Tough question--because if you go entry level and like what you hear, you'll likely end up wanting "more" of what makes Maggie great, and will be looking for a pair of 1.6QRs! On the other hand, a physically big speaker like the 1.6 can really impose visually on the room, and is not for every environment acoustically.
Personally, have owned MGIIIa and liked them plenty. Went away from Maggie for a bit. When the 1.6 was first introduced, I bought them on the spot (love at first listen). They are now the 'senior' components in my system--black boxes have come and gone but my 1.6s remain.
Personally, have owned MGIIIa and liked them plenty. Went away from Maggie for a bit. When the 1.6 was first introduced, I bought them on the spot (love at first listen). They are now the 'senior' components in my system--black boxes have come and gone but my 1.6s remain.