Magnepan 3.7's versus 20.1's?

I am 9 feet from my 3.7s and it is fine. Definitely front row seats.

My brother owns the 20.1 driven by top of the line Audio Research amps, preamps, etc. It sounds amazing. SOTA in dynamics, accurate powerful bass, speed, transparency, etc. However, for my room, preferred budget and my listening preferences, I actually prefer the 3.7, and just bought a pair. The 3.7s are the only Magnepans I've heard that keep all the Maggie traits I love (speed, transparency, dynamics, scale, immediacy, etc.) but also solve some of the traits that kept me from buying any of the Maggies for my system. The 3.7s strike me as being the most balanced from top to bottom (e.g., when I heard 1.7s and even my brother's 20.1s it seemed the center of gravity was in the treble region, whereas 3.7s don't sound tipped up or aggressive in the upper regions....TO MY EARS). The 3.7s also keep a large sound stage but put the performers and instruments to a more reasonable scale (no more 20 foot tall singers or 12 foot saxaphones). In addition, the 3.7s are the first Maggies I've heard where low level listening didn't come across as less than stellar. The 20.1s are amazing, and I can't imagine what the next version of those will sound like, but for my ears, I voted with my wallet for the 3.7s...and I could have splurged and bought the 20.1s. I think to get the most of the 20.1s one needs massive amplification and a very good sized room.

My room and listening distance isn't big enough to accommodate the 20.1s. Budget isn't a determining factor either. In addition, I preferred the way the treble coordinated and integrated with rest of the range in the 3.7s the most. If I could have the dynamics and low end of the 20.1s with the integrated non-forward "to image scale" sound of the 3.7s in a 3.7 footprint, that would be perfect for me. I'm not saying the 3.7 is a better speaker than the 20.1. I'm saying for my ears and my room and my preferences, I preferred the sound of the 3.7 over any Maggie I have heard. And before anyone says I didn't hear the 20.1s set up correctly. They were set up by a Maggie dealer who spent about 4 hours moving them 1/4" at a time to dial them in. They sounded amazing. A great speaker. I can't wait to see what the next version does. That will be one I likely trade up to.

Interesting.

Again, hoping my post doesn't take anything away from the 20.1s. They are superb with stellar amplification and a large room where they can breathe and listening chair is far enough back to enjoy the enormous sound/stage they offer. Best most articulate dynamics and bass I have heard.

I believe the 3.7 is Magnepan's current sweet spot and 20.1 is their statement speaker.

Big enough room, wallet and amp then the "no regrets move" is the 20.1. Either would bring lots of musical enjoyment. Good luck and please update as you choose.

Good callout on bi-wire capability.

doesn't matter who guessed what; what matters is saving up enough dinero to buy the 20.7s.

My 3.7 s now have a few hundred hours and the bass panel is kicking in with a lot more force and presence.

I heard 20.7s werent dropping til june.

Thanks for the update Kenklien1!