$165k - $200k speaker performance for $40k ?

In theory, adding multiple powered subs to any good quality full range speaker is one way to tackle optimizing performance in a larger room and making a "statement" accordingly, possibly even a bigger more impressive "statement" than the ones from others that you are targeting to emulate.

The thing I would question more is the planars ability to sound like conventional dynamic designs or vice versa in this case, mainly in terms of large scale mid to upper bass macro-dynamics that blend in well with the lower bass of the dynamic subs. The "statement" should still be quite impressive, but I would expect the resulting sound to be a somewhat different flavor due to the basic design and physics of planars versus dynamic speakers.

After that, what can substitute for what and how much it costs becomes more of a subjective matter of what it takes to get system A to sound like system B. At this point its no longer just about speakers, but overall system synergy and sound.

I have thought about this for some time. I would answer "yes" to your question, provided you like planar speaker sound. And remember you would need a lot of power for those Magnepans.

I disagree with Mapman regarding subs. A pair of big REL G1s or MJ Acoustics 800s will blend well with planars. Just connect them at speaker level (JL Audio subs can't), at their lowest frequency, and don't be tempted to go high on the volume (so you won't notice them). The improvement in soundstaging and ambience are immense, as Soix says, as well as musical foundation, most of which you will feel more than hear. JL subs can't be connected at speaker level and their lowest frequency is 30Hz.

I disagree with Soix's idea of small speakers for such a huge volume.

A very different take on the problem (cheap brute force, a typical American solution to almost everything) would be a pair of GR Research LS9 speakers, now built and sold by Angel City Audio in California. I listened to a pair long time ago and they were impressive in both looks and sound. No need for subwoofers, for sure, and all the soundstage width, depth and height you would want with more bass depth and impact than almost anything.

Vladimir makes an interesting suggestion. Might be fun to email Rick Craig (Selah Audio) and see what sort of Line Arrays he could build you for 40k (or even 20k, 10k). I'm guessing the improvement curve of the next 16ok wouldn't be incredibly steep.

John

The cost levels you guys are talking about are really super specialty products that don't conform to regular rules regarding quality. i.e. the quality level is already so high you are really just distinguishing between them based on personal preferences they are all great at that level.

Holy cow...your "large room" is bigger than the footprint of my house. I knew that Ivy League degree meant zippo.