I currently rotate Ohm 100s and Maggie SMGs in a system that uses twin Velo SPLR subs as well. Therefore, my observations are "real time", but they stop at 80hz.
The Ohms produce a "drier" presentation that strikes me as pretty much dead neutral in tonal balance. In many respects, this feels a bit "Quad-like". Big dynamic swings aren't a strong point here (again, see Quad), but with some break-in are okay. Imaging is nearly unique, well defined with a sense of weight and body that you only get from omnis.
The Maggies have a "rounder" presentation that reflects a touch more energy through the upper bass and presence region. Ironically, the planar Maggies sound much less like Quads than do the Ohms. Macrodynamics here are similarly restricted, but "micros" (for example, plucked guitar) have a special "jump" to them. Imaging is very, very good, but less layered than Ohms (back images tend to feel glued to the wall) and less "weighty" as well.
Overall, you can make a case for either. Of course, when used as a stand-alone, the Ohms have impressive bass extension and weight. (They also cost 3X, as much.) Some years back, I owned Maggie 3.5s, which are twice the price of the Ohm 100s, but (albeit recalled with imperfect memory) I'd still give the Ohms a significant edge on bottom. Caveat: time and limited experience with full range operation of the Ohms REQUIRE that you digest that observation with a dose of salt.
A further bass observation: Ohms are incredibly easy to integrate with a sub (and controller), the Maggies are a pain in the ass. I eventually got a great match with the Maggies, but it was painful.
My ultimate take is that these speakers represent simply "different strokes". I've had the Maggies on line for 2 weeks now, so I'm currently in "Maggie" mode, but when the Ohms rotate back in (soon enough), I know I'll lean that way again.
I bought both products factory direct with return rights and I've elected to keep both. Overall, no dynamic speaker I've heard (and I currently own some very expensive, very fine examples of that breed) can match the particular strengths of either the Maggies or the Ohms. OTOH, those speakers still have other charms (mainly macro-dynamic) that weigh in their favor.
If forced to keep only one speaker system, I'd probably (somewhat reluctantly) choose Ohms with subs. If forced to go with Maggie/Subs, I wouldn't suffer a whole lot. On a stand alone basis, the Ohms are an easy call. Off my experience of the last year, I'd be inclined to choose either the Ohm/sub or Maggie/sub combo over any dynamic driver alternative that I've heard at any price point(caveat: I haven't heard everything).
Hope this helps.
Marty
The Ohms produce a "drier" presentation that strikes me as pretty much dead neutral in tonal balance. In many respects, this feels a bit "Quad-like". Big dynamic swings aren't a strong point here (again, see Quad), but with some break-in are okay. Imaging is nearly unique, well defined with a sense of weight and body that you only get from omnis.
The Maggies have a "rounder" presentation that reflects a touch more energy through the upper bass and presence region. Ironically, the planar Maggies sound much less like Quads than do the Ohms. Macrodynamics here are similarly restricted, but "micros" (for example, plucked guitar) have a special "jump" to them. Imaging is very, very good, but less layered than Ohms (back images tend to feel glued to the wall) and less "weighty" as well.
Overall, you can make a case for either. Of course, when used as a stand-alone, the Ohms have impressive bass extension and weight. (They also cost 3X, as much.) Some years back, I owned Maggie 3.5s, which are twice the price of the Ohm 100s, but (albeit recalled with imperfect memory) I'd still give the Ohms a significant edge on bottom. Caveat: time and limited experience with full range operation of the Ohms REQUIRE that you digest that observation with a dose of salt.
A further bass observation: Ohms are incredibly easy to integrate with a sub (and controller), the Maggies are a pain in the ass. I eventually got a great match with the Maggies, but it was painful.
My ultimate take is that these speakers represent simply "different strokes". I've had the Maggies on line for 2 weeks now, so I'm currently in "Maggie" mode, but when the Ohms rotate back in (soon enough), I know I'll lean that way again.
I bought both products factory direct with return rights and I've elected to keep both. Overall, no dynamic speaker I've heard (and I currently own some very expensive, very fine examples of that breed) can match the particular strengths of either the Maggies or the Ohms. OTOH, those speakers still have other charms (mainly macro-dynamic) that weigh in their favor.
If forced to keep only one speaker system, I'd probably (somewhat reluctantly) choose Ohms with subs. If forced to go with Maggie/Subs, I wouldn't suffer a whole lot. On a stand alone basis, the Ohms are an easy call. Off my experience of the last year, I'd be inclined to choose either the Ohm/sub or Maggie/sub combo over any dynamic driver alternative that I've heard at any price point(caveat: I haven't heard everything).
Hope this helps.
Marty