magnepan mmgs-buy zero autoformers or stands 1st?

The stands, (at least good ones) do more than raise the Maggies... They firmly lock them in place, ie...no sway allowed. This results in a more "clear" sound, as the soundwave launching is now from a firmly "locked in place" source.

Some other thoughts:

KT-88 or 6550...better bass than EL34

Room placement...did you try the CARDIS planer setup guide?

Subwoofer (s)...Maggies crossed over at 80hz

Dave

ok, thought that that's what this forum was for tho. to get opinions. i'm getting great bass with the el34's.. it's only on certain recording where it is boomy. i will live with that if i have to. cardas set-up is almost 6 feet from front wall- not an option. who has 6 feet from front wall? not many i would think. my decision is to let them break in and see what happens. stands are a must anyway, so i will be getting them. then see how it is. i'm just wondering if any of the naysayers have even listened to a 40 push pull el34 tube amp with the mmg's. probably not...

tvad thanks. i will try the alternative to cardas method as that can be done. and, i used to have a kt88 amp. i will find out if i can interchange, but i don't think so. about the recordings, you may be right. altho, on my reference system i do not get the boominess. that is what puzzles me. one thing that hasn't been addressed in this thread is break-in time. i would think that this has at least a little to do with it.