Magnepan vs Ohm/Walsh ?

Hi Guys,

Thanks for your thoughts, I appreciate it.

I have a pair of the Magnepan 1.6QR's on order that should be arriving next week... for my taste, it is probably the right decision... an intimate sounding system for a smaller room (11 x 14), likely powered by tubes. Although I may need to sell my Prima Luna Dialogue Two to buy a more powerful tube amp (maybe a Cary SLI-80 Signature or VTL ST-85). I can try it first and see if it's got enough juice. I will be sitting fairly close to the speakers and usually listen at low to moderate levels, so it may be alright.

I might also see if I can pick up a pair of Ohms to play with and compare.

Further thoughts on the Maggie vs. Ohm comparison are always welcomed. Thanks Again!

Mlsstl,

Your point is well taken. But recently, I did have a pair of the older MG .5QR in that room (same panel size as the MG-12QR). With the QR tweeters inboard, the presentation was simply magical, although a bit truncated in the bass. I think that if I locate the MG-1.6's in the same spot I will get a similar presentation, but with more bass. If it's too much bass, I could possibly bi-amp and turn down the amp slightly on the bass panel to get a good blend. At any rate, I think it's worth a try. A 13x15 room to me would seem almost ideal if it were dedicated to the task. But those smaller Maggies in my room didn't merely sound "good," they sounded marvelous... so I'm hopeful.

Rebbi, yes, I saw the Ohms you spoke of the other day, but I dragged my feet too long and now it appears a sale is pending. I'm sure there'll be another opportunity down the road to try the Ohms. Then perhaps I'll let go of my sweet little Silverline Preludes.

Thanks!

Mlsstl,

I know what you mean about the room size. I'll be real curious to see if I can get the Maggies to strut their stuff like I know they can. I have a couple of tricks up my sleeve. Originally, I was going to go with the MG-12 because I'm 99.9 percent sure they would work. But the folks at Magnepan sort of prodded me toward the 1.6 (and one of my audio friends who has Quad 57's and KLH 9 electrostats). They said the bass could be managed... So I'll find out about that soon enough.

I have a larger 14 x 30 foot room that I could use, except that I've already got a very good pair of NSR Sonata D3's in that room and I know my wife would not go for 2 large pairs of speakers... nor would I want to push my luck...!