that room is both way too small [maggies need much more space due to the requirement of being away from the back wall at least 3 feet] and also that room is almost a perfect cube, unfavorable acoustics as there are standing waves at the same frequencies both horizontally and vertically, causing severe lumpiness in the bass and lower midrange. bass damping is mostly futile [you’d need to take up even more of what space remains in that room with bulky bass traps] in a room of that size and dimension. IMHO your real-world choices are nearfield with compact monitors, or headphones. maggies OR Vandersteen speakers will not sound [as designed] in THAT room. that was my experience, having to save up [for years] to move someplace roomier was the result.
Magnepan .7 Alternatives
Looking for suggestions…Currently I have Magnepan .7’s and am generally happy but at times they just don’t do it.
I find these speakers to be schizophrenic, sounding great on some tracks and other tracks leaving me wondering what the hey !… I’d say probably 30-40% of the time I’m feeling this way. Either too much treble, not clear or not tonally balanced. I’m no expert but just my opinion, it often comes off as the midrange being pushed to it’s limit trying to be treble. I assume I feel that way being the speaker’s lack of accuracy, although what Maggi’s do they do well, just not an accurate speaker.
I experience this pretty much no matter what source or style of music I play, certainly a non forgiving speaker. Yes, I’ve played around with Toe-In, tried various resistors & jumpers…sounds great on everything I adjust, just not a consistent sounds great.
Lets get it straight, I’m not a “Magnepan Hater”, there’s certain qualities I truly love about my Maggi .7’s, the open sound, the transparency but hoping I may be able to find a speaker that’s not as finicky and can give me the open feel, transparency and clarity that I seek.
My set up consists of:
Odyssey Khartago Extreme Amp
Tubes4hif SP-13 Preamp
Bluesound Node
EAT B Sharp TT w/Sumiko Moonstone Cart
Pro-Ject Tube Box S Phono Pre
(2) REL - T5x Subs
Room dimensions: 11.5’ W x 12’ L
10’ Ceilings -
Listening Distance from Speakers
8.5’ - 9’
Carpet, Curtins, (4) 48” x 12”Acoustic panels on wall behind sofa facing my set up.
Not a fan of bookshelf’s and rather would prefer recommendations on
Floorstanders but will listen and research any suggestions you feel would work.
Note: I’m just starting my search, so don’t beat me up if I don’t go right out and purchase your suggestion as others have done in the past.
My Budget is around the $3k mark.
Thanks
🔊