For what it's worth, the 1.6 Magnepans are much less obvious looking in a room...and with the Carver sub-woofer, are just superb. I also own or have owned the Magnepan MG-20 and 3.6, and it is very difficult to go to another type of speaker after living with current generation Magnepans. I have tried Thiel 1.5 and 6, Various Kef, B&W and Vandersteens....and they were all super box speakers....but none were as much a pleasure to listen to as the Magnepans. If your mate just will not consider the smaller 1.6...then you will have quite a search ahead of you.
Looking for loudspeakers under $4,000
I am intersted in auditioning loudspeakers witha cost at or below $4,000 (new, not used). Associated equipment: Wadia 850 CD player, Linn Klout power amp. Room size 18 x 26 x 10. Music: mostly accoustic jazz. Current speakers: Magneplanar 3.6 R's: Wife can't live with them; I want to continue living with wife. Ideally, I would like to match the 3.6 R's sound, with "better" low bass. Any suggestions? Thanks for your thoughts.