening and +1 for all who emphasized the need for adequate power (benefits both quiet and more dynamic listening)