The Magnepan Altar represents hundreds of hours of research and work.
The Realization of the Altar is a permanent and uncompromising modification to the Magnepan 3.6R.
Triamplification is simply three channels of amplification per speaker, or in the case of the Magnepan 3.6R, one per driver. The lack of passive components (i.e. capacitors and inductors) between the amplifier and the driver results in a true, uncolored sound that few have experienced.
Thank you for looking! I'd be happy to answer any questions about this system or the modifications.
Rewired for triamplification. Each driver is connected to Vampire BPHEX binding posts using Goertz MI1 (custom integrated terminations treated with progold and silclear to prevent oxidization)
Audio Concepts Titan II LE
Very musical sealed enclosure subwoofer. Class AB amp. A perfect match for Magnepan speakers. Connected via direct input (active crossover employs a 45hz fourth-order LP).
Quicksilver V4
I use four of these to drive my midrange panels and ribbons. Two have been upgraded by Response Audio; two are stock.
Bryston 7B-SST
900wpc into 4. In the fashion of obscene overkill, these drive only my bass panels. Probably the best amps for this job.
Marchand XM44 4-way crossover
Highly flexible active crossover used to triamp my speakers and filter the frequencies for the subwoofer (better than the crap xover built into most subs). Currently enjoying 35hz LP, 240hz LR4, 1700hz LR4 filters.
Bent Audio TAP-X
Autoformer-based preamplifier. Probably the last preamp I will ever buy.
Marantz SA-11s2
One of the best SACD players out there!
Analysis Plus Crystal Oval
1m RCA CD player to preamp 1m XLR preamp to amp
These cables are highly resolving and neutral. Wonderful match for my system.
Analysis Plus Solo Crystal
4' runs from each monoblock to the speaker. Oh, and locking banana plugs rock. :)
VH Audio Flavor 2, 3, 4
Flavor 4 power cords for the amplifiers and Equitech 2Q; Flavor 3 for the SACD player; Flavor 2 for the active crossover.
Mapleshade Samson V1
I chose Mapleshade primarily for the stunning aesthetics. * Samson V1 stand with extra shelf and riser nuts. * (2) 15" x 18" Amp Stands * (2) 12" x 15" Amp Stands * (1) 18" x 24" x 4" Amp Stand * (2) 15" x 18" Platforms
GIK Acoustics Various treatments
If you have a nice system, you're doing yourself an INCREDIBLY injustice to put it in an untreated room. * 4' x 8' array of D1 diffusion panels (painted to match my apt!) * 4 Tri-Traps stacked floor to ceiling * 244 panels at the sidewall and rear wall first reflection points.
Mye Sound MG3.6 aftermarket stands
These are leagues better than the silly 'T' brackets that Magnepan supplies.
RealTraps MicroTraps, MiniTrap HFs
Used to treat the side wall and rear wall reflections, respectively
ASC StudioTrap, SoundPanel
Additional acoustic treatment for voiced diffusion and absorption
Oyaide R1
Purchased with cryo and burn-in treatment from VH Audio. Outlet cover is Furutech 103
Equitech 2Q
I use two of these: one for the tube amps hooked up to a dedicated 20A circuit, the other for the front-end + Bryston amps. I modified one with 3 x Oyaide R1, 2 x Furutech FP-15a (cu), VH Audio wiring, and no GFCI.
Herbie's Audio Lab Iso-Cup / Lampblack footers
These work wonderfully under my tube amps.
Herbie's Audio Lab SuperSonic tube dampers
I can't live without 'em!
Herbie's Audio Lab Grungebuster CD Mat
I didn't expect too much from this tweak, but I was oh so (happily) wrong.
Audio Points 1.5APD
Used under my power conditioner with Herbie's decoupling grounding base.
Great system, try listening to the speakers spine on with the panels facing the wall. Seems weird but it's pretty cool, kind of like giant headphones. You can always put them back if you don't like it. I still think you should check out Stereo Unlimited in Walnut Creek if you get the chance. They rewire the whole speaker plus the crossover with their panted wire called Supernal. Plus they have this supertweeter mod[new version of the Linaeum that plays to 75khz]the only mod covered by the factory warranty. You should try listening to Your 3.6 with something other then Bryston. The Viva, Jolida jd3000 mono, and Audio Research, mbl combos are pretty amazing.
The Hares have been modifying these speakers now for about 16 years now, they are the largest dealer of Maggies in the country, plus it's cool place to hang out and listen to music. Amps their include Audio Research, Jolida, mbl 9011's, Primaluna, Wright Sound, Viva to name a few. Speakers include Atohm, Avantgarde, BG, Beveridge, Final, Magnepan, mbl, Quad, Opera. This store is a tweakers paradise, they'll even modify your own amps speakers.
The 3.6's will be my next speaker if I get that WAF and man that's a BIG if!
Hi Nils, great system. The 3.6's will be my next speakers[I hope!] You should really[and I mean REALLY] check out Stereo Unlimited in Walnut Creek: http://www.stereounlimited.com/Home.htm These guys do Magnepan mod that does not void the waranty from the factory. Plus they have a great line up of tube amps, turntables, subs all kinds of stuff. You can go in there and just sit and listen, it's a pretty laid back in environment plus they are really nice people.
You have to hear the Maggies on some fine tube amps.
