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
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.
@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!
I'm driving them with Pass Labs XA100.8 mono blocks.  100wpc in class A and 200wpc in A/B.
@tgonzales 

Play with the placement and I’m certain you will see the 3.7’s go to an another level of deph and dynamics. Also make sure if you have the tweeter on the inside that the panel is closer to your listening chair then the tweeter. The tweeter must be further away from you for maximum imaging and openness. As I’m sure you are aware Maggie’s are finicky when it comes or placement but once you get them dialed in the rewards are incredible. Happy listening and cheers 
Yeah, the way you have them wired you are definitely putting a strain on those monos.  I have the 3.7s and used to run them with a Pass 250.5.  Tried the DWM's and never did get used to them. Tried several subs (some pretty expensive too) and just couldn't find the right integration.
Finally tried an inexpensive Martin Logan and it was great.  Non ported and built to work with ML Electrostats so it was fast enough and very accurate.  I never looked back.  BTW..... Just a quick note.  Take out those steel jumpers on the back panel and listen for a very large change in detail and dynamics.  I happened to use Anticables but anything is better than the steel.