I'm a little stumped

These speakers are at complete opposite ends of the spectrum in almost every respect. It is no wonder that you prefer what you have to the polar opposite. You are accustomed to a very specific type of presentation from the speakers that you currently own and have been using for years.

I can understand how one would think that Maggie's would be a step backwards, but in all reality, they would be a step sideways. One would simply end up trading one set of variables for a completely different set of variables based on personal preferences. The truth of the matter is that we all want / need something that takes the best features / sonic attributes of each of these designs and combines them into one.

Unfortunately, that isn't easily done, so we have to pick and choose what we like and want as individuals. Luckily, there are a lot of different products out there. The problem is finding one that does everything you want at a price you can afford.

Stick with what you've got until you find something that you think is better. Nothing wrong with being happy or satisfied and it is a helluva lot cheaper : ) Sean
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Fishboat,

Just a thought.......

Like many of the other posters said, "If it makes you happy, be happy". If you like the sound of your currnet system, but feel compelled to upgrade, you could consider keeping the speakers and auditioning a different amp or source. You don't list you source components, but since your system is 30 years old, I suspect you have a turntable. TTs can be excellent sources and a good 30 year old table may be hard to beat without spending big bucks. However, if you are using an older CD player as a source, you may have a plethora of upgrade choices. Digital has improved dramatically over the years and a killer digital rig can be bought for less than the cost of a pair of Maggie 1.6s.

BTW, 25 years ago, I was absolutely blown away by a pair of Maggie Tympanis and a big SS amp in a local Hi-Fi store. I've yet to ever match the thrill of hearing that system. But times change, products get better (in general) and my preference for sound and music is different now. But it would be interesting to see if I got the same feeling hearing this setup today as I did 25 years ago when I was in my late teens.....

Enjoy,

TIC

I owned 1.6 Maggies for about a year and a half and during that time I came to the conclusion the QR tweeter has too much output and has to be tamed. When set up properly with the right equipment the speaker is terrific. Things like ficus trees between the speaker and the wall help a great deal to tame the QRs.

BTW the 1.6 has plenty of bottom end, some have measured it to 35HZ. I was always very impressed by its low end with the several amps I tried. Look somewhere else for bass problems, a subwoofer is the last thing these speakers need and a sure way to lose the wonderful coherence they have which is one of the best things about them IMO.

Fishboat - What kinds of music do you like to listen to? How big is your listening room? What is your budget? The answer to those questions may narrow down your choices in the wide selection of amplifcation that will work with you Chorus II's. My experience with Klipsch speakers (just the Heritage stuff) is that pairing them off with tubes brings a greater sense of realism, holography and airiness (as a broad generalization). There's a whole wide range of tube amplification for all kinds of budgets. The wonderful thing about them is that even the less expensive choices can be VERY rewarding. I do suggest taking a listen to what this kind of combination sounds like before you buy. Just as your surprise with the Maggies, you may also be surprised at how different tubes may sound when your expectations are set by your SS Mac. As already has been suggested; if you're happy and you know it clap your hands! If there is a dealer near you who will let you audtion gear that may be a good idea. Or post the thread with your area and ask if a fellow A'goner may like to let you come take a listen to their tube system. If you are near Seattle feel free to ping me off the thread. I'd be happy to make a few suggestions based upon my experience, and assuming your budget is moderate based upon your current setup. Jolida is making some fine integrated amps that are upgradable and sound wonderful stock. Most are of a very versatile push/pull design. Their 302B or 502B would work quite well with your Chorus II's. Quicksilver Mini Mites are also excellent amps but would require a preamp. I have not heard them, but have heard great things about the Cayin line of integrated tube amps here on the Gon - likely very similar to the Jolida stuff as both are moderately priced tube amps built in China. Do try to take a listen before you take a leap. As far as your experience with the LaScala price you mentioned: Klipsch still is manufacturing the LaScala and the Khorn at a comensurate price for a new speaker of that expense to manufacture in the current market and economy. So the price you observed was likely a newer version purchased recently at retail. Vintage LaScalas can still be easily found in the $1000 range, and Khorns in the $2000 range.

Marco

I think you happen to be comparing speakers that are at polar extremes in the differences between them, especially dynamics. Dynamics from a horn loaded driver is, well, its forte (excuse pun), and against which most any kind of driver will lose out. I dont know if you will ever be satisfied with the Maggie sound unless a huge amplifier can coax them to dynamic life you can live with. High efficiency speaker in general do seem to have a liveliness that speakers that present a more demanding load only match with serious amplification. It aint easy, but its can be fun.