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Newbie Maggie question: Best bang for buck?

I know I am destined to buy my first pair of Maggies soon. These will likely be my last “forever” speaker. So I want to get it right - one swing and a home run is what I need. Yet, I have more desires than I have money. Here’s (hear’s) my question:

 

In general (ahem, in general) as you go up and down the Maggie line, basically (ahem, basically) what changes is the size of the speakers and their drivers. Larger surface area = more moving air = bigger soundstage, etc.

 

BUT:

 

Other than size, what is the “sweet spot” in the Magnepan line from a technological / design perspective? In other words, where in the Maggie line can I get the most bang for my buck? Which speaker utilizes the best of Magnepan’s technological refinements, yet keeps the size and cost to a minimum?

 

Theoretically, if all Megnepans were the same size, which one would provide the best sound at the cheapest cost?

 

Thanks in advance for your sage like advice!

mhwalker

Showing 1 response by yyzsantabarbara

yyzsantabarbara
5,217 posts
 

I started with the LRS+ in my office to replace the KEF LS50 Meta. The room was small 12x11x9. I used the KEF KC62 sub with both. I was very surprised to find that the Maggie was EASIER to place than the LS50 Meta. The LRS+ was not as clean sounding as the LS50 Meta, but the overall wall of sound Maggie presentation was a more fun listen for me.

I lost that room and went to an even smaller space (my virtual systems has photos). I sold the LSR+ and got the Maggie Mini Panels. This was better sounding than the LRS+ on top. Though not the ultimate in resolution. Still a very fun listen.The Mini panel uses the same panel as the 3.7. I would spring for the upgraded "i" variant if the Maggie was my main speaker.

I have owned amps from $1k to $16k that I have used with the Maggies. I posted such a list on A’gon in the past.

The amp I am using today, the $2k Schiit Wotan is the second-best amp on the Maggies. The best is my CODA #16 but it cost 8x more. The Wotan needs a lot of burn-in to sound optimal. 

 

 

 

 

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