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Magnepan Owners - Need Your Thoughts Please

Spent some time recently auditioning the Magenpan 12's and 1.6's; I was very impressed with the sound, especially when you consider their modest cost.

I've always had highly sensitive horn speakers so a Magnepan is a totally new direction for me. I will keep my Khorns and consider adding the Magnepans for even more fun! Here are some questions that I need help with. Of course, I will bring them home for a personal in-house listen before I buy but any thoughts that you Maggie owners could add will be greatly appreciated! Questions:

(1)Will a pair of 125 watt VTL monoblocks (EL-34's) be enough juice to drive the Magnepans to reasonable listening levels in my large room (17.5w x 26L x 9h). By reasonable levels I mean 85db - 90db (at the most). I don't want to 'blow-up' the VTL's! They are rated at 130 watts in Tetrode mode into 4 ohms.

(2)I assume that the larger panels of the 1.6's would be harder to drive overall than the smaller 12's?

(3) Setup advice: where do I start on placement? How far from the front wall and how far from the sidewalls? How far apart? Also, are Magnepans designed to be faced straight-ahead or with some toe-in? And, what about the ribbons, placed on the outside or inside?

(4) What are the appropriate listening distances? How far do you sit back from the panels?

Would love to hear Magnepan owners' comments and advice on these questions or any other Maggie issues that I am not thinking about. Thanks!
stickman451

Showing 1 response by bearheath

bearheath
1 posts
 
1) Yes the VTLs will drive both sets of speakers. The main issue with Magnepans is clean power with good current. Magnepan's are a steady 4 ohm load so aren't that hard to drive just need strong current.

2) 1.6s are not really harder to drive than the 1.2s, they will just go lower and will play louder if given more power.

3) Recommendation is tweeters on the outside edge. Your room is plenty big to take advantage of the Magnepan's qualities. I suggest 4 from feet out from back wall and 7-8 feet apart. I sit about 9 1/2 feet from my speakers but your room is bigger so you have more options. The speakers are very easy to move so experimenting will provide you with the best sound.
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