Magnepans VS MartinLogan for detail and sound staging

@ baconboy: At my local high end audio shop, I just recently got a chance to audition a pair of Magnepan LRS+ speakers, augmented by a pair of high quality REL subs, and the sound produced by that combo was nothing short of spectacular!!! The Maggie LRS+/REL sub combo could easily do justice to any genre of music, if set up properly. No need to move up to the larger true ribbon tweeter offerings from Magnepan, as the LRS+ are truly something special, and can give you everything you ever dreamed of, if you add a couple subs with them, and, also, set them up properly. Ditch the Peachtree Audio, as you can do a lot better in amplification, in regards to getting the best sound quality out of your Maggies than with the Peachtree. About 3 years ago, I drove a pair of Magnepan 1.7i speakers with a top of the line Peachtree Audio integrated amp, and I was thoroughly disappointed. My suggestions: (#1) Keep your amazing Maggie LRS+ speakers, as the quasi ribbon tweeters on this particular speaker are magical and are out of this world. (#2) Replace your old and antiquated sub with a "PAIR" of quality modern subwoofers (REL subs would be perfect) (#3) Get yourself a more high quality sounding class A/B amp (250 WPC+). If you make the changes that I’ve recommended, I truly believe that the sound quality that you'll achieve, in your size room, will absolutely knock your socks off, as it did mine at the audition!!! Happy listening.

Consider - Getting a musical sealed sub (I have a Rythmic 15 in sealed). High pass the amp to your maggies at 50 Hz. Set the sub low pass to 50 Hz. Relieving the panels of the low bass brings out the best in a maggie system.

I am familiar with all these speakers. Going to MLs is a sideways move. If you are looking to move up then you should be looking at Magnepan 3.7is or better yet Soundlabs 545s. All these speakers benefit from TWO subwoofers and a complete 2 way crossover. the only subwoofers you should use with these speakers are balanced force designs like KEF KC 92 or the Martin logan BF 212 and 210. Magico makes them also, but at a ridiculous price.  

willywonka: "Unfortunately to get a new Magnepan with a ribbon tweeter you need to move up to the 2.7i. Unfortunately, way too big of a speaker for my room."

There is a lot of misconception out there that Maggies need a large room.  This is not always the case.  (View my profile)  I have my 3.7i's placed such that I create a sound stage that goes beyond my sidewalls and all the detail is there.  Maggies have much less interaction with side walls than do most 'standard' speakers and therefore placement close to sidewalls is less important.  Distance from the front wall is more important.  

LRS with dwm panels no subs,never and keep your class D amp.