Magnepan 3.7's versus 20.1's?

Dsper, Your question is a good one and the answer is also of interest to me. I'm just not sure a definitive answer is possible. I have 1.6's in a 14 x 19 x 8 room with the speakers along the short wall, out about 5 feet. I have plans to put 3.7's in this room later this year. I hear you on the soundstage and depth of field. What I have noticed over the last 3 years, with an ongoing series of equipment upgrades, is that the soundstage and depth of field has increased. That tells me the Maggies are not the limitation. I've also noticed a large difference in this regard from one recording to another. Certain recordings give an amazing depth of field. Again that suggests that the Maggies are not the limitation. If you get an amazing depth of field with only one recording, that shows that your equipment can deliver, if the information is present in the recording. I listen to a lot of orchestral and chamber music live. This is a good sanity check. Occasionally, I close my eyes and pretend I'm at home listening to my rig. Live music does not always present with a depth of field that is notable. Sometimes, it presents with much less spatial information than I get through my system. For me, the goal is always to capture the live sound, not improve on it.

Live music does not always present with a depth of field that is notable. Sometimes, it presents with much less spatial information than I get through my system.

absolutely right!

Brownsfan,

Thank you for your comments. As I think about it, certain albums do provide better soundstage and depth of field than other albums.

So...it appears you are suggesting that the 3.7's would not necessarily be too big for my space?

Dsper, I don't think you should rule out the 3.7's based on concerns about room size. The ideal is always to have an in home audition, but that isn't always possible. You ought to be able to get an in store audition with a room that is at least a similar width, and that should give you some idea. Personally, I find I like speakers closer together than most people do. My 1.6's are 49" inside edge to inside edge. I like the strong center fill I get with them close together. Maggies tend not to have much trouble with side wall interactions, so your 15 wide room may be fine. The open area you have behind your seat will help if anything. I haven't heard the 3.7's yet, but I have heard the 3.6's at less than 13 ft. They were poorly set up, but I can say I did not feel I was too close to the speaker. I'd say, do your auditioning carefully. If you fall in love with the 3.7's, go for it.

I am 9 feet from my 3.7s and it is fine. Definitely front row seats.