Topic: Maggies

[pfife]

Opinions on these, esp from current/previous owners?  I am looking to grab some new speakers for critical listening, and ran across these in a search of TS.  It seems too good to be true for these speakers (MMG W's) to be $299 a pair, and have them sound as good as the reviews I am seeing...

By the frequency range, I am thinking they need a sub... 100Hz - 16 kHz +/- 3dB;

thanks for input.

[Nick Culbreth]

I own a pair of MMGs and I couldn't be happier with them.  They image very well and have nice detail, especially in the high end.  If you are a bass hound you'll definately need to add a subwoofer, but I don't like a ton of bass in my music so I've never been compelled to add one.  Magnepan offers a 60 day refund if you're not happy with them, so really you don't have anything to lose.

[Brian Skalinder]

The MMG-Ws are targeted as surround speakers, not mains.  My speaker setup:

MMG  |  L/R mains  |  50hz - 24 kHz
MMG-W  |  surrounds  |  100Hz - 16kHz
MMG-C  |  center  |  100Hz - 16kHz
Pinnacle Baby Boomer  |  sub  |  23Hz - ??

Heh...haven't even used the -C yet as I don't have an amp for it.  Doh!!  At any rate, I would *not* use the MMG-Ws as mains - their freq response just doesn't cut it.  I've found the W passable - but not stellar - for HT stuff, even given the freq response.  If you go with the regular MMGs as mains, you'll want a fast sub if you like your bass, IME.  MMGs pop up on Audiogon for ~$300-350 or so pretty regularly, if memory serves.  Even after a year-plus I'm still stunned by the Maggie sound!

And yes, Moke - they require an amp that can handle 4-ohms.

[scervin]

You best get WAF approval as well

[pfife]

WAF approval?

thanks for the input doods

[pfife]

Hey Brian/McMulbeth - what amp are you using to power them (the mains, that is...)

need a point of reference - thanks

+ts

[Tim]

don't the mmg's also require a lot of room around them to breathe, several feet from the back and side walls? just something else to consider

[scervin]

Sorry.... Very common term in HT forums, and I hang there most of the time.

WAF-  Wife Acceptance Factor

This is huge checkmark for me when purchasing new gear.  The Maggies do better out far from walls and they would never get proper approval.

[Frank M]

I'm definitely *not* trying to be overly-critical, but FYI...

Something you should be aware of is that while speakers of this type image very well and have great detail, they have a very small sweet spot.  Also, due to comb-filtering, you get the "pickett fence" effect.  If you move your head while listening, it literally sounds like there's a pickett fence between you and the music.  

For $300 bucks though, you can't go wrong.  

[scervin]

Exactly Tim, which is what I was referring to.... WAF.  Last thing my wife wants is 2 big black things sitting in the middle of the living room.  Heck in what is supposed to be MY room, she still questions my speaker positioning....  looks fine to me!  

[Brian Skalinder]

Hey Brian/McMulbeth - what amp are you using to power them (the mains, that is...)

Previous:  Adcom GFA-555
Current:  McCormack DNA-1

Both power the Maggies easily and well, but I found the Adcom harsher in the highs and the DNA fuller and smoother in the mids/lows.  I was very happy with it when I used it, but prefer the DNA-1.  A few people around here are powering their Maggies with a B&K amp, but I'm drawing a blank on the specific model(s).

And to Tim's point - the Maggies do need room to breathe.  I have mine 2' off the back wall, with not much of anything to the sides.  Pulling out further helps a bit more, but then they're in the way - so I'm happy with their current placement.  'Course, what speakers don't require breathing room?  I don't know of any, but I'm just a playback newbie.  Though I believe the Maggies need more breathing room the traditional box speakers.

And Frank is correct:  small sweetspot, but ohhhhh...how sweet it is, the detail and imaging.  I just love it.  With just Jen and I listening - and usually only me for critical listening - the small sweetspot doesn't bother me.

[Tim]

I know Todd R had to move the speakers out into when he wanted to listen and push them back when he was done... 

they sounded really nice though, there's just a lot more baggage, if you will, with these speakers than with traditional box speakers.

[pfife]

My reading is leading me to believe that the MMGs need to be away from the rear walls a bit, but the MMG W's are intended to be hanging ON the walls.

The MMGs have a small WAF (well, GAF) factor, but the W's would be nice - she'd have no beef with those.  We also have cats that would have a field day on the $550 "scratching posts"

Room is pretty small.

I'm beginning to think that whatever $ I saved in getting the speakers would be spent in getting an amp. 

[scervin]

"'Course, what speakers don't require breathing room?"

in-walls      

The speakers downstairs are 24" from rear wall and 18" from the side wall.  I'd like to go a little more, but then they block the screen.  My next room will be at least 16' wide.

sc.

[MattD]

My next room will be at least 16" wide.

I hope so!