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Replacing My Maggie 3.6R

Many of you know I have been a Magnepan fan for a long time with my first pair of 2.6's in the 90's.  As I evolved to prefer tube power with these speakers I upgraded to the 3.6R, Manley Neo Classic Amps and Vandersteen 2W Sub.  About two years ago I added stereo Rel's and truly  thought the quest was over.  Over the years I have tried to move on from Magnepan but could never find a box to deliver the soundstage and imaging.   I've listened to Revel, B&W, Focal, KEF, Harbeth among others.  More recently listened to Acora, Joseph Audio, and Magico and many other A listers.  I came close with SF Amati and even closer with Vimberg Mino, with the Mino's just out of my financial reach.  I then attended AXPONA 2024 for the first time and listened too so many I've forgotten, but I did  listened to MBL's and I was sold!

xagwell

Showing 3 responses by xagwell

xagwell OP
135 posts
 

Love the feedback as always.  I did order a pair of the MBL 116F.  I had them in my room for two weeks and threw everything at them digital and analog.  To my ears I heard drastic improvements in imaging and sound-stage depth which actually surprised me.  The MBL's delivered the slam/dynamics that my Maggies never could deliver on.  And finally they are a "normal size" speaker.  The true test came after the MBL's were picked up and returned.  I honestly missed listening to them and my Maggies didn't quite do it for me anymore................the journey continues

xagwell OP
135 posts
 

It's been a minute but I returned the MBL demo speakers and received my pair in October.   I have absolutely no regrets as they simply  provide more of everything.   I do wonder however if they are being optimized using my 250W tube monoblocks vs the class D MBL amps which produce 540W into 4 ohms.  My room is just 12x14 so I'm probably good for a while.  I am using my subs much less now.  

xagwell OP
135 posts
 

Northman I'm not quite sure what you're asking as  I don't know the issue with your room but both speakers performed great in mine.  I let my room size dictate the model of speaker purchased i.e. MBL 116F instead of the larger 101 MK II.  My room is carpeted on a concrete floor.  I don't use the subs as much simply because the MBL'S provide fuller more hefty bass than my Maggie's did.  Finally the 50" MBL'S  better fit my room than my 72" Maggie's.  I hope this is helpful.

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