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Magnepan 3.7i with two (2) DWMs with Pass Labs XA100.5

I recently upgraded by speaker cables between my Pass Labs XA100.5 and Magnepan 3.7i and a pair of DWMs. I've tried connecting the DWMs both in parallel and in series (using the DWMs crossovers).  I moved from Kimber 12TC to Audience Au24 SE.  This change added more detail and transparency.

Interesting when running in parallel (i.e., the 3.7i and DWM each connected directly to one of the XA100.5's two connections), the XA100.5 quickly left A-class.

Having the each cable around and given the nature of the DWM, I tried running the system both parallel and in series on the same system.  In other words, I was using all four sides of the two DWMs.  I wouldn't say that the XA100.5 couldn't handle it (opinion welcome, read on), but it was quickly out of A-class.  The meter would swing back and forth.  The interesting thing, is that I lost the Pass Labs sparkle.  Bass was very powerful and could be felt.  Yet it was almost muddy for the loss of a better word. Was the loss of mid-range magic, the XA100.5 running out of steam?
tgonzales
bluesy41
211 posts
 
What size is your listening room? As I have a 18x21x12 room and also purchased the DWM panels but found with my setup it sounds better without the base modules. Mine you I use a tube amp with 195wpc.
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
Maggie tech and bass just doesn’t compute.  If you must use Magnepan speakers, use REL subs for a more musical and impactful sound...and they don’t screw up your systems sound.
tgonzales OP
30 posts
 
My listening room is a touch smaller 15 x 21 x 12.  I found the panels were very musical but did not offer bass extension nor feel.  I ultimately replace them with a pair of JL Audio F112 v.2.  The JL Audio are a trade off.  The backbone of music is powerfully conveyed tunefully and forcefully, but it feels at times at the detail/sparkle suffers.  The soundstage is deeper for what that's worth.   In the end, the Magnepan sound is more a wall of sound than monitor precision and the subwoofers add the octave and power to that the 3.7is lack.  With that said, the two presentations (3.7i alone or augmented) could easily be enjoyed.  Different rather than categorically better.
bluesy41
211 posts
 
@tgonzales

What are you using to drive the Maggies? I have a similar size room and a pair of 20.7’s that I recently upgraded from 3.7i’s and I didn’t need a sub then nor do I need one now. And get this I’m currently driving them with 95wpc tubes. I honestly believe it’s in your speaker placement. I suffered through lifeless music with my 3.7i’s for almost a year and then I read the manual and dialed in the placement and got immediate gains. To the point that I’m either going to sell or trade the DWM modules. I also replaced my ARC solid state mono-block amps 600wpc in 4ohm with PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium HP amps. A Wall of Glorious Sound!
tgonzales OP
30 posts
 
I'm driving them with Pass Labs XA100.8 mono blocks.  100wpc in class A and 200wpc in A/B.
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