Magnepans VS MartinLogan for detail and sound staging


I'm currently an owner of Magnepan 1.7s paired with a Peachtree PreDAC/GaN400 bundle. 

I'm one of those listeners who loves detail and accurate sound staging.

On some levels I'm perfectly happy with the sound as when I play Grateful Dead's Ripple at mid volume where I can position every voice, every guitar strum with amazing clarity. When I step up to something fuller and more complex musically like something off the Doors first album or even something musically symphonic like Saint-Saen's Organ Symphony or the Nutcracker at mid-level volume the fullness and detail begin to wear thin.

I also have a 30 year old Yamaha subwoofer that I occasionally use for any recording that seems to need a boost for my 72 year old ears.

Though I haven't listened to them yet, research makes me think that a pair of Martin-Logan ESL's could improve my experience since they're less demanding power-wise than my Maggie's and have a reputation for delivering the sound nuances I'm looking for. On the other hand maybe I should be investing in a different amp or preamp?

Any suggestions from anyone who's ventured down a similar path?

 

baconboy

Showing 1 response by bartmannm

Hears a vote for the Maggie 2.7i’s.  I upgraded from the 1.7i’s about 3 months ago and am very happy. I have a small (16 X 12) room that is audio only. Just my Human Touch Perfect Chair (bad back, disabled) my audio gear and me. I have added 2 SVS SB- 1000 Pro’s along with the 2.7i’s. I have never been a “louder is better” kind of listener. I have measured my average listening volume, according to my phone app anyway, is around 80 dB. I drive those with a Carver Crimson 275, PrimaLuna EVO 300 Preamp and my media comes thru a Cambridge Audio CXN100

Go enjoy your music!