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Trading Magnepan 1.7 to Martin Logan Impression 11A worth it?

The subject title is my question. I primarily listen to vinyl on the system. The preamp is a McIntosh C2300 tube, and the amp is a Bryston B4 cubed. My Magnepan 1.7's have Mye stands. I also use two SVS subwoofers. This is in my living room, an asymmetrical room approximately 17x17, with the right and rear walls opened to other rooms. I like the sound of this system usually - depending on the quality of the recording - the soundstage can be large, with good air around instruments and quite revealing. I like the Magnepan sound.
I would like MORE of that sound! Magnepan's 3.7i would be the natural upgrade that I think of. The thing is, my wife might flip if she came home and saw panels that are even larger than the 1.7's, which she already considers too large. So... I thought I'd throw the question out here and ask for some thoughts on this. The Martin Logan 11A's would appear to be smaller than the 1.7s, and they are definitely sexier looking than a large flat panel. I could also lose the subwoofers. However, I certainly wouldn't want to compromise on the sound quality. In fact, for the price difference I would expect an improvement in that regard! I guess I'm looking for something with a good WAF and an upgrade for me! Maybe at this point it would be just a matter of preference. Thoughts?
thewetdog59

Showing 2 responses by mlsstl

mlsstl
1,405 posts
 
I've owned a set of Maggie 1.6QRs in the past and really enjoyed them. They are a very natural sounding speaker in the right room.

As for Martin Logans, I've heard many models over the years and have yet to hear one that has good integration of the woofer and electrostatic panels. This means, for me, the lower midrange has never sounded right. And, I've been told countess time that "with this new model, THIS TIME they've got it right!" Yet, each time I hear the same problem.

Of course, this time it could be different. Or, since ML does have a lot of loyal fans, you may be one of those who doesn't hear what I hear and enjoy their sound. All you can do is listen for yourself.
mlsstl
1,405 posts
 
We moved and the Maggies were not a good fit for the new room -- too big and also the bipole radiation pattern was a poor fit.

I went to a pair of Spendor SP1/2Es which I really enjoyed but my wife got tired of the 70s box cabinet look. I have a pair of Ohm 1000s now which have been a great fit for my situation.
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