If you still really like the Maggies, get a Sanders Magtech amp to drive them. Or, get a pair or quad (swarm) of good subs to augment the 3.6’s. Getting the deep bass out of the panels will make the upper-bass, midrange and up cleaner.
Which to Upgrade first? My Amplifier or Speakers?
I have owned a nice system for years, but I am hardly an audiophile. You people impress me with your depth of knowledge of audio. I've been following this site for some time. This is my first post.
From time to time I replace or upgrade components. I've got a tricked out Linn Sondek LP 12 turntable. I recently acquired a McIntosh MP 100 phono amp and am hearing LP's now that exceed anything I've heard on CD's and equal if not exceed the output of my SACD's. I bring this up only to give a flavor of what I listen to.
The issue is as follows: I have a McIntosh MC 206 Amp that I bought in 2003 that puts out 200 watts per channel. I have no issues with it, although I've never had anything to compare it with. I've read some impressive reviews of how much of a difference an amplifier can make to the quality of sound output. For speakers I have Magnepan 3.6R's that I also bought in 2003. I love them. I can only afford to upgrade one at a time - let's say in the neighborhood of 10 - 12K. So, I'd like to hear what this august body has to say about which I should upgrade first and why? The amp or the speakers? Thank you.
From time to time I replace or upgrade components. I've got a tricked out Linn Sondek LP 12 turntable. I recently acquired a McIntosh MP 100 phono amp and am hearing LP's now that exceed anything I've heard on CD's and equal if not exceed the output of my SACD's. I bring this up only to give a flavor of what I listen to.
The issue is as follows: I have a McIntosh MC 206 Amp that I bought in 2003 that puts out 200 watts per channel. I have no issues with it, although I've never had anything to compare it with. I've read some impressive reviews of how much of a difference an amplifier can make to the quality of sound output. For speakers I have Magnepan 3.6R's that I also bought in 2003. I love them. I can only afford to upgrade one at a time - let's say in the neighborhood of 10 - 12K. So, I'd like to hear what this august body has to say about which I should upgrade first and why? The amp or the speakers? Thank you.
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- 57 posts total
Unless you need more level than the Maggies can provide, forget the upgrade and get a pair of powered subwoofers. I replaced my single Force w 2x Martin Logan 800x. I am a fan of a gently 6db roll-off on the mains with a 18db roll-off in the sub. The ML have a most flexible control system that allows near perfect integration. The 800x were later well reviewed on Stereophile. https://www.stereophile.com/content/martinlogan-dynamo-800x-powered-subwoofer While there are many subs, very few have the required adjustability to properly integrate. Requirements: • Continuous Phase Control • Phase Invert • Multi Slope XO Frequency • Down Firing • Sealed • Independent Music and LFE Inputs There is a cell phone app that makes integration a doddle. Add the Perfect Bass Kit and the subs can be perfectly set up in a couple of hours using REW and/or the ML Anthem utility. For more info about integrating subs see http://ielogical.com/Audio/SubTerrBlues.php and my install http://ielogical.com/Audio/#DoubleDouble The ONLY negative I have found is the subs are light. Easily solved http://ielogical.com/assets/Audio/SubWeight.jpg PM for assistance on creating a simple XO for the mains. http://ielogical.com/Audio/#SmallestThings An articulate, extended and veracious low end adds realism out of all proportion to the numbers. |
I've had Apogee Duetta Sigs for over 25 years and I still love them, however, they really don't go much below 50 Hz. So quite awhile ago I added 2 Paradigm Reference 15" subs. I'm getting chest thumping base whenever I want it. As suggested by others, you might try that befoe changing amps or speakers. |
I would upgrade your amp. I also have 3.6 Maggie’s and you would do well to acquire a pair of MC501 mono block amps. The difference will blow your mind in the difference. I say this from experience. The good thing is that if you but a pair of 501s and for some reason decide they are not for you, you can resell them at no loss easily. The run about 5500 to 6000 pair in the used market. Maggies crave current and headroom. While advertised at 500 wpc, they bench test at about 750 wpc. |
- 57 posts total