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Magnepans VS MartinLogan for detail and sound staging

I'm currently an owner of Magnepan 1.7s paired with a Peachtree PreDAC/GaN400 bundle. 

I'm one of those listeners who loves detail and accurate sound staging.

On some levels I'm perfectly happy with the sound as when I play Grateful Dead's Ripple at mid volume where I can position every voice, every guitar strum with amazing clarity. When I step up to something fuller and more complex musically like something off the Doors first album or even something musically symphonic like Saint-Saen's Organ Symphony or the Nutcracker at mid-level volume the fullness and detail begin to wear thin.

I also have a 30 year old Yamaha subwoofer that I occasionally use for any recording that seems to need a boost for my 72 year old ears.

Though I haven't listened to them yet, research makes me think that a pair of Martin-Logan ESL's could improve my experience since they're less demanding power-wise than my Maggie's and have a reputation for delivering the sound nuances I'm looking for. On the other hand maybe I should be investing in a different amp or preamp?

Any suggestions from anyone who's ventured down a similar path?

 

baconboy
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 

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.  

rtrlover's avatar
rtrlover
43 posts
 

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.  

margaretha
40 posts
 

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

 

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