Hi:
I have the R645's as well as a ten year old pair of Maggies. I was fully expecting to purchase the 1.6's but was not thrilled with the dealer audition and went with the Newforms instead.
To my ears, the R645's have a better overall dynamic range with better top and bottom end. Midrange is excellent also but this is Maggies strong suit and I would give the Maggies the edge here. Newforms are easier to place and drive (91db) and take up about as much space. Maggies (to me) look better cosmetically. Overall, I have found that the Newform's work well on my tube equipment. Maggies need additional horsepower (generally Solid State unless you have the cash for 100+ Watt tube amps)to shine. Both have excellent soundstage. I give the R645's the advantage of having slightly better clarity.
My very subjective opinion is that I preferred the R645's over the Maggie 1.6's and felt they were a toss-up with the 3.6's. Since the Newforms are over $1K cheaper than the 3.6's and work well with lower power tubes, I happily went with the R645's.
Ultimately, I suggest you try out the R645's and 3.6's in your own listening room with a wide range of music and electronics. I think they are both top notch speakers both for performance and value. They are also very tweakible (especially the r645's)if you want to go down that road.
Good luck.
I have the R645's as well as a ten year old pair of Maggies. I was fully expecting to purchase the 1.6's but was not thrilled with the dealer audition and went with the Newforms instead.
To my ears, the R645's have a better overall dynamic range with better top and bottom end. Midrange is excellent also but this is Maggies strong suit and I would give the Maggies the edge here. Newforms are easier to place and drive (91db) and take up about as much space. Maggies (to me) look better cosmetically. Overall, I have found that the Newform's work well on my tube equipment. Maggies need additional horsepower (generally Solid State unless you have the cash for 100+ Watt tube amps)to shine. Both have excellent soundstage. I give the R645's the advantage of having slightly better clarity.
My very subjective opinion is that I preferred the R645's over the Maggie 1.6's and felt they were a toss-up with the 3.6's. Since the Newforms are over $1K cheaper than the 3.6's and work well with lower power tubes, I happily went with the R645's.
Ultimately, I suggest you try out the R645's and 3.6's in your own listening room with a wide range of music and electronics. I think they are both top notch speakers both for performance and value. They are also very tweakible (especially the r645's)if you want to go down that road.
Good luck.