Classical music, symphony AND planar speakers

Recluse,

I have a set of Magnepan 1.7i speakers driven by a Sanders Magtech amp, and two Martin Logan 1100x subwoofers in my 22' x 25' room with cathedral ceiling. The speakers were purchased new and I spent slightly less than $4k for the speakers and subwoofers, including one wireless transmitter/receiver for one of the subwoofers to increase flexibility in positioning.

I mostly listen to jazz, classic rock and classical music and I greatly enjoy the combination of components.

I mentioned the amplifier because, in my opinion, the amp selection is important to getting the most out of Magnepan speakers. Many Magnepan enthusiasts recommend amplifiers that are capable of providing high levels of current for the best results. In addition to Sanders Magtech, I have read frequent recommendations for Bryston and Parasound as well.

I have not heard as many Magnepan enthusiasts recommend the Martin Logan subwoofers. Many prefer other brands or "swarming" with multiple subwoofers. I purchased the Martin Logans because I got a good price (25% off), the wireless kit made placement more convenient, and they offered an audition period. This setup meets my needs, but if I were going to do it over again, I would probably look at servo-controlled subwoofers like Rythmik or Rel.

You may want to go to the Planar Speaker Asylum ( https://www.audioasylum.com/cgi/tv.mpl?forum=mug ) for additional information. There are many discussions about pairing various Magnepan models with subwoofers.

I have a pair of slightly more expensive Martin Logans with a McIntosh receiver. I have a smaller room than you, but the Martin Logans sound great on all kinds of classical music, including symphonic and big orchestral pieces. They fall down a little bit on big organ music, but still aren’t that bad. 

Orchestral music not good with planars?! What planet does that person live on? The best rendering of a realistic orchestral soundstage “spread” and scale that I have ever achieved with the speakers that I have had in my system has been with planars. Scale wise, it was my modified Magneplanar MGIIIA. For even more tonal realism, albeit on a much smaller scale it is my Stax F81 electrostats. To my ears, no contest,  compared to all the more conventional speakers that I have owned.  All driven by tube monoblocs.