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Magnepan .7 Alternatives

Looking for suggestions…Currently I have Magnepan .7’s and am generally happy but at times they just don’t do it.

I find these speakers to be schizophrenic, sounding great on some tracks and other tracks leaving me wondering what the hey !… I’d say probably 30-40% of the time I’m feeling this way. Either too much treble, not clear or not tonally balanced. I’m no expert but just my opinion, it often comes off as the midrange being pushed to it’s limit trying to be treble. I assume I feel that way being the speaker’s lack of accuracy, although what Maggi’s do they do well, just not an accurate speaker.

I experience this pretty much no matter what source or style of music I play, certainly a non forgiving speaker. Yes, I’ve played around with Toe-In, tried various resistors & jumpers…sounds great on everything I adjust, just not a consistent sounds great.

Lets get it straight, I’m not a “Magnepan Hater”, there’s certain qualities I truly love about my Maggi .7’s, the open sound, the transparency but hoping I may be able to find a speaker that’s not as finicky and can give me the open feel, transparency and clarity that I seek.

My set up consists of:

Odyssey Khartago Extreme Amp

Tubes4hif SP-13 Preamp

Bluesound Node

EAT B Sharp TT w/Sumiko Moonstone Cart

Pro-Ject Tube Box S Phono Pre

(2) REL - T5x Subs

 

Room dimensions: 11.5’ W x 12’ L

10’ Ceilings -

Listening Distance from Speakers

8.5’ - 9’

Carpet, Curtins, (4) 48” x 12”Acoustic panels on wall behind sofa facing my set up.

Not a fan of bookshelf’s and rather would prefer recommendations on

Floorstanders but will listen and research any suggestions you feel would work.

Note: I’m just starting my search, so don’t beat me up if I don’t go right out and purchase your suggestion as others have done in the past.

My Budget is around the $3k mark.

Thanks

🔊

128x128flasd
dain
60 posts
 

I had the same issue, and want to reiterate what was mentioned here that mixing and matching components is a tricky business, some things just don’t work well together even though they are lauded and praised. My tube preamp/amp combo seemed to be good on some tracks and lifeless in others. I blamed recordings, but that’s not the reason. Once I went to a matched system, preamp amp, dac all by the same company everything clicked. Also, preamps really are important! Turning down the volume proves Maggie’s do miracles with the right setup. It’s when you try to use volume to create more engagement it can suffer. 

jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 

preamp to power amp gain/impedance matching is one of the most difficult issues for many audiophiles playing with separates

sometimes it can only be sorted out via trial and error, which can be an expensive proposition

one of the reasons why it is often a smart practice to use separates from the same maker, or rely on a good dealer who has this aspect well understood and embedded in their equipment recommendation to the customer

gerrie
107 posts
 

It is very simple first the recordings second take a power amp.

jfuquay
104 posts
 

While I like my .7s, what I really like is acoustic music. I honestly don’t think they are the best choice for amplified rock and the like. Also, when I auditioned the .7 at a local dealer (lucky me!) with a Rogue Sphinx, a Node was the source. I was so disappointed from the first sound I heard. So was my wife. I asked to change the source to turntable and CD. Much better. On any good system, weak sources or recordings get shown up. My DAC, a PS Audio Directstream, is the most expensive component now in my system. I didn’t plan it that way, but that’s where the search led.

If you ask me, I think there are many, many fine amps that don’t cost a fortune. Picking the speaker that fits your own ear and music preferences — and your room — sets the stage. And then feed the system with the very best signal you can afford, meaning good recordings and a good TT cartridge and a good DAC. Best of luck in your search.

tweak1
3,560 posts
 

I have Emerald Physics 3.4 OB 12" mid-woofer with 1" polyester concentric tweeter. Ive own many speakers over my 6+ decades (including Maggies). IMHO, the 3.4s would be a great fit for your room.

Unfortunately, they are no longer made, BUT, they do come up for sale from time to time for under $2K

 

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