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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
musiclover1's avatar
musiclover1
54 posts
 

Xagwell...

You say you " ordered " a pair of MBL's...and used them for a few weeks, and they met all your expectations... then they were picked up and returned... What happened... did they suddenly no longer meet your expectations, or perhaps had mechanical issues which necessitated their return...

Just curious.....

stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,468 posts
 

evaluate Vandersteens.....not easy to set up properly, but once done you'll love them

jrosemd
152 posts
 

I'm with all of those above with recommend the Magnepan 3.7i's.. 

You owe It to yourself to at least audition them.

 

ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,134 posts
 

@musiclover1 

 

I'm with you. The OPs last post made no sense at all.

 

Ag insider logo xs@2x
jji666
536 posts
 

Those of us addicted to the Maggie sound have found ways to work through their perceived shortcomings.  Two good REL subwoofers (I have 3 running presently) is a good step in the direction of addressing perceived lack of deep bass.

I also bought a pair of Maggie DWM panels - the same tech as the base panel in the 20.1s - to augment bass.  It does do that but I often find I enjoy just as much without having them on. 

The real upgrade came when I bypassed the external crossover box (which you cannot do with anything .7 or above) and actively biamped my Maggies.  That was revelatory.  

OP, you have many things you can do before you ditch your beloved 3.6rs!  Forget about expensive replacements and roll up your sleeves! 

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