Advice for first pair of Maggies

You might want to post some details on your music room. You will do well to select a model that fits the room well. As far as buying used, the older models have had problems with the glue failing after varying amounts of time. Direct sunlight and humidity extremes apparently speeded up the glue failure. I had a pair of SMGa's that did this. You will hear a nasty buzzing and you will know something is wrong right away. I've had a pair of 1.6QR's for 12 years and they have no problems at all. For today's going prices for used 1.6's, they are an insanely good buy. If I were buying maggies, I'd try to pick up a pair within driving distance and go see and hear them. Most people would rather not ship them, so that should work for both parties.

The room may be a bit on the small side for the 1.6's. It may take some effort, but you should be able to make them work. 3' out should be OK, but you will probably want some window treatments to prevent reflection off of the glass. The smaller speakers such as the MMG's should be fine in your room. If you can make 1.6's work, you likely won't want or need a sub in a room that size.

Stickman's advice on placement is correct. The 1.6's are going to be hit or miss depending on placement on the lowest note from a double bass (42 hz). My 1.6's are out about 4.5 ft and do pretty well. I get bass you can feel, but it won't knock your front teeth out. The bass quality is so good with the 1.6's I think it will satisfy most people who listen to classical. You want nice tight, articulate, tuneful bass for classical. You can get that from 1.6's when they are set up right. I said before, I don't think you can touch the 1.6's in terms of value considering the going rate for a used pair.