My first "Holy Crap!" moment in a loooong time.
At least with respect to audio. 
After a long remission in upgrade-itis (wanna-try-something-different-itis is more accurate), I decided to make some changes to my HT setup. My sub has been my weak link, so after doing some research I decided to pick up a pair of B-stock Elemental Designs A5-350 subs. For $575 shipped, they seem to be quite the bargain (they've now moved to front-firing subs as have many makers, whereas these older models are the original down-firing versions, which I actually prefer).
Those aren't the cause of the "Holy Crap!" though. They're still sitting in boxes in my living room... some huge-assed boxes I might add. I seriously underestimated the size of these things.
No, the "Holy Crap!" moment came because I also decided to hit the local shops and audition some demo/used speakers. I'm thinking of replacing my SDA 1Cs that I'm using for my fronts. They're great for music, but I'm yearning for something a bit different. Not sure why, but I'm just a little "SDA'ed out" at the moment (I know, BLASPHEMY!).
I'm looking to do this inexpensively though, without spending a fortune.
I listened to a pair of Vienna Accoustics Bach Grand ($1200), which were quite lovely for music, although I'm not necessarily sold on their use in HT.
I also listened to a pair of Paradigm Studio 60.4 ($1400) that had more balls to them, but not as refined musically. Would do better in HT than the VA, but not all that different from the SDAs (not different enough or better enough to justify the purchase).
I listened to a pair of vintage B&O towers (I forgot to write down the model) from the 1980s ($900). They were ok, but rather nondescript. Didn't impress me.
No, the "Holy Crap!" came from listening to the first Magnepan speakers I'd heard in about 20 years, especially when you factor in the price. MMGs at $599/pair. I realize these are old news to most folks here, but I was majorly impressed. I would have been impressed in the sound at double that price. Seriously.
Not a lot of bass, as expected, but actually more than I would have anticipated. I realize that they are a **** to position and drive, and that integrating them with subs may prove challenging, but damn. For that money I'm tempted just to buy a pair to play with. I *love* the treble and midrange on these; a very airy realistic sound. Acoustic instruments sound great as well.
My concern is whether they would have enough impact for HT.
For power, I'm using a Denon AVR-2807 with the front preouts going to a Carver M-4.0T (375wpc@8ohms, 500wpc@4ohms), so I should be fairly good there.
Any thoughts on Maggies as fronts in HT or am I straying off into crazyland?
After a long remission in upgrade-itis (wanna-try-something-different-itis is more accurate), I decided to make some changes to my HT setup. My sub has been my weak link, so after doing some research I decided to pick up a pair of B-stock Elemental Designs A5-350 subs. For $575 shipped, they seem to be quite the bargain (they've now moved to front-firing subs as have many makers, whereas these older models are the original down-firing versions, which I actually prefer).
Those aren't the cause of the "Holy Crap!" though. They're still sitting in boxes in my living room... some huge-assed boxes I might add. I seriously underestimated the size of these things.
No, the "Holy Crap!" moment came because I also decided to hit the local shops and audition some demo/used speakers. I'm thinking of replacing my SDA 1Cs that I'm using for my fronts. They're great for music, but I'm yearning for something a bit different. Not sure why, but I'm just a little "SDA'ed out" at the moment (I know, BLASPHEMY!).
I'm looking to do this inexpensively though, without spending a fortune.
I listened to a pair of Vienna Accoustics Bach Grand ($1200), which were quite lovely for music, although I'm not necessarily sold on their use in HT.
I also listened to a pair of Paradigm Studio 60.4 ($1400) that had more balls to them, but not as refined musically. Would do better in HT than the VA, but not all that different from the SDAs (not different enough or better enough to justify the purchase).
I listened to a pair of vintage B&O towers (I forgot to write down the model) from the 1980s ($900). They were ok, but rather nondescript. Didn't impress me.
No, the "Holy Crap!" came from listening to the first Magnepan speakers I'd heard in about 20 years, especially when you factor in the price. MMGs at $599/pair. I realize these are old news to most folks here, but I was majorly impressed. I would have been impressed in the sound at double that price. Seriously.
Not a lot of bass, as expected, but actually more than I would have anticipated. I realize that they are a **** to position and drive, and that integrating them with subs may prove challenging, but damn. For that money I'm tempted just to buy a pair to play with. I *love* the treble and midrange on these; a very airy realistic sound. Acoustic instruments sound great as well.
My concern is whether they would have enough impact for HT.
For power, I'm using a Denon AVR-2807 with the front preouts going to a Carver M-4.0T (375wpc@8ohms, 500wpc@4ohms), so I should be fairly good there.
Any thoughts on Maggies as fronts in HT or am I straying off into crazyland?
Comments
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I think the MMG's integrated with a pair of good subs would be fantastic for HT. But then I'm a little biased as I gaze at my Magnepan 1.6's (used for 2 ch music, not HT).
Once you go flat, you never go back.DKG999
HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED
Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
