Topic: Maggies

[Nick Culbreth]

There are some tradeoffs associated with the Maggies, but the incredible imaging and detail far outweigh any of those issues.  Others have told me that the Magnepans are tough to power but I've never had that experience, I've used the B&K ST-140 which outputs 100 wpc and recently moved to the PrimaLuna Prologue One which outputs 35 wpc and I never felt either was insufficient.  I love MMGs and when I upgrade my speakers I'll be getting bigger and better Maggies.  Try them out, like I said Magnepan offers a 60 day money back guarantee and if you'd rather buy a used set you'll probably be able to resell them for pretty much what you paid if they're not your cup of tea.

[ducati]

I still use a pair of B&W DM302's upstairs in my office rig.  As I recall, they were about $250 or $300 new.  They were (and still are) fantastic speakers for the money.  I think B&W has a newer version out now--not sure if it's as good but you could look at that.

A pair of ProAc Tablettes could be found used around the $450 mark, I'd guess.  I love 'em.  A little low on output level (they get strained when pushed) but at sane volumes they're a real good taste of the high end.

I had a pair of Polk RT25i's a few years ago and they were pretty darn good--much better built than my B&Ws and although I ended up preferring my DM302's upstairs I still think the Polks are a great speaker.

I think NHT makes some good ones in a low price range, too.

Lots of choices really.  But if you can't get out to hear a pair of Maggies you can take advantage of that 60-day trial.  They have that long trial period for a reason--I am told very few are returned 

[pfife]

First and formost, +ts around for all the assistance.

I think the first step for me to do here is to get an amp... that can handle both 4ohms and 8ohms resistance.   I'm definately going to need that anyways, as I search at other speakers that are 4ohms as well.  If I don't have the amp, and get the maggies first, I won't even be able to use them!  If I get the amp first, I can at least use that whilst I await the arrival of whatever speakers I get.


Edit: I'm thinking a tube power amp, maybe?

thanks doods

[ducati]

Tubes do it for me, personally.   I have come around the circle many times...  First SS, then tubes, then SS, then mixed, now all tubed again.  They may or may not float your boat--you need to listen and "see."

The only caution is tube amplifiers that are well-designed to meet high-current and low-impedence demands are typically much more expensive than "decent" SS amps.  It can be somewhat expensive to get a "stout" tube amp willing to drive an odd load like a Magnepan or Electrostatic speaker.  I know my old Jolida 202a was NOT up to the task of a pair of Martin Logan SL3's...  It sounded terrible, in fact.

However, I have heard good things about the PrimaLuna Prologue One and Two driving MartinLogan Aerius i's, so there certainly are budget components that can drive difficult loads.

Historically, Audio Research has been a favorite pairing.  Bill Johnson of ARC fame helped get Magnepan off the ground, and they are located in the same town.  ARC amps usually have huge power reserves and drive difficult loads easily.  You can find good used ARC amps for very cheap--ARC has historically tended to appeal to audiophiles, who seem to trade their gear constantly.  So always lots of ARC on the used market.  If you end up liking tubes, they are a good co. to look into.

[pfife]

My experience with amps all comes from guitar amps, where I've done the SS -> Tube -> SS dance dozens of times... and I'm a tube amp person when it comes to guitar amps.  Much of what you say is the same principles that apply to guitar amps as well.    I'm gonna look into ARC.  thanks

[scervin]

Audio Dimensions carries Audio Research as well.  The Audio Research stuff is pretty expensive though.  I think I remember checking out $3000 amps while I was looking around.  You will get better sound pumping that kind of money into speakers.  I highly suggest checking it out though. 

I went to Audio Dimensions about 2 yrs ago (wow, longer than I thought) and the owner was there with another guy.  They were just sitting in a couple of chairs listening to some new Vandersteen's via turntable and Audio Research amp.  They told me to come listen with them for a minute. Very cool guys (older, maybe 50+).  I think the one guy was just a friend of the owner and was there so much he gave him a job 

[ducati]

A used ARC VT60 would run you about $700-800. 

The cheapest ARC amp currently in production is the VS55, which is the one I use.  $2500.

Like I said, the problem with tubed amps is they cost more--it's tough to get a real good "budget" tube amp, whereas many SS designs can be done cheaper with less compromises.  The transformers and associated components just cost a bundle (for tube amps)...

You can buy Jolida tube amps for as little as $325 or so--I sold a like-new 202a for $375 a few years ago!  I am an idiot!!!     While the Jolidas and the like aren't as stout as an ARC, they should drive most loads.  Not sure about Maggies, tho, as I know my 202a wouldn't drive Martin Logan SL3's without sounding like a dying amp... 

I suspect the PrimaLuna Prologue One will be available used for about $600 in a few months, once the gear-of-the-month crowd is through with them.

[Tim]

keep an eye on the Antique Sound Labs amps as well.... I bought new but you can definitely find them used.

Jolida, ASL, PrimaLuna

all good brands to keep an eye out for on the used market

[ducati]

I second that.

Here's a great site that tracks the products of Audio Research:
http://www.ardb.ws