Maggie update

#271

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4/23/05 at 3:04pm

ScottCarr
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I had lent one of my SVS PCUs to an audioenvy.com person for approximately 2 months. Today I went over to his house where he demoed his maggie I think 1.2s.
Either way I was thoroughly impressed with the openness of the sound. It wasn't like mirage speakers, which I dont like, but I felt as if I was sitting in a local pub listening to a band on stage. I really like the sound of them. For movies the dialog sounded so natural.

After the audition and visit to the website, can anyone tell me what I would not experience if I opt for the MMG over the Mg12?

Low end is pretty much handled by 2 SVS PCUs and a SVS PB10.
thanks and great thread.

#272

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4/23/05 at 3:40pm

AlanZ
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Scott: Wow, you've definitely got the low end covered! Do you have all three SVSs in the same room, and if so, how big is the room? Unfortunately I've never heard the 12s, only the MMGs, 1.6s, and 3.6s. I think regardless of the differences between the MMGs and the 12s, I'd start with the MMGs. Magnepan offers you an in-home trial where you can either keep them, return them if you don't like them, or return them and receive credit toward the larger models, including the 12s.

I ran my MMGs for 6 months full range (no sub) and thought they were great. You may have read above that I recently added a PB10. When I was just running the MMGs full range I could definitely tell a difference between them and the 1.6s. Now I'm sure the 1.6s are still the better speaker, and I will definitely upgrade to them at some point, but I am so happy with how the sub improved my system that I MAY consider another upgrade before that of the 1.6s. I guess the reason I'm telling you this is because I would bet that if you're going to have such a strong low end, you may find it hard to justify paying twice as much for the 12s as you would with the MMGs. You could put that extra $500 towards a nice two channel amp or something.

Ultimately your ears will tell you what to do, but I think you'll be very pleased with how much value you get out of these MMGs - AFTER you've broken them in properly, that is. I was watching Gladiator last night, and I was floored by what I am getting out of this relatively inexpensive system. I'm sure that larger Maggies would only make it better, but I'm really happy with where I'm at for the time being.

I'm sure the others will chime in with their advice, too, but just make sure you keep us updated as to what you do!

"Come on you Fockers....CONGA!!!"
-Dustin Hoffman as 'Bernie Focker'

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#273

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4/23/05 at 4:18pm

ScottCarr
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Hi Alan,

Yes all three subs are in the huge room that measures about 9x16x7.8

. with that said I very rarely run all 3 at the same time, it really depends on my mood.

I have a parasound A52 sitting on my AV stand and a Hafler 100x2 amp in its box, both waiting to be called off the bench.

My past experiences were a variety of Cambridge sound (no longer a big fan of them) Klipsch RF3II and RF7s, and rocket 750s. If I can figure out how to order the MMGs I think I will pull the trigger.

thanks for the reply.

I hope I can be a member of the clique. My middle name is is after all Alan

#274

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4/23/05 at 4:26pm

AlanZ
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lol, well I guess that makes you "C".....welcome to the club! As for ordering the MMGs, you just need to give Magnepan a call whenever you're ready. They will usually ship them the following day. If you're going to do a 4.1/5.1 system, you may want to consider the MMG-Ws for the back. They are mounted on either the side wall or the rear wall about 2' off the ground, and they do a great job as surrounds. If you think you end up liking the MMGs and want to move up to a larger model such as the 12s or 1.6s, you may want to hold off and possibly consider the MC1s in the back. Just my $.02

"Come on you Fockers....CONGA!!!"
-Dustin Hoffman as 'Bernie Focker'

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#275

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4/23/05 at 4:50pm

ScottCarr
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Well my room my hamper the ability to upgrade. I do like the idea of the MMG-W for the sides and rear.

#276

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4/23/05 at 4:59pm

AlanZ
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You know, one more thing to consider (not to make this more complicated) is a set-up like what Dean has. He uses MC1s in the front. They mount to the wall just like the MMG-Ws do, but are more suited to being mains than the Ws. The MMGs should really be 2-3 feet out from the wall to sound their best, so if this is a potential problem the MC1s may be a solution. Those you would have to pick up from a local dealer, though.

"Come on you Fockers....CONGA!!!"
-Dustin Hoffman as 'Bernie Focker'

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#277

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4/23/05 at 5:11pm

Parker Clack
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Z:

No problem. I listened to the PB10 in LA last year and was really blown away by what that little sub could do and with you already having the rest of the audio spectrum covered it was a no brainer recommendation.

Earth Wind and Fire? You need to get a copy of their "Let's Grove Tonight" and spin that disc with you system. I am getting goose bumps just sitting here thinking about how it would sound. Also, if you have never heard them I would highly recommend you get Flim and the BB's "Big Notes" as a test disc. Talk about running the frequency spectrum.

It is widely rumored about DSOTM being inspired by "The Wizard of Oz" and written to go along with the movie. As to this having any basis in truth is a horse of a different color.

Parker

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#278

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4/23/05 at 7:33pm

ScottCarr
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2 to 3 feet from the wall is perfect since the a/v rack is 28 inches deep.

I can't wait for next weekend

#279

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4/24/05 at 4:56am

Dean_M
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Do you think there is any truth to the fact that it was inspired by the Wizard of Oz?

Z, I've never heard that rumor, but I don't think it's true. I've always understood it to be a tribute of sorts to PF's founder, Syd Barret, who was institutionalized for mental illness.
The Captain and Tennille ?? Say it ain't so! You're a bigger man than I to be able to announce that on a public forum. (I own a Cyndi Lauper and a Gregorian Chant CD, but don't tell anyone.)

#280

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4/24/05 at 5:20am

Dean_M
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I hope I can be a member of the clique. My middle name is is after all Alan

Good grief, another one. What are you, aliens sent here to invade all Maggie threads?

I can't comment on the MG12s or the MGM-Ws as I've never heard them, but it seems to be the case with Maggies that bigger is better. I have the MC1s and CC3s as fronts and surrounds, and I have been very pleased with them.
Unfortunately, this crowd is a bad influence and has been inciting my upgrading frenzy, so I'm looking to get a pair of 1.6s.

In the meantime, I'm going to build a pair of floor stands for my front MC1s as an experiment. I suspect that although they are "designed" for mounting on a wall, giving them some breathing room with stands will improve/enhance the sound and make the speakers more versatile.

#281

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4/24/05 at 6:47am

Parker Clack
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Dean:

Since you haven't built the stands yet I was thinking that a cool stand would be one where you have a it so you can pivot the speaker from left to right and vs versa. You put the pivot at the top and bottom of the stand.

So you build a base with a arm that runs vertical off the base. You put a pivot on the bottom plate that attaches to the bottom of the speaker. The arm runs up the entire height of the speaker. You then put another pivot on the arm and at the top of the speaker. Now you are free to rotate the speaker in its stand 360 degrees. I would put a stop at the top pivot so once you have the desired "toe in or toe out" to each speaker you can set it so that it doesn't get moved.

6

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#282

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4/24/05 at 6:49am

Parker Clack
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Something that I think would be great sometime when any of you talk with Maggnepan is to let them know about this thread so they can read all the great stuff that is written about them.

6

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#283

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4/24/05 at 6:52am

Alan M
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I go out of town for just 1 day,and this thread spawns a full page

Welcome "C".I would agree with Z.Trying MMG's 1st is a no risk option.If your not happy with them,you can order the 1.2's and get a FULL refund on the MMG's.

Dean,we must be about the same age.Your listening taste are very similiar to mine

Although I'd add traffic(heard them live at the filmore west when I was 19) and crosby stills and nash,and young to that mix.

6 and Z,serpentine fire by earth wind and fire is one of my favorite test tracks for audio

#284

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4/24/05 at 8:39am

Dean_M
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6, I have seen a set of stands similar to those for the MC1s, but they were made out of metal. Since this is just going to be a temporary thing until I get the 1.6s, I think I'm going to build some oak frames for my MC1s. What I have in mind will elevate the speakers 20" off, and perpendicular with, the floor. Hopefully, I'll be able to build them this week, and I'll post some pics.

M, I'm three days older than dirt (everything was clean when I got here).

I also like Traffic, CSN&Y, Procul Harem, Capt. Beefheart (definitely an acquired taste), and too many others to mention from that era.

#285

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4/24/05 at 9:12am

AlanZ
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Dean: I surely didn't mean to imply that I currently listen to the Captain and Tenile :b

I will tell you this, though.....if you happen to refer to the Alans as Aliens again, we may have to either take you to our leader or assimilate you

6: I can't seem to find that Film and BB thing on Amazon....where do I pick up a copy?

"Come on you Fockers....CONGA!!!"
-Dustin Hoffman as 'Bernie Focker'

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#286

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4/24/05 at 9:44am

Dean_M
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A couple more pics of my never ending work in progress: http://www.msnusers.com/subwoofer/shoebox.msnw?Page=2

#287

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4/24/05 at 9:53am

AlanZ
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Nice work, Dean-O!

After seeing how much room you cleared up by going to this entertainment center instead of the way you had it before, I think you'll have no problem with the 1.6s on the floor. If you just toe them in a little I think you're golden. Heck, you probably even have enough room for some Mye stands now

Additionally, I think you'll notice even more of an improvement in sound if you are able to get the 1.6s either aligned with, or a little out in front of, the entertainment center. Even if you just took the MC1s and attached them to the sides of the center it probably sound better than having them on the wall with the center between them. I can't wait to see what you decide to do.....the options are ENDLESS!!!

"Come on you Fockers....CONGA!!!"
-Dustin Hoffman as 'Bernie Focker'

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#288

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4/24/05 at 10:19am

Alan M
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Nice job on the entertainment center Dean,it looks great.

"M, I'm three days older than dirt (everything was clean when I got here)."

Gah,that means I'm older(or the same age) then you.I'm the one that gave dirt its name(it was called stuff before I came along)

#289

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4/24/05 at 1:17pm

Dean_M
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Thanks guys. I priced the oak that I'll need for some MC1 stands and it'll only cost me ~$40 and a few hours to make some. I think I'll give it a shot next week.
I'm still trying to find some info on what to do to the front wall in regards to sound treatment, but I'm not having much luck. Do you guys have any ideas?

#290

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4/24/05 at 1:19pm

AlanZ
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I would check with the folks over on the MUG for the sound treatment. They aren't nearly as entertaining as we are, but a lot of them are fanatics about treating their rooms.

"Come on you Fockers....CONGA!!!"
-Dustin Hoffman as 'Bernie Focker'

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#291

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4/24/05 at 2:11pm

Dean_M
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I tried to post there this morning, but the site was down. It seems to be working now though. One idea that "The Boss" came up with was to "upholster" the wall with polyester batting and fabric. She likes the idea, and I may go with it if I find out from the Maggie gurus that it's effective.
The Boss also told me that I can add another Avalanche 18" to my IB without me even asking for it. All my sucking up seems to be paying off.

#292

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4/24/05 at 3:03pm

AlanZ
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Does your 'boss' have any sisters in their late 20's, early 30's?

"Come on you Fockers....CONGA!!!"
-Dustin Hoffman as 'Bernie Focker'

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#293

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4/24/05 at 4:01pm

Dean_M
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No, but I have two daughters in that age range. But, they're both married and neither one of them is into HT.

#294

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4/24/05 at 11:05pm

DerrikW
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Has anybody ever compared the MMG's side by side with paradigm monitor 7's? What did you think?

I currently have monitor 7's for mains and have been looking for something in the similar price range to replace them. Something with a bigger soundstage, And the MMG's may just fit the bill.

Also does anybody know if magnepan gives demos and tours? It would be nice if they did, since I live about 1 hour and 15 min. from them.

#295

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4/24/05 at 11:27pm

AlanZ
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Derrik:
I've owned the Mini-Monitors, Monitor 5's, and Monitor 11's, but have never actually compared any of them to the MMGs side by side. I bought the MMGs shortly after I had to sell my Paradigm Studio/100s and 20s, though, which are significantly better than the Monitor line (though the monitor line is excellent value, too). While the Paradigms offer a better off-axis response, I feel the soundstage on the MMGs is wider with more depth. It's an entirely different means of reproducing music (and HT), to the degree that I've since come to find that I can't even listen to box speakers the way I used to. A large majority of people who spend some time with the Maggies usually don't go back to boxes.

As for tours, I am certain that they give tours to reviewers, since I recently read an article about a gentleman who was given a tour of the facility. I'd call them up and see if they could accomodate you. That would be pretty damn cool! If you do happen to get one, I hope you'll come back and tell us about it

But anyway, you may find that the Monitor 7's are a little fuller in the bass department, but other than that the MMGs - in my opinion - are a superior speaker.

"Come on you Fockers....CONGA!!!"
-Dustin Hoffman as 'Bernie Focker'

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#296

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4/24/05 at 11:30pm

AlanZ
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Dean: Sounds like your boss is truly one of a kind, then!

You are a lucky guy! So when are you going to add the extra driver to your IB?

"Come on you Fockers....CONGA!!!"
-Dustin Hoffman as 'Bernie Focker'

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#297

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4/25/05 at 2:31am

Alan Pummill
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Derrik,

I had Monitor 7's before I got my 1.6's. There is no comparison between these 2 speakers. The maggies beat the Paradigms hands down!!

SLEEPY AL
MAGGIE MAGIC!!

#298

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4/25/05 at 6:03am

Dean_M
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Z, She's always been very good about my penchant for toys. But, it was the Maggies that made her even more inclined to go along with all this HT stuff. When I upgraded from the Infinitys she thought that I was doing it just for the sake of upgrading, and she didn't think the change in SQ would perceptible. Even she was amazed at the improvement in clarity and detail with the Maggies. So, it's easier for me to talk her into stuff now.

I don't know when I'm going to get around to adding another driver to the IB. First on my list is the OA 990, then the 1.6s, and then I'll probably get another driver and amp for the IB. Somewhere in there, the Rocket digital EQ is also on my list whenever it becomes available.

#299

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4/25/05 at 6:51am

AlanZ
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Dean: That's cool you are so keen on the OA 990.....early indications are that it's going to be another excellent product from the Outlaws! As for your 'boss', my ex-wife was very pro-HT, so I know how awesome that can be. Unfortunately she was less enthusiastic about other areas of our marriage than she was about speakers and amps lol. Oh well, what can ya do?

Are you looking at the Rocket EQ to smooth out the response of the IB? I don't know much about equalizers, so just curious.

"Come on you Fockers....CONGA!!!"
-Dustin Hoffman as 'Bernie Focker'

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#300

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4/25/05 at 7:25am

Dean_M
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Z, Although, I haven't checked out the response of my IB (not much point to it until the room is finished), that's my plan. I don't have any experience with EQs either, but it's recommended that one is used with an IB. Room placement can't be experimented with like a boxed or cylinder sub, so an EQ is used to tune it.

I've been poking around on the 'net today looking at room treatment stuff, and came up with this site that has a lot of great info and links to other sites: http://www.ethanwiner.com/acoustics.html I thought you guys might be interested in this also.
I'm going to try to locate some of the recommended Owens-Corning 705-FRK rigid insulation today.

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