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Magnepan vs B&W: Same specs, different bass?

Hey everyone,

I recently acquired a set of Magnepan 3.7 speakers which are rated down to 35 Hz, and I've been comparing them to my B&W 803S speakers (also rated to 35 Hz).  While I enjoy the big sound and clarity of the Magnepans, the B&W's blow the Magnepans away in the bass department in an A-B comparison test.

I figured this would be the case, but I can't explain why there's such a big difference in bass when the speakers have the same specs.  Can anyone explain?

B&W 803S specs:
35Hz – 22kHz ±3dB

Magnepan 3.7 specs:
35Hz- 40 kHz

Thanks,
Chris
128x128cjwessing

Showing 4 responses by bluesy41

bluesy41
211 posts
 
I agree with gdnrbob.

They definitely should come out from the from wall more. They should be out about 40% of the length of your room and about 6-9 inches from you side wall. 

Cheers 
bluesy41
211 posts
 
@cjwessing 

its all in the setup. For two years I struggled with setup of Maggie’s from the 1.7i’s to the 3.7l’s and then with the 20.7’s. I was able just a few months ago to dial them in and the bass is amazing. Sonically amazing! Follow the Limage methodology for placement and you will get the results you desire. Air, openness and deep hit you in the chest bass.

-Cheers 
bluesy41
211 posts
 
They’re way too close together and did you move them out 40 percent of the overall length of your room?
bluesy41
211 posts
 
@cjwessing 


What are your room dimensions? Remember every room is different so you may have to tweak it a little. The Limage placement methodology for Planar have yielded great success. Please read this post 
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?cspkr&1279867740&read&keyw&zzcoupling+planar

Cheers
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