Optimal Placement for Magnepan 3.6?


Distance from rear wall and side walls….distance between speakers (imaging)….distance from speakers to listening position?

Concerns: Unwanted glare from ribbon tweeter. Room dimension constraints (how small is too small…speakers need room to breathe).

Also: concerning bass extension…in a small room are the 3.6’s adequate without a sub? How well does the 3.6 integrate with a sub?

Background: I want more resolution…I seek a more resolving speaker. I truly enjoy my Krell Res 2s because they are incredibly dynamic and cohesive and they maintain control at extremely high volume levels. They work great on large orchestral movements, rock and any other music with great dynamic contrasts. I do however yearn for the superior resolution of planner speakers when I listen to acoustic music and vocals. I admire the strengths of the Krells, but since I spend more time listening to acoustic jazz, acoustic guitar, vocals and string arrangements, I feel the need to make a change.

Right now, I just need basic information regarding optimal setup requirements. At this point, my actual room measurements are of little consequence.

Note: This is a Magnepan 3.6 thread. At this time, I am not interested in hearing about other speakers (unless they can be had at the same price as the 3.6s and offer the same - or better, attributes).
Thanks
2chnlben

Showing 2 responses by philjolet

What is your room size?

I found with my Maggie 1.6 that the Cardas method worked well and the rule of thirds better but was too intrusive.

You can go to the Cardas website to see their formula for speaker placement

on a 15 x 21 room the rule of thirds is: speakers 5 feet apart (15 divided by 3 =5) and 7 feet out in the room (21 divided by 3 = 7)

good luck

fwiw some people prefer the 1.6 to the 3.6 because the QR blends to the woofer better than the ribbon on the 3.6

When I had the 1.6 I felt the tonal balance was nearly perfect

Also when I had the 1.6 I never felt the need for a sub. Set up correctly they go down to the 30s. I am not sure you could achieve that response with your arrangement however...

I know you want this thread to be about the 3.6 but I feel some of this info is pertinent...