Magnepan 1.6

Another speaker at that price point which has been extensively reviewed to unanimous praise is the ACI Sapphire Xl. I went from Maggie 1.6's to the ACI Talismans and have been very happy, no regrets. ACI (until a recent move to a larger building,) shared their facility with a recording studio. Their proximity to constant live music provided a reference that paid off in products that eschew exagerated fireworks and sizzle and provide a very musically engaging product line. Mr. Tennis' suggestion about the Eminent Technology LFT-8 is one I would consider were I to entertain the idea of purchasing a panel speaker again.

Ghanson & Mlsstl have pointed out some shortcomings or limitations, another is the 1.6's unwillingness to sound it's best unless partnered with the right amp. I had used Luxman, Adcom, and Belles amps with my 1.6's and all left me underwhelmed. The PS Audio HCA-2 transformed their reproduction capabilities for the better, not a subtle improvement. Their fussy reluctance to sound their best with a broader variety of amps was one reason I sold them. I found they needed a subwoofer to sound fully fleshed out and alive. However, if you value accurate reproduction of instrumental timbre, expansive soundstaging, imaging very much like you hear in a live venue, and can live with somewhat limited dynamic capabilities and the need to turn the volume up to get them to come alive, I think they deserve their general high esteem.