Brand new Magnpan 3.7's

mantis
mantis Posts: 17,204
edited May 2011 in Speakers
Whats up everyone?
I just Installed a nice pair of 3.7's today. He had a killer system that he has been swapping out this for that trying many different combos to find his sound.
The wire alone he has Kimber , cardos , MIT , Transparent , Monstercable and some other brands I never heard of.
His gear is off the charts with his big Classe Monos with a Audio Research Pre , external DAC and Phono Preamp. Killer nice system and he wants to change it all around again.
The Speakers replace a pair of Revels which replaced a Pair of Mirage which replaced a pair of Dynaudio's over the last so many years. He's also thinking of a pair of B&W D802's.

What a wonderful job I got to be able to play with such nice gear on a daily basis.
Enjoy the pic's.
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Dan
My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
Post edited by mantis on
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Comments

  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,204
    edited May 2011
    We are going back in a few weeks after they break in with longer Balanced cardos cables so we can get the speakers closer together. Magnpan suggest 50 to 60% of the seating distance apart. We are about 75% right now due to the placement of the Classe amps. Once the speakers are broken in and we get him longer cables , I will snap some new pic's and give the 3.7's a more serious listen. They sound nice right out of the box but also with them being slightly in the wrong place , you get a hole in the soundstage. I want to fix that.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • grimmace19
    grimmace19 Posts: 1,429
    edited May 2011
    Love his placement of the blown away poster!
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  • jaritta
    jaritta Posts: 277
    edited May 2011
    I just experenced a similar system, I have heard them with some tube amps. We actually used a pair of rel t5's to fill in the bottom. I cant beleive the freq. response. The maggies dont roll off all that bad at 40 and below. To me that is amazing because they dont actually have a driver for low end.

    Cool speakers, not my thing but they are prety awesome.

    Do you guys have calabration equipment and what do you use? We have been useing omnimic and xtz. Omnimic had been good and has helped us to fine tune speaker and room settings nulls and other variables.
    Harman kardon signature 2.1 amp
    Denon 3312
    Epson 8700ub
    Chief mount
    Screen Innovations Performance Series 110in
    Kef q 500 (RL)
    Kef q 200 (C)
    Kef q 800 (Rear RL)
    REL T7 (SUB)
    mx 450 remote
    Sonos-Amp, Connect, Play5
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  • cstmar01
    cstmar01 Posts: 4,424
    edited May 2011
    Those are some great sounding speakers IMO. I heard them on a full BAT system with the REX and VK600SE monos with Esoteric digital front. That was a fun system and those things do have bass. Nice tight, bass.

    Only complaint is the room go so freakin' hot it was about 10 degree difference walking out the door.
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited May 2011
    It's a Cambridge Audio DAC and CDP Mantis. My 3.6's had no problem with low end to include low trolling like Tool. Is it hardcore low end? No, but they're still my favorite speaker that I've owned so far. I found the REL T series to be the best match when it comes to subwoofers.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • jaritta
    jaritta Posts: 277
    edited May 2011
    dorokusai wrote: »
    It's a Cambridge Audio DAC and CDP Mantis. My 3.6's had no problem with low end to include low trolling like Tool. Is it hardcore low end? No, but they're still my favorite speaker that I've owned so far. I found the REL T series to be the best match when it comes to subwoofers.

    The rels have won me over, i love them.....just not the price tag :smile: although for what they are they are very well priced, just out of my price range
    Harman kardon signature 2.1 amp
    Denon 3312
    Epson 8700ub
    Chief mount
    Screen Innovations Performance Series 110in
    Kef q 500 (RL)
    Kef q 200 (C)
    Kef q 800 (Rear RL)
    REL T7 (SUB)
    mx 450 remote
    Sonos-Amp, Connect, Play5
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  • Ern Dog
    Ern Dog Posts: 2,237
    edited May 2011
    I've never seen those neon blue amp platforms before- kinda cool looking. I'd never get them for myself as I prefer minimal lights.
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  • FTGV
    FTGV Posts: 3,649
    edited May 2011
    Nice system,the 3.7's are said to be amazing but from the pics it appears they could benifit from a better room.
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,204
    edited May 2011
    FTGV wrote: »
    Nice system,the 3.7's are said to be amazing but from the pics it appears they could benifit from a better room.

    The room is small but it's treated. he has to much stuff in there with an extra couch I want him to take out , a coffee table which he likes to put his stuff on.
    The room sounds pretty good , it's comfortable.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited May 2011
    I am heading to Edmonton, Alberta in 2 weeks and will be trying to listen to a pair of 3.7's. I have asked the dealer to have some ARC gear connected to them as I really do want to listen to those speakers.

    How's the bottom end Dan?
    Michael ;)
    In the beginning, all knowledge was new!
    NORTH of 60°
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,093
    edited May 2011
    Nice looking stuff you get to play with everyday. That room sounds like some what of a challenge for you but I'm sure you'll get it to really blossom & show off just how good those speakers are. Keep us posted.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • venomclan
    venomclan Posts: 2,467
    edited May 2011
    Cool stuff. I would love to demo the 1.7's Maggies and hear great stuff about them.

    On a side note, I recently heard that Classe will move all it's production to China, and it really pissed off their customer base. Bad move in the long run.
    V
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  • WastelandWand'r
    WastelandWand'r Posts: 466
    edited May 2011
    Some choice looking items in that room. Room a little crowded?, yep but we do with what we got.
    Thanks for the pictures, always enjoy looking at things like that and seeing what other people are pursuing.
    Our only retailer of Maggies is 400 miles and a plane ride away. I stopped in as i had also read about the 1.7's. Alas, they weren't sure if they were even going to get them and only had 1.6's on the floor. As in only 1.6's so the ooohing and aaahing was a little brief. Are those the factory stands for the speaks?
    Count your blessings Dan, the homes I go to don't have eye candy like this in them.
    Nathan
    Home Rig

    SDA 2.3TL's front and center
    Polk 1000p Center
    Pioneer Elite SC35 Receiver (Pre/Surround
    Sunfire Cinema Grand 5X200-Back in the mix.
    OPPO BDP-93
    Squeezebox
    Stepped up to name brand Speaker Cables and interconnects!
    Monitor 4, 5, 7, 10's, SDA 1B's, 2B's, 2.3TL's, RTA 15TL's all in storage waiting for me.
    Sales Rating #1!!
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  • Hilbert
    Hilbert Posts: 316
    edited May 2011
    Ern Dog wrote: »
    I've never seen those neon blue amp platforms before- kinda cool looking. I'd never get them for myself as I prefer minimal lights.


    Elvis would love those things. Does anyone know who lives in this house?
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  • megasat16
    megasat16 Posts: 3,521
    edited May 2011
    Very Nice speaker and system.

    But I think the speakers toe in is a little too much?

    Play with the placement a little? Amps behind, speakers front, less toe in?

    I think the OB speakers recreates the soundstage and music better when the speakers are put closer together with minimal toe in and more rear space.

    I think OB speakers are usually mistaken for narrow sweet spot coz they are toed in as with normal box speakers. From what I see in the pictures, I think the soundstage is disconnected in the middle till you reach the sweet spot?

    All of this is IMO and experience based, of course.
    Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin:
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  • Joe08867
    Joe08867 Posts: 3,919
    edited May 2011
    I was thinking the toe was heavy myself. Maybe it is camera angle we are seeing.
    I would also suggest moving the amps behind the speakers and easing up on the toe.

    The amps are cool but the light up basses take away some of the Classe they have! :)
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited May 2011
    I believe they are Sound Anchor stands Wastland but I'm not positive. They're aren't as nice or good as MyeSound for Magnepan.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • Danny Tse
    Danny Tse Posts: 5,206
    edited May 2011
    "Highlights from Jekyll & Hyde" CD?
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  • Sherardp
    Sherardp Posts: 8,038
    edited May 2011
    One of my favs is the Classe gear. Love the look their newer products, gorgeous stuff to own and it sounds awesome. Classe and B&W 802D's sound sweet together, at least the setup at one of the local dealers here does.

    Nice job Mantis, keep rocking it bro.
    Shoot the jumper.....................BALLIN.............!!!!!

    Home Theater Pics in the Showcase :cool:

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=73580
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  • Bernal
    Bernal Posts: 991
    edited May 2011
    Very Nice speaker and system.....
    Very little space to the wall .... In my case I use my 3.7 to 4 feet minimum
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,204
    edited May 2011
    janmike wrote: »
    I am heading to Edmonton, Alberta in 2 weeks and will be trying to listen to a pair of 3.7's. I have asked the dealer to have some ARC gear connected to them as I really do want to listen to those speakers.

    How's the bottom end Dan?
    Tuff to answer without sounding like I don't like them. It's weak compared to most other speakers in this price. Then again they where brand spanking new so I will really know what they sound like when I go back to tune them.
    We have all kinds of Maggies on our showroom floor and personally I'm not their biggest fan.
    They do DO many things right up and down their line with imaging and soundstage , very impressive.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,204
    edited May 2011
    jaritta wrote: »
    I just experenced a similar system, I have heard them with some tube amps. We actually used a pair of rel t5's to fill in the bottom. I cant beleive the freq. response. The maggies dont roll off all that bad at 40 and below. To me that is amazing because they dont actually have a driver for low end.

    Cool speakers, not my thing but they are prety awesome.

    Do you guys have calabration equipment and what do you use? We have been useing omnimic and xtz. Omnimic had been good and has helped us to fine tune speaker and room settings nulls and other variables.

    Laser pointers , SPL meters and many various Test tone disc's. Measuring tapes and good old fashion listening. We always follow manufactures suggestions for placement and setup but always tweak to the room. We have Room treatments and other very helpful tools , ME!!!
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 7,658
    edited May 2011
    Very nice reel to reel he's got there...!
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,204
    edited May 2011
    pearsall001 wrote: »
    Nice looking stuff you get to play with everyday. That room sounds like some what of a challenge for you but I'm sure you'll get it to really blossom & show off just how good those speakers are. Keep us posted.

    The room is fine but I hate the way he has it and how much stuff is in there. I told him he's not allowed(in his own house) to have so much stuff with such high end gear. He really cares about his system and is going to take my advise and allow me to redesign what he did. He tried now let the professional make the magic happen.
    I want to use a different wall and try to slim down his gear. He does not need all that madness.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,204
    edited May 2011
    venomclan wrote: »
    Cool stuff. I would love to demo the 1.7's Maggies and hear great stuff about them.

    On a side note, I recently heard that Classe will move all it's production to China, and it really pissed off their customer base. Bad move in the long run.
    V

    Shame your not around here , I have a pair on the floor running of of Krell. I can also easily switch to Bryston as it's in the same room. If your ever in Pa ........
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,204
    edited May 2011
    dorokusai wrote: »
    It's a Cambridge Audio DAC and CDP Mantis. My 3.6's had no problem with low end to include low trolling like Tool. Is it hardcore low end? No, but they're still my favorite speaker that I've owned so far. I found the REL T series to be the best match when it comes to subwoofers.
    Yep it says Cambridge right on the front of it and I find it not necessary to have it in the system since he owns the 840C badass Cd player which sports Wolfson's on each channel.
    Rel Subs' of any level will WOW any music lover. The ability to blend with any main channel speaker is flat out amazing. The higher end you go , the better it gets with Rel. If and when I ever can put together a 2 channel only rig , a Rel will be sure to handling the low end no matter what.
    We have a pair of 3.6's on the floor and they are nice to listen to. They have such a following people come to us just for them.
    Sounds like you have a pretty damn nice 2 channel setup. I'd like to listen to it.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,204
    edited May 2011
    WastelandWand'r wrote: »
    Some choice looking items in that room. Room a little crowded?, yep but we do with what we got.
    Thanks for the pictures, always enjoy looking at things like that and seeing what other people are pursuing.
    Our only retailer of Maggies is 400 miles and a plane ride away. I stopped in as i had also read about the 1.7's. Alas, they weren't sure if they were even going to get them and only had 1.6's on the floor. As in only 1.6's so the ooohing and aaahing was a little brief. Are those the factory stands for the speaks?
    Count your blessings Dan, the homes I go to don't have eye candy like this in them.
    Nathan

    They are suppose to be 50 to 60% the distance from the listening apart. They are about 75% right now due to the amps in the way and the Balanced cable are to short. I thought I posted that as I want to completely redesign his rig , placement etc. But yes right now they absolutely do not sound their best and the crazy amount of toe does give him a sweet spot but a small one. When you toes them out , they fall apart. The tweeters are on the inside also to help the sound stage due to poor placement.
    I wanted to clear the room and start over but he wants to wait until they are broken in and have me come back in a few weeks. I'm looking forward to getting his room correct , it's all the room is used for.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • audiocr381ve
    audiocr381ve Posts: 2,588
    edited May 2011
    I bought some Magnepan 1.7's last year hoping that they would grow on me. They never did! I heard Magnepan's are speakers you either love or hate. I ended hatin' em' haha. Anyway, that is killlller gear. I'd love to hear the bigger Maggies and see if they'd change my mind about them.
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