Magnepan 1.6's, Lovingly Fed

by jphig on Opinions Please

Description

This system is about two things: the Maggies and value. I realize these speakers are not the ultimate but I do love the free, open, well-imaged sound and I can't believe it only cost $1475 (back in the day). All the upstream components are used, but even at retail the Classe .5 and Marsh A400S provide terrific performance at their c. $2K price points. Next up: power conditioning and protection, speaker cable upgrade, one day perhaps a fine REL subwoofer. Oh, and we'll see how much more CD transport grief I can take before moving on to another source.
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Components Toggle details

    • Classe Audio CDP-.5
    Good sounding source, but repeated transport woes.
    • Levinson No 38
    Obviously higher class than rest of system; picked it up used, hence it's still in the $2K range of the other pieces. Lovin' it!
    • Marsh Sound Design A-400s
    Silky, solid amp. Great value, excellent match for Maggies.
    • Audioquest Cheetah
    Yes Virgina, cables DO make a difference. Recently replaced very fine Wireworld Silver Eclipse series cables, adding much clarity and presence, even adding some bottom end to the midrange-happy Maggies!
    • Tara Labs RSC 2000 Gen 2
    Nice enough cables, but the next thing to upgrade. The Levinson/Cheetahs/Marsh are doubtless offering more information than the RSC 2000 can deliver.
    • Magnepan MG-1.6qr
    I built the system around these. Love that free, open air planar sound. I've heard a number of very fine high end box speakers but am always happy to come home to Maggie.

Comments 2

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I just bought my first set of 1.6's. I've been in love with the maggie sound delivery since 1979. I bought a pair of MG 1's back then, 5 ohm load, ate amplifiers, now they don't work and I still have them! I bought a pair of MMG's in 1999 and used them til I bought the 1.6's in June . I'm hoping to step up into 3.6's.
Your electronics blow mine away, If you can check my system out and tell me what you think, I'd appreciate it.

keith944t

I've heard this system; it images extremely well and is very satisfying to hear. The MG-1.6qr's paint a very large and deep soundstage that puts instruments where they belong in a very life-like manner....

zephyr24069

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