New versions of Vienna Mahlers, Strauss?

Thank you RealHifi, I may heed your recommendation! Please let us know more about your experiences with Mahlers.

Thank you Downunder, I would initially power the Mahlers with a pair of Rowland 7M monoblocks, to be replaced at some time possibly with a Rowland 312 or other solid state or class D amp. My listening environment consists of a loft measuring approx 17 x 18 ft with 10-12 coffered ceiling. The Mahlers would back into a half wall, 39 inches high, opening onto the home entrance on the main floor below. The open area behind the half wall has a square footage slightly higher than the loft itself. Walls are textured with the typical 'Monterey knockdown' used in Austin (TX); Ceilings are stippled; floor is carpeted with wall-to-wall berber, and I have an extremely thick 12x9 wool rug in the loft. One side wall is occupied by a wall unit with books and other thinks; A sofa sits opposite the speakers. I would say my acoustics are very controlled--sounding open but with little or no reverberation.

Hi Shane, my current speakers are a pair of Maggie IIIAds. The total area of my listening environment, including loft and open area behind it is perhaps 18 ft wide by 36 deep or so. Yes, I would love to hear Raquel's thoughts on this.

Thanks Raquel, yes the Mahlers can sound like competent 'junior achievers' with some D-class amps, e.g. Rowland 201 and 501. But on Rowland 312 they were a completely different kettle of fish. . . . outstandingly musical without a trace of bass bloat. By the way neither 201s nor 501s generated bloat. . . just not as musical as I wished.

Hi Downunder, I did not hear a problem in the 201 and 501 treble per se. That is, I was not detecting audible distortions. Rather, I did not hear all the harmonic richness I was looking for, nor was I hearing all the low level detail and microdynamics that make music come alive.

I agree. . . the Maggies 3As and the Mahlers are very different animals. . . but can both be very uniquely musical under the right circumstances.

Finally I have taken the plunge. . . retired my Maggie IIIAs and have just received a brand new pair of Mahlers. . . . and promptly started a thread to chronicle their break in process and discuss Mahler related matters. . .
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?cspkr&1195845334&openmine&zzGuidocorona&4&5#Guidocorona
See you all there!