Anyone use the tweeter attenuation on Maggies?


Ok, I am in the process of demoing a pair of Magnepan 12QRs from local dealer and they are doing exactly what I hoped in the three-dimensional soundstage area but come across as too bright for my taste. My room is well damped so that shouldn't be the problem. The dealer said the speakers were broken is so not the problem either.
My question is, has anyone tried using a 1 ohm resistor in the tweeter path to soften it a bit. The manual mentions this method so it must have been brought to their attention many times. Any other suggestions?
My room is 11X13, maybe a bit small for the speakers but as I said, it is well treated so the only problem is visual.
Basic system is Resolution Audio CD-50 (very smooth), Bel Canto Pre3 and PS Audio A-100. Speakers that work best for me have been the Meadowlark Audio Kestrels. Thanks.
timrhu

Showing 2 responses by eldartford

Tweeters are generally more efficient than woofers, so crossover networks typically include a "tweeter padding resistor" in series with the tweeter. Because Magnepan makes both the woofer and tweeter sections of their speakers the tweeter is sometimes OK without any padding resistor, but if you find the speakers "bright" don't hesitate to use a padding resistor. Magnepan suggests one ohm. I use 1.5 ohms. 3 ohms is not uncomon in other speakers. Those manufacturers don't have control of tweeter efficiency because they don't manufacture them.
I forgot to mention Magnepan's statement that the MG1.6 (and probably other models) measure flat without the resistor. However, it is claimed that recordings often ramp up the high end to compensate for typical speaker roll off, so it may be necessary to roll off the Maggie response to match what the recording expects.