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Building a System around Magnepan Speakers...

Hello everyone,

I am creating a separate thread here from my resent question I posed about building a decent system for around $2000. I have decided that I want to build a system around Magnepan speakers. My budget is the same, $2000 or so. I am a bit flexible but I don't want to spend a great deal more than that.

My questions are:

1. Which Magnepan Speakers should I get? In my budget I could get the MMG, the MG 12 or a used 1.6. Could you advise on what the differences are between these three models? At the moment, there is a listing on Audiogon for a 1.6 that is going for $900 and that seems extremely reasonable for these speakers.

2. What amp should I use to drive the Magnepan speakers? I am looking at integrated amps only. I have heard that tube amps don't usually have enough current to drive these speakers well, so I guess I am really looking at solid state integrated amplifiers. What is the best solid state amplifier I can get for under $1000 used? A review I read suggested that a Rotel RA-1062 would be a good bet for driving these speakers. I have heard that the RA-1062 has a reputation for being one of the most reasonably priced "high end" amplifiers that can be bought. However, some would indicate that it does not have enough power to really drive the Magnepan speakers to their potential.

So, can you advise me one what type of amplifiers I should use to drive the Magnepan speakers that can be had for less than $1000 used?

3. Do you think that I should get a subwoofer to use with these speakers? I am sure this would be out of my budget, but perhaps as a future upgrade. I just want to know as I have heard that Magnepan speakers have a reputation for lacking a bit on the low end. If you think they would benefit significantly, what subs do you think would be a good match for these speakers?

4. Finally, are Magnepan speakers a good match for playing vinyl? Are there certain types of music that they do better with? My plan would probably be to start with a digital source, probably a computer or hard drive unit with a high quality dac playing lossless flac files. Then later I will buy a record player and get into the vinyl realm.

Those are all the questions I have at the moment. I do believe that Magnepan's have a reputation as some of the best values in high end speakers, so I was naturally drawn to them. I didn't think of them initially because I always thought they were out of my budget, but I have learned that all three of the models I referred to can be had for under a grand.

I hope some of you might be able to answer my questions about these speakers and designing a budget conscious system around them. Thanks for helping to make this site such a valuable resource for people like me.
jrodefeld
Post removed 
paul_graham
197 posts
 
I have a pair of 1.7's, very similar to 1.6's.....

Quick thoughts....

Forget the sub woofer idea...sub woofers with 1.6's is like putting to much seasoning on food. Sometimes less is better. If you have the extra money for a good sub-woofer, spend it on a better amp or cables. Just my opinion here... These speakers are best with jazz vocals...not so hot with rock/pop music. Speakers are like cars, no one car does everything the best. Jeep Wrangler's don't corner, and Porsche's don't do mountain trails. Accept this concept with your Maggies.

Google "JRiver"...this will open your door to the digital world...

For the integrated amp...http://www.morrowaudio.com/jd302crc.htm
they are on sale and a very, very solid value. Call him and discuss the Maggie requirements. He will answer the phone and be honest with you.

Maggies (like most speakers) are best with vinyl, still great with digital.
brownsfan
1,508 posts
 
Interesting problem. I approach budget systems by focusing on 1 good piece that I can hold for awhile, then building around it with high value components that I can gradually add as more money becomes available. I recommend the MG 1.6's. as that piece that you can buy and hold. You can be satisfied for a long time without adding a sub, although down the road that would be a good addition. I would stay away from the Rotel. Instead, I would suggest you look for a McCormack DNA 0.5, or perhaps a 0.5 deluxe edition. You should be able to find one for 600-700, so that would put you at about $1500. For volume attenuation, I'd suggest Endler volume attenuators, which will cost you $140 new for 2 channels. Check these out at the following site. http://mysite.verizon.net/vze4c5pt/id2.html. These will be a lot better than you can get for anything close to the money, and works well with the McCormack. So now you are in for about $1650, leaving you about $350 for a DAC and IC's. I ran this exact rig for about 2 years and was very satisfied with it. It is insanely good for 2K, and will allow you to replace pieces very gradually over time. This is what I did, and my ~2K rig evolved into a 20K rig before I felt the need to replace the Maggies. In all, I held them 12 years, and never felt the need for a sub.
onemug
784 posts
 
1. Get the biggest Maggie you can afford (1.6 in this case).

2. Tube or SS, they both work. You will prefer one more than the other. More important, how loud do you want to be able to play your system? Contrary to what you read, Maggies only need a lot of power if you want to really crank it. You only NEED an amp that is "happy" with a 4 ohm load. Hopefully, for your ears and pocketbook, you don't need to crank it but that's your call.

3. Don't get ahead of yourself. Get the Mags, enjoy them for awhile and then decide. For me, they have enough bass that I could live with them w/o a sub.

4. Maggies are excellent with vinyl.

Enjoy the journey.
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