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Magneplanar .7 speakers. Have you heard or own them??

I have owned a pair of Golden Ear Technology for about 8 months. I generally like them because of their high level of accuracy and general transparency   However, despite those virtues, I find them to sound cool, and not very involving, or engaging.  Everything being equal, they don't seem to convey the emotional content of the music. I also been finding it difficult to get them to sound right. They can sound a bit bright on some CD's and also provide an overtone on vocals 

I would like to get  feedback from owners of the Magneplanar's .7 speaker, or even if you have only auditioned the speaker a few times in anticipation of buying. Some of the reviews I have read claim that with a fairly powerful amp or integrated, they can cleanly down to 45Hz, but their major strength is a superb midrange and smooth high end. Of course, being familiar with "Maggies" they can give a buyer ulcers trying to get them to sound right especially in medium size room because of their design.  My room is 12.5 X 15 and is separated by a couch to a dining and kitchen area.of almost the same size 

Therefore, I am curious if the .7 can convey that  emotion of music with the same clarity of a  dynamic speaker.  My system is a Rogue Sphinx integrated  amp (100 RMS @ 8ohms, and 200 RMS at 4ohms.  CD player is a Ayre CX-7e mp.

Speaker cables are Harmonic Technology PRO 11+ and  HT Truthlink IC.  I  plug the system into the less expensive Blue Circle's  conditioner which is outstanding,  Thanks to all!!

BTW , I heard the .7 once but not for long, and in a audio shop that carries both Maggies and Golden Ear Technology speakers  However , the owner never seems to have .7 and the GET model 7 on display for audition at the same time.  .   

 

 

sunnyjim

Showing 3 responses by papermill

papermill's avatar
papermill
80 posts
 
Sunnyjim,
I've recently bought the Magnepan .7 for my modest AV setup.
I highly recommend these quasi-ribbon Maggies. I had a concern regarding dynamics, center imaging and bass response. With the tweeter array to the inside, the speakers have very good impact and focus. I supplement the low frequencies with a subwoofer with fine results. What is especially gratifying, is that I'm finding myself in front of these for change-of-pace music listening. The magic of the Magnepan presentation is very refreshing and engaging. As is often advised, make sure you have enough power/current to drive these.
papermill's avatar
papermill
80 posts
 
Sunnyjim,
Glad to help.
Reviewers in general have a propensity to be over enthusiastic of the equipment they review. However, there are a few good ones out there that I trust. I especially appreciate Doug Schroeder of Dagogo and Art Dudley of Stereophile....
I can't overemphasize the need for a good amount of power/current for the Magnepan. 100RMS into 4 ohms sounds a little light to me, but I'm unfamiliar with Rogue -  although I understand they are very nice.
My .7s  are powered by an EMOTIVA XPA-2, 500RMS into 4 ohms.
The basement room is irregularly shaped, but the width of the area where the Magnepans are situated is about 10 ft. 3.5 feet off the front wall, 7 feet apart, the listening/watching couch is about 7.5 feet from the speakers. If you intend to forgo the use of a sub, then the size of the panels will make a significant impact on bass response. I've also been told that the distance from the front wall significantly impacts the bass response. IF you have a larger room that can accommodate the 1.7, then maybe you could consider them. I recommend, if feasible, audition them in your room. Their clean, open soundfield  is very musically enjoyable. There are many forums here and elsewhere regarding all things Magnepan - with much greater experience/expertise than I'm able to offer...
All the best and good luck.

papermill's avatar
papermill
80 posts
 
Sunnyjim,
Your room size might not be an issue as far as distance from each speaker is concerned. Toe-in or lack-of is always a determinant of integration of imaging.
And I think your initial interest in the Magnepan "open sound field, smooth top-end and musicality" is spot on. They deliver.
BTW - When I refer to "front wall" I'm referring to the wall as you face the speakers... and it sounds like you've plenty of distance from the speakers. 
Per your other thread, banana adapters work perfectly fine on the speaker terminals.
That you are investigating a integrated with a phono stage really interests me because I'm a die-hard vinyl audiophile, and I'm thinking about setting up an analog rig to the AV - just because I'm expecting vinyl to be a really great match to the Magnepans.... 
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