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Demo'd a few sets of speakers over the past 2 weeks...

Today I heard the Magnapan 1.7s at my local Hi-Fi. I was interested in hearing the new Maggie LRS, but this is the closest they had. It was good but didn't wow me. Big sound stage, but didn't have the punch and dynamics and bass extension I want. Don't think I will pursue the Maggies any further...
I also heard the KEF LS50s. I think they sounded more Dynamic than the Maggies, big sound stage and good imaging for such a small speaker. Great speaker for what it is, but again, didn't wow me.
These speakers were connected to an anthem tube amp and a rogue audio tube pre-amp with built in phono stage (same electronics as with the Maggies). I think this could be a nice pair for a computer desk for near field listening, but just a tad bright for me. Again fantastic for what they are.
Last week demo'd the Golden Ear Reference Towers (about 10K for the pair) and McIntosh electronics in the neighborhood of 15k total. I found it to be musical, but something seemed off tonally couldn't put my finger on it. I was left wanting more.
Lastly, I demo'd the Klipch RP600M as those had been getting rave reviews (folks saying the brightness had been tamed in this model). I still found the treble too bright and fatiguing so I will not be pursuing these any further either. Too bad, as I was hyping these up in my head.

I'll keep looking, but the current set in my living room are still my favorites (Vandersteen 2Cs from 1989). These speakers can still wow me, but want to see if I can do better for not a high cost.
Next, I would like to hear a pair of 3A sigs and Tekton DI. The later my be extremely hard to get a demo without buying them and doing an in-home trial.
bstatmeister

Showing 4 responses by noble100

noble100's avatar
noble100
2,419 posts
 
Hello bstatmeister,

     A great combination to consider would be a pair of Magnepan 1.7i combined with an Audio Kinesis Swarm distributed bass array system to supply the missing bass impact and dynamics down to 20 Hz.  Here's an Absolute Sound review of the Swarm bass system:

https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/audiokinesis-swarm-subwoofer-system/

     I use the Swarm system with a pair of older Magnepan 2.7QR speakers and it's a very high quality combination.  All Magnepans are fast and detailed speakers that are excellent from the midrange on up but lack the same quality bass impact and dynamics with the exceptions of their most expensive and top models.  
     The $2,800 Swarm system consists of four 1' wide x1' deep x 2' high 4 ohm 44lb subs with a single 10" long-throw aluminum driver in each and a 1Kwatt class AB amp/control unit that powers them all and controls the xover frequency, volume and phase of all 4 as a group.  
     This bass system is the first one I've ever used that's fast, agile and detailed enough to match these same qualities the Magnepans provide on the midrange and treble frequencies to seamlessly integrate as a unified whole that's capable of reproducing the entire audible frequency spectrum just like the larger and more expensive Magnepan 3.7 and 20.7 models do. 
     You'll get the sound of the best Magnepans for a total cost well under $5K.

Tim
  

noble100's avatar
noble100
2,419 posts
 
johnto: "I hate the idea of spending more on subs than on my main speakers."

Hello johnto,

     I believe you're referring to combining a pair of the $2,000 Magnepan 1.7is with the $2,800 4-sub Audio Kinesis Swarm DBA system. For a total system price of $4,800, I'm not aware of any pair of speakers by themselves that would approach this level of sound quality.
      I'm also unaware of any single sub, regardless of size or price, that would provide the accurate, detailed, fast, smooth and natural bass that matches and seamlessly integrates with these same qualities the 1.7i's provide on frequencies from 40 Hz to 22KHz.  Virtually any single sub will sound slow, lagging and disconnected by comparison.  
     The Swarm's distributed bass array concept and the bass accuracy, detail, smoothness, power, dynamics and speed resulting from four relatively small (1'x1'x2') subs with 10"drivers are the primary reasons for the exceptionally good bass reproduction.
     Any concerns about spending more on this sub system than one's main speakers quickly vanishes once the quality of the bass is experienced.  
     The fact that the Swarm bass system will also provide this exceptional bass performance with virtually any pair of main speakers and in virtually any room also means you'll never need another sub or bass system....Ever!   This officially makes the AK Swarm bass system a bona fide bargain.

Tim
noble100's avatar
noble100
2,419 posts
 
bstatmeister's exact words yesterday:

"My understanding is that the 3a sigs with a pair 2wqs get you most of the way there to the 5a's, and if I try hard enough I may be able to get that whole package for under 3k (used) not necessarily all at once and that's fine."
bstatmeister discovers this the next day:
"Also, holy moly! Look at the deal over at the listings site:
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9f16f-vandersteen-3a-signature-with-two-2wq-subwoofers-full-range "


Hello bstatmeister,

     I'm your guardian angel, Tim, and your wish is my command.  Now get your butt out to southern Orange county, Ca and go get your dream used speaker system.  
     I gave it to you for under $3K ($2,800 used but offer $2,500 for the travel costs and I'll make it happen), I gave it to you all at once and I even threw in a pair of M5-HP inline hi-performance crossovers for the pair of 2wqs subs ($1,295 new) just because you've been so good since your embarrassing big screw up last year.
     C'mon, man.  I've been working hard to make this happen for you and you're still sitting on the fence?  If you don't take the deal the Big Guy's going to think I didn't do my job and be all over me.  You know, he's really not as cool as people think.  He's actually kind of a jerk and reminds me of a lot of Tony Soprano.
     So we understand each other, right?  I'm going tell you know who you'll be halfway to Forest Park, Ca. by Friday. Don't let me down cuz I can be kind of devilish, too; "Yeah, I could of sworn he said he wanted to be the Lobster Man in a traveling carnival and married to the Bearded Lady. You think I'd misunderstand a goofy wish like that?" 


You're welcome,
Angel Tim
noble100's avatar
noble100
2,419 posts
 
Hello statmeister,

     No, I'm not AKA hikmer.  I was just having a little fun and messing with you.
     But I was struck by how quickly exactly what you were looking for suddenly appeared for sale and at under your expected price, almost like you had a guardian audio angel.  It really is a great deal at $2,800 and you have the travel costs leverage to get it for even less. 
     It seems a shame to let a fortunate coincidence like that just slip away.
I know if you really want the speakers, you'll figure it out and make it happen somehow.  You could always fly out and rent a nice SUV for the ride back.  Take your wife on a small vacation to Newport Beach for a short stay at the Newporter hotel.   Live a little and have some fun!


Best wishes,
     Tim
    
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