ElectrostatsPlaner/Ribbon s Vs Cone driv

Comchenry, you ask about the differences between Apogees and Maggies. That's a comparison best made by you. There are differences, and even though I own Apogees, there are things I prefer about Maggies. This hobby of ours really boils down to what floats your boat. It would be great if you could find someone with Apogees local to you so you could listen. Generally, the people I have talked to prefer the sound of one over the other within a short time. But always, the listener can at least appreciate what the design they do not prefer can do well. Kinda like my MLogans; there are times when I almost admire them for their detail retreival. But, at the same time, they are not as involving as my Apogees. Weird. That's the way it goes.

Anywho, for $2k you have lotsa choices. I recently chose the SL3s for that same price. Ultimately I changed to electrostatics because I have listened to ribbons for awhile and wanted to try something new. We are obsessive, aren't we?

Obsessive, I suppose. But beats blowing money drinking, gambling or other vices (of course I drink some). I really do wish I could compare the Maggies and the Apogees in my listening room. Unfortunately no dealer in Colorado and I know of no owners nearby that would allow a comparison. So it basically leaves me with the option of asking for opinions and based on that I will probably just buy a used pair and if it is not what I like, take a small hit and re-sell. I am not as big on detail as I am dynamics and musicality. Does that sound more like the Maggies than other options?

Comchenry, I had the ML's and Maggies ( I forget which model, around $1400 ) at home to compare over a weekend. I ended up with the Logans because of constraints on placement. The ML's have a much smaller footprint. As far as the sound goes, I was back in forth all hours of the night the whole weekend trying to decide. There are qualities of both that I liked a lot. The ML's had the upperhand also since they where from the same retailer I had purchased my previous speakers from and where offering full retail back to trade up to the ML's. The Maggies are more dynamic, but I don't know if they will rock as much as the 805's you have. Good luck in whatever you decide.

I would check out the Newform Research 645 (or 630, if you need a smaller model). They use ribbon midrange/tweeters and two 6.5" Scanspeak drivers for bass. I do not have a pair--yet. I read all of the reviews for some "vicarious pleasure" until I get my pair. One of the comments is the size of its soundstage. Check out the reviews at audioreview.com. You will see the company's web address in those posts. If you get a pair, let me know how you like them. I'm hoping to get some this summer!
Steve Vinson

Doug, sorry for the late reply. My notebook`s screen went South. Now, I am sharing my wife`s computer -- Japanese software and all -- hoping all goes well.

I changed from Stages to Centaurs because of a smaller room. I never had the sense to try a high quality sub like the REL with the Centaurs. I then moved to a room that would work with one of my fav`s, the CLS`s with brand new panels. I then fell in to a sweet deal for as-new SW800`s that were owned by Gayle Sanders. Tony Di Chiro traded these to Gayle for a pair of CLS`s.

I know exactly what you mean comparing the SL3 and Centaur bass. The first generation Centaurus enclosures were not the best in terms of engineering or construction. I wound up using the Tekna Sonic stuff to tighten the bass on these.

If you are ever in SoCal, buzz me and drop by for a listen.

Best, Jim