Maggie update - Page 52

Re: Maggie update

Dean,

Get you a set of the Cardas maggie jumpers and get those crossover boxes off of the back of your maggies. My wife bought me a set for Christamas and the improvement in detail, dynamics and soundstage is fantastic. I highly recommend them!!

Dedicated Audio - Cardas Magneplaner Cross-over Jumper Kit

Re: Maggie update

Thanks. I've been thinking about making my own jumpers if I can find some pins that will fit. I've also been pondering making some custom crossover boxes to match the cherry trim on the speakers and maybe upgrading the crossover components while I'm at it. But the next project on my list is to upgrade my UCD amp modules, although the wife doesn't know it yet.

Re: Maggie update

Hello Alan P:

I noticed you have some fancy inter-connect cables and speaker cables. Have you ever measured the resistance and impedance of these cables? I am very much interested in the measurements of these fancy cables.

Re: Maggie update

Well, I got lucky and found an Integra DTC 9.8 at a local dealer. I've only had it home for a couple of hours, but so far I'm very impressed. It blows the doors off my old Outlaw Audio 990, which has served me well over the past few years.

Re: Maggie update

Hello all. I am new to this forum but not new to Maggies. Over the years I have had several but have only recently started using them for my HT. As part of an upcoming upgrade to an Integra DTC 9.8 ( still on order ) and also possibly a new sub I downloaded revised instructions for the CC3 which has given rise to some questions.

My system consists of the following: 1.6 front L/R, CC3 Center and MC1 for Surrounds. The amp is an Outlaw 7100 @ 165 per channel. My sub is currently a Meridian M2500 but that may soon change. I recently downloaded revised instructions for setting up the center channel CC3. These instructions read as follows:

"Even though you will probably be using a subwoofer, set your receiver or processor for "no subwoofer". This may seem strange, but it is necessary for the proper integration of the center channel bass. To drive your subwoofer, use a pre-amp output from the front L/R of the processor (it may be necessary to use Y adapters.

How this setup works-normally, when "small" center speaker is specified, the center channel bass is routed to the subwoofer. In reality, this does not work very well, especially for Maggies. There is usually a "hole" in the response or the sonic integration is poor. When " no subwoofer" is specified, the processor automatically routes the center channel bass to the front left/right "full range" maggies. The front left/right maggies provide the bass for the center channel, and the integration is seamless, having the same characteristics as the CC3. Since the signal from the front L/R pre-amp outputs is "full range," the subwoofer receives all the bass information. The .1 channel (effects) is not needed. Adjust the subwoofer crossover point so it does not overlap with the "full range" front L/R maggies."

Has anyone who owns Maggies, specifically the CC3, ever tried this setup? If so does it work, specifically does it produce a better integraton of the CC3 to the 1.6s? Alternatively, does it work just as well to use the LFE sub out on the processor, set all speakers to small and use the processor to set crossover points? Mr. Winey insists that the method set forth in the updated instructions provides the best integration. Please give me your thoughts as it is confusing to me.

Re: Maggie update

I have a CC3 center that I use with 3.6Rs and I have never tried the Magnepan recommended setup. It seems like a rather convoluted way of doing things to me. Since you'll be going with the DTC-9.8, which I also have, I recommend connecting your speakers and sub in the conventional manner and using the included Audyssey EQ software to set all the values for your speakers for you. If your experience is anything like mine, I think you'll be very pleased with the result.

Re: Maggie update

Thank you for the reply. Trying to get someone to respond to this question has been like pulling teeth from chickens. I am glad to hear someone else has a similar setup with a DTC 9.8 in use. I am also glad to hear that Aydyssey does a good job of setting up these speakers, I just wish mine would arrive. The setup recommended by Magnepan seemed odd to me as well especially in the face of so many receivers/processors that have to ability to set individual crossovers. Just out of curiosity what crossover setting did you end up using after running Audyssey?

Re: Maggie update

If memory serves, Audyssey set the CC3 at 100 Hz, the 3.6Rs at 60 Hz, and my 1.6QR surrounds also at 60 Hz. My subwoofer is an infinite baffle, mounted in the ceiling/attic with four eighteen inch Avalanche drivers. It's the only sub I've heard in my room that can keep up with my Maggies. As hard as I try, the blending is so good that I cannot tell where the Maggies cut off and the sub begins. And I certainly can't detect any "holes".

Re: Maggie update

I received my Integra yesterday. I guess I know what I will be doing today. I am really curious to see how Ausyssey sets my system. Your settings are interesting since that is where I would set mine except for the rears, which in my case are MC1s. I am using a Meridian M2500 for my sub but I am considering replacing it with an SVS 20-39PC Plus. Any thoughts on that?

Re: Maggie update

I'm not at all familiar with the Meridian, but I did own an SVS sub for a time. I found that it didn't blend with my Maggies very well. Although, room placement, the lack of EQ, or a number of other things could have been factors in that. A number of Maggie owners have had very good luck with the Martin Logan Depth sub and the ACI Titan XL sub. IMO, the Titan provides the best bang for the buck of the two. Had I not gone with an IB I would have gone with a pair of the Titans.

To jump back to the recommended hook-up for the CC3, it just occurred to me that if you follow Magnepan's recommendation and set the sub to "none" in the receiver/preamp, that the LFE (.1) channel will be lost. The LFE channel is not rerouted to the other speakers when there's no sub, as far as I know. That may be fine for listening to music, but it seems to me that it would be too much of a sacrifice for movie tracks.

Re: Maggie update

Howdy Deano, and welcome PEH.

PEH, sounds like you have my old system!!

Dean, as you know, I had a 5.1 HT consisting of 1.6 fronts, CC3 center, and MC1 rears. I had two subs at that time that I swapped in and out (Paradigm PW-2200 and SVS PC-Ultra). The PW-2200 sounded best with that system for music, but the SVS was better for movies. In the new house I have two systems, my 6.1 HT consisting of Pioneer Elite electronics and RPTV, B&W 600 series speakers, and the SVS.

Now my two channel system consist of 3.6's and a ML Depth sub. The Depth blends very, very well with both my current 3.6's and my former 1.6's.

HTFer's Maggie w/ ML sub system

Re: Maggie update

Howdy Alan. My experience with the SVS subwoofer matches yours. It was great with movies, but I found that I didn't like it so much for music. My IB is excellent for both, although I realize that an IB isn't for everyone.
Now that Ethan has helped me out with room treatments, my IB, speakers, and the room itself sound better than they ever have.

Re: Maggie update

Moving up to the 20.1 so my one year old 3.6r, black and rosewood, are for sale if anyone would be interested.

Re: Maggie update

Dean:

What made you go with the Integra vs. a Denon like the 4308i? Just curious.

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Re: Maggie update

I already have outboard amps and the Maggies are a 4 Ohm load, so I'm not all that interested in a receiver. Also, the Integra DTC-9.8 offers the best bang for the buck, IMO. I can't believe how good the thing sounds. Judging from what I've read on the forums, there are a lot of folks with high end pre/pros jumping ship for the Integra.

Re: Maggie update

Dean:

Interesting. The people I know that have the Denon like it as well if not better soundwise and just use the receiver as a pre-pro. I too have an outboard power amp to use.

Thanks for the feedback.

Parker

Re: Maggie update

Here's a Maggie update that I thought I would pass along. Last week I sent my CC3 center speaker, which I've owned for about three years now, in to Magnepan to have the fabric redone to match my 3.6s. Over the weekend I got a call from Magnepan telling me that when they removed the fabric they found a manufacturing defect in the speaker, so they are shipping me a brand new CC3 to replace it and at no cost to me.
I've never noticed any kind of a problem with the speaker in all the time that I've owned it, so Magnepan could have simply redone the fabric and shipped the speaker back and I would've been happy and totally unaware of any defect.
With this kind of honesty and customer service, it's no wonder Magnepan has such a loyal following.
Now, if I could just talk the wife into letting me get a pair of 20.1s, I'd be an even happier man. :LOL:

Re: Maggie update

You'd better not get 20.1s before me Deano!!!

Re: Maggie update

It'll be a while before the 20.1s. The first thing on my list, if/when it becomes available, is Magnepan's true ribbon center speaker.

Re: Maggie update

System update: Just added a Bel Canto DAC3 DA converter to my 2 channel 3.6 maggie system. I remove my preamp and have it hooked directly to my amp. OMG!! My system just jumped up at least two levels!!!!

Re: Maggie update

Hello everyone. Been using Maggie's for quite a few years, but moving so I have to combine my HT and my stereo... Here's what I'm doing:
Maggie 1.6QR (main), will buy a CC3 (center), have two pairs of MC1's (side and rear). Sub is a DefTech PowerField 18, which of course sees HT duty only, no sub for music. The pre/pro is a Krell HTS 7.1 driving a Krell KAV-250a for the fronts and a H/K Signature 2.1 for the other 5 channels. Cabling is Cardas 300B interconnects with Cardas Cross for the front and Cardas Crosslink for the rest. Video is an older Panny AE300. DVD will be a Oppo until I upgrade the video to full HD (probably Panny 2000).

Audio has always been the first priority, but I really think it'll sound pretty good for HT as well...

Re: Maggie update

Audiojan

Welcome to the small group here at HTF that are maggie fans!! Sounds like you have a great system. If you go back about 3 1/2 years on this thread, you will see me talking about my all maggie 5.1 HT. (1.6 fronts, CC3 center, & MC1 surrrounds)

When we moved several years ago, I now have a 2 channel maggie music system and a seperate 6.1 HT with B&W, SVS, Pioneer Elite stuff!!

Again....welcome!!

Re: Maggie update

Audiojan: Maggies for HT is quite an awesome experience! Talk about bringing a movie to life!

P: Congrats on the Bel Canto DAC! I'm in the market for an outboard DAC myself, and that is one I have on my short list. Also considering the Monarchy Audio nm24 and the Van Alstine Ultra. I just rolled tubes on my Mapletree preamp though, so I definitely plan to keep it in my system.

Dean: That is awesome about Magnepan's honesty...shows a great deal of integrity on their part!

Re: Maggie update

Z,

I just put my preamp back in my system and I think I like it better than just the DAC3 to amp connection. BTW, I have bought a real nice used Conrad Johnson PV-12A tube preamp from a friend at work. It has a phone section, so now I am thinking vinyl!! That CJ is one fine sounding preamp. I am selling my Marsh P2000t hybrid preamp if you know of anyone interested.

Nice to hear from you again!!

Re: Maggie update

P: Vinyl and Maggies? I'd love to hear that! It's going to sound awesome BTW, nice C-J preamp! I'm still learning about tubes, but so far I'm having a lot of fun. I'm a sucker for really good vocalists, and I like the added richness and warmth that tubes can bring out in the recording...good times!

Re: Maggie update

Hey guys...Just thought I'd post a couple of pics of my system...I'm still in love with Maggie, I'm just having an affair with monkeys for the time being

Room
Rack

Hope all is well with you guys!

Re: Maggie update

Thats a nice room ya got there but an even nicer rack , seriously, where have you been keeping yourself?

Re: Maggie update

Hello, my friend! I was actually going to send you a PM the other day when I got my DAC, cause I wanted to tell you I was finally finished messing around with my gear and see if you wanted to stop over for a listen sometime. I'm pretty happy with how things are sounding, but it's always nice to get a second opinion

How's things on your end? Did you ever pull the trigger on a subwoofer?

Re: Maggie update

NEWS FLASH!! I just picked up a used pair of Martin Logan Ascent speakers from a local Audiogoner. Still have the 3.6 maggies, but got such a good deal that I couldn't pass these up. A different sound than maggies, better in some ways, not as good in others. Just another new toy!! Ill post some picks soon!!

Re: Maggie update

After about a week, you'll go back to the Maggies, P

Maybe you'll feel differently, but I'd be surprised if you like them better than the 3.6s.