Maggie MMG versus Ls3/5a

MMGs are very good set up well and within their limits and not very expensive, so always worth consideration for something different from most box speakers. I would keep a pair around myself if I had the room.

MMGs are very good for microdynamics/transients but not for macrodynamics/"slam", ie dynamics you can feel as well as hear.

I would expect significant sound differences between Magnepan in general and Ls3/5a or any similar British monitor.

You might consider more high efficiency horn designs for that. Might not have to cost a lot or be too big if lowest octaves are not a concern, similar to mmg.

Maggies/planars are top notch on transients I would say with most any amp and "attack" ie the leading edge of a transient in particular.

Some box speakers are as well, but many are not, and amplifier used is a bigger factor here as well I think.

"Monster" SS amps should also serve you quite well to help get those top notch results for "attack" in particular out of mmgs.

Yes, its true that mmg probably offer a lot more unique value with acoustic music forms than say pop/rock or other electronic forms. FOr that, I would say they are less likely to stand out.

Have not heard those particular monitors, but I have read about them extensively, and I would tend to agree pretty much with points made by both Rpfef and Polarin.

"But, I'm a little confused...Mapman says MMG are good on transients and attack, but Polarin says they are not great for rock because they lack weight and dynamics and Rpfef says they have greater impact (than the LS3).

How do I tie these opinions together to get an overview?"

Sum,

Attack is one aspect of transient response.

Transient response is just on aspect of dynamics having more to do with timing and speed.

Impact and weight are less technical terms but imply yet other aspects of the sound related to dynamics having more to do with magnitude rather than timing or speed.

Together, they help describe the sound and dynamics in different ways that are likely measurable.

Opinions are useful, especially from trusted sources, and in quantity but you never know the full story until you listen and compare.

Yup.

Maybe not as sharp an outline (in terms of imaging and focus as opposed to speed and timing) with planars as some others, but enough mixed in with the rest to fit the bill quite well most likely.

And the price is right and not hard to resell if needed as insurance to boot.....

The characteristic dynamics of Maggies in general, including mmg, is why I think them to be one of the very best low volume speakers out there at any price.

Same true for Electrostatic speakers, including various hybrids I have heard, like Martin Logan and others.

Some box designs can challenge as well. The French seem to be good at this in that the Triangle speakers I own and Focals I have heard are also top notch at lower volumes.