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Martin-Logan as alternative to Magnepan 1.6's

I was in a dealer's showroom today and explained to him what I was trying to do: build a new system that is 90% as good as it gets for placement in a little bit of an ackward room. I had pretty much settled on the Magneplanar 1.6's with an amp "with enough power to run an arc welder". My dealer suggested I consider the Martin-Logan Mosaic or Clarity speakers. Used, I would even consider the Aeon's.

The advantages of the Martin-Logans are a) easier to set up, b) they could be adequately powered by a good hybrid integrated amp ($1500 to $2000 range), and c) their good sound could be appreciated at low volumes better, i.e. if one was hosting a dinner party.

The Martin-Logan Clarity's are about $2600 vs $1750 for the Maggies (plus Mye stands, etc.). How much different are these two speakers? If one of my goals is to produce the feeling of a large open space in which an orchestra or jazz quartet is playing, (with excellent tube electronics and adequate interconnects/speaker cables) will I be able to accomplish this with the M-L Clarity's? Will I be at least 90% there, as compared to what I could do with box speakers (Theil 2.6's would come to mind)?

I expect there are committed fans of each speaker
delsfan

Showing 2 responses by delsfan

delsfan OP
19 posts
 
I was saying, as I clicked the wrong button, I expect there are committed fans of each speaker manufacturer, and I know I love the magneplaner sound with tube electronics - it's just that I don't think I'll ever get the Maggies set up to sound their best in my living room (not small, but not symmetrical).

Thanks for the advice on martinloganowners.com; I'll post the same question there.
"The Aeon is the also is the cheapest speaker in the ML line that supports an upgradedable power cord and bi-wiring."
Looks like the Aeon's (used!) could do what I'm asking then. Could one say they might be better than the 1.6's - and not as good (or a matter of opinion) than the 3.6's?

Seems like the M-L Aeon's (for more money than the Magneplanar 1.6's) are quite good - and would surpass the sound (that I like, anyway) of any box speaker.

I'll be glad to hear some more of your comments.
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delsfan OP
19 posts
 
"The only real issue I would see is if the wall behind the speaker is uneven, or opens into another room..."

That's my problem, there is a cased opening behind where I sit. It is about 6' wide, starts about 2' on my right (and behind me) and extends to the left. My speakers will be about 2-1/2' to 3' out from the front wall. There will be about 7' - 8' from the speakers to where I sit, then another 6' or so from me to the back wall (and opening).

From the left speaker to the side wall is about 8'; from the right speaker to the side wall is about 20'.

Does the opening behind my seating area (just the one chair for serious listening) eliminate Maggies?

Will M-L's be any better in this situation?

I'll be listening to jazz and vocals a lot, the occasional pop tune, usually at not too high of a volume, much of the time while working around the house. However, if I'm going to spend $6K minimum (and that's if I buy some used equipment) and go to the effort of maintaining tube electronics, just to play CD's, I want the system to be between really good and astounding when I sit to listen seriously.

Thanks again for your comments.
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