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Choking more SPL's out of Maggie 3.6's

My system sounds fabulous, but I can't get it to rock really hard. Not even close. Live classical performance, jazz performance, acoustic show, etc. no problem. Good and loud on rock, yes. I may have to change something, but I'm hoping not to change my speakers.

My system is as follows:

Maggie 3.6R speakers
REL Storm III sub
Bryston 7B-ST mono amps
Rogue 99 preamp
Linn Ikemi cd player
Nottingham turntable & arm
High output Dynavector cartridge
Acoustic Zen Satori Shotgun speaker cables (7 foot)
Transparent Music Wave Ultra interconnects (RCA)
(1 meter all around, except preamp to amps which is 15 foot)

The room is about 18x23 with a 7 foot ceiling.

Is there any way to get the Maggie's to go a little louder? Just a little? The Bryston monoblocs are hefty power, but when I play hard stuff (now and then) and I want to get a little carried away, I hit clipping before I hit the point where I can't hear myself sing. I never used to get to this point with previous dynamic speakers, but all those were flawed in so many ways in which the Maggies rule. Any advice would be very much appreciated. Otherwise I'll listen to most everything at home but go to the car to really rock out.

Thanks in advance.

Rich
rbirke
audiokinesis
2,755 posts
 
I's glad to see Travis posting his experiences. I knew he was happy with the InnerSound amps, but didn't know just how loud he was driving his Maggies. I'm an InnerSound dealer, but don't have the experience with the Brystons to make a valid comparison.

If you don't mind doing a little amateur woodworking, you could add self-standing wings on either side of your Maggies to reduce the dipole bass cancellation. This is a technique used by Sound Lab many years ago to get adequate bass response out of the A-1's (and no longer necessary with new models). Just make the wings the same height as the Maggies, and as wide as you can get away with. A foot or so wide should be great. You can fold 'em back behind the Maggies a bit if that would help the asethetics. Military-grade precision isn't necessary - a little air gap between the side of the Maggies and the wings is okay.

Best of luck to you, Rbirk.

Duke
ultrakaz
187 posts
 
Probably not and not recommended as you will probably damage your speakers.

You need Klispchorns or some type of horn speakers.

As an aside, have your ears checked as you may be suffering from some hearing loss as the 3.6s can play pretty loud.
phasecorrect's avatar
phasecorrect
2,013 posts
 
Nothing wrong with Bryston power...they are one of the best combos to bring out Maggie bass...Maggies simply lack "impact" and dynamics due to their dipole design...which is out of phase as well...that being said...Maggies still sound surprisingly musical with conventional rock...especially compared to older designs...they lack the visceral "live" sound of the best cone designs...but hey...the do that "space" thing so well...good luck...you have a killer system
edle
235 posts
 
Move your whole system to a smaller listening room.....
rbirke OP
144 posts
 
Thanks to all who responded. I'm thinking of doing the following:

1. Moving to a balanced preamp and running balanced cables (and probably stepping up a little in quality, like to a CAT or BAT)

2. Getting some MYE stands

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY

3. Getting a second set of less expensive rock speakers. I'm thinking of trying the Revel 20's. They can go quite loud and paired with the REL ought to be a nice combo. If I can somehow keep two sets of speakers in my main room and my marriage intact, I'll be one lucky guy!!

Rich
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