System edited: A complete switch to Synergistic Research cables has taken this system to a new level. There is something special going on with these cables. My system has taken on a wholeness, see-through clarity and most of all, emotion that I had found so elusive in this quest. There are no doubt many factors leading to this result, but the SR Cable update has been the most dramatic, and consistent with each cable addition.
Again, nice, well thought out system with a concentration on the basics; you can't build a house on shaky foundations is my philosophy.
I appreciate your comments and am interested in how you implemented the acoustic treatment covering the plasma. For whatever reason, I can't get the link to work. Any guidance and insights into construction and effectiveness of the treatment would be appreciated.
Magnepan was showing off a full range center today. Mike Winey said it is ready to sell now. It's not on the website, so you may have to call your dealer. They did not demo it, but it was in the room. Very nice looking, big, but with a nice curved wood frame.
System edited: I've completed the move from Shunyata PC's and Siltech IC/Speaker cables to Kubala-Sosna Emotion. System is more rounded and weighty, has increased 3-D and depth, without giving up an ounce of resolution or transparency. All good.
I've tried several vintage tubes. Several Amperex/Phillips 6922's and 7308's were smooth, but not neutral - somewhat bloated mid-bass. Then tried the Siemens 60's 6922 (shiney plates), first just a pair in the gain position (V3 and V6) then all 6. Without a doubt the gain positions are much more sensitive to noise and microphonics. I'm very happy with these Siemens tubes. They're airy, dimensional, and "lively", and remain true to the Herron sound. I also have some early 70's vintage Siemens "A-frames", really nice as well, maybe a tad lighter in the low end, but with the added weight of the V-3 Herron upgrade, not really a penalty. They run about $200/matched pair (NOS), so not cheap!! I highly recommend Brent Jessee as a source - he has a very customer-friendly return policy and is a stand-up guy.
You have a very nice set-up as well, Tympani! "...Have you tried any NOS tubes. My current favorites are the Siemens 6922's (60's vintage).." No, I have not but you have tempted me as my existing tubes are 3+ years old at least - It still sounds great though :-). Did you replaced all 6 6922s at once with the Siemens or just some 1st? I understand from Keith tubes 4 & 6 are more sensitive to noise then the others. BTW, where did you purchase your Seimens & what did they cost? 2nd, have you tried "cryoed" 6922s? Ta.
Same here - updated my VTSP-2 to VTSP-3. Almost immediately I noticed an improvement across all frequencies without losing the "neutral" sonic signature!
System edited: System updated: Keith Herron just upgraded my preamp to VTSP-3, a very nice improvement in impact and weight, while remaining supremely musical. Definitely a worthy upgrade. Also changed my speaker cables and IC's to Kubala-Sosna Emotions. Very pleased!
Have you tried playing around with the Maggies at all? There are so many simple little tweaks that are really worth trying. I had Maggies for 10 years. I worked my way up from 1.6 to 2.6 and finally 3.6R each one tweaked along the way. The difference was so profound and didnt really cost much to do.
Bypassing the fuse (If you are not a head banger! or have never blown one) is the best 15minutes you will spend. From there the sky is the limit of course. Magnepan one of the best value speaker out there surely.
Thought I would pay your system a visit after seeing your post to mine. Very nice. You must have the best theater room in the city! I moved my old MGIIIa's into a dedicated theater room last year and added Maggie center and surrounds.
I have a found the vandy 2wq sub works extremely well with the maggies. I have one on the audio only system with my 20.1s and one with the 3a's in the theater room. Sub works great with each application. How have you found the REL matches with the 20's for audio only?
The room is 15' by 25'. I wish I had a bit more width for the Magnepans. The main seating is about 13 feet from the speakers, which leaves plenty of room behind the seats. I toyed with the idea of retractible curtains to cover the plasma, but felt it would look too messy and cluttered.
Great room, what are the dimensions? Would hanging heavy curtains over the plasma which could be easily pulled open or closed serve to reduce reflection concerns for music listening. Would be easier than hanging a panel. Again great room and super system.
The large plasma glass does slightly influence the imaging. Even with my speakers 4.5 feet out there is some reflection. I have 4 custom-made fiberglass panels (similar to ASC) to hand on the wall behind the plasma, each measuring 18" x 54", as well as a large single panel I can hang over the plasma for critical listening. To be honest, I don't use the TV-covering panel much... too much of a hassle to hang and take down. I do keep the others up (not shown in the photo's) Here's the site for the custom panels, made to your specific size and color. Very nice quality.
Love your system. I'm also a Maggie owner. My listening room is wired for home theater and I'm wondering what effect, if any, the Plasma has on speaker imaging.
I have heard the big Maggies with several Classe amps including Classe Omega Omicron monos (the product designations are confusing, these were the 300 watt mono towers). Not with the stereo amps you list. I would describe the sound as powerful, controlled but a tad polite. Personally, I believe Maggies pair well with the Classe "house sound", but really need a neutral tube preamp to breathe soul into the presentation.
Siegfried, I only use the Sub for 5.1 content (movies, surround SACD, and occasional TV). If the source doesn't have a .1 track the sub stays off. The big Maggies are very comfortable producing deep bass, but room positioning is very critical. I've toyed with the idea of dual subs for stereo content, but I'm satisfied for now.
I see in a previous thread you were having hum problems with your gear. Interesting because the transformer in one of my monoblocks would occasionally hum. I finally traced it to the dimmer switch for the overhead room lighting. Even though the amp was on its own dedicated circuit, there was interference at certain positions of the dimmer. Low-noise dimmers solved the problem. I'm convinced that the enhanced listening experience we seem to get with the lights out is more than just "psycho-acoustic"
Man, do I hate you... I own something similar but smaller. Maggies 2.6r with Classé CAM200. I dream of earing big symphonic works on a rig like yours. Do you use the sub while listening to music or only for movies purposes? How would you rate your Maggies bass? Very nice system and nice room too.
Man, that's an awesome system! The 20.1's are amazing speakers! As far as amps go the Jolida JD 3000's are the best amps I've ever heard with those speakers. It's as if they were designed for Magnepans! 200 watt monoblocks that use the 211 power tube that sounds very close 845 used in SET amps but with mega bass and slam! Plus the amps are cheap and take internal mods very well. Just a thought to check out some time.
Thanks Alan, One thing you will hear from every Magnepan owner - they can sound bright and fatiguing if not set up properly, more so than most speakers. The quality of the upstream gear and the speaker placement are crucial, but when done right you will be rewarded with captivating music. I have heard MG20's sound awful in mega-dollar systems, and have melted in musical joy listening to 1.6's properly set up in very modest systems.
Hello, A very good looking rig you've put together. I audition magnepans 1.6 & 3.6 today at local shop. The 1.6 set up was rotel amp into AR tube pre amp and rotel cd player, although the placement of voice and instruments was right i found this set up bright and a somewhat fatiging to listen to. The other one used classe amps(similar to yours), ayre pre amp and ayre cd player with exotic(high end)cables.Of course this system had a quality most anyone could live with except i'd go broke putting together a $40,000+ rig. The dynamics and soundstage were extremely good. Anyway theit were no 20 to demo just wonder what they are like? Thanks for posting your system Alan.
