Still building up my first audiophile system. Using integrated tube amp (40 Watt, triode mode, Cary Audio SLI-80) to power my maggies (1.7). I'm satisfied with the sound (listening volume barely past 11 o'clock). I picked up the Cary used from Audiogone, but, while biasing, the tubes lit too bright. I had to send it to Cary for repaires. Upgraded to Cardas caps, replaced both power caps and replaced all tubes.

For CD I use PS1. It sounds really good: warm, non-fatiguing. Upgraded stock power cord to PS Audio Jewel C7.

I recently upgraded my Clear Day speaker cable from the shotgun to double shotgun. I experienced a noted improvement in imaging and more pronounced bass. Looking forward to upgrading the record player (Denon DP-300f) to Clear Audio Concept and my external phono (Cambridge Audio 640P) to Clear Audio Nano.

I love the magnepan 1.7. Was debating between it and MartinLogan Vantage. I picked maggie because its(a) a newer model (b)more affordable (c) has a reported wider sweet spot

Future plans: this will eventually serve as my secondary rig. My primary rig will be made up of:

CD player: Oppo (latest 3D model)

Turntable: VPI Classic (1 or 3)

Speakers: Magnepan 3.7

Power Amp: two Mcintosh MC275 as monoblocks (150W/ch or 190W/ch)

Preamp: Mcintosh 2500 (or latest model

Speaker cables: Clear Day double Shotgun

Interconnect: Marrow Audio

C'est tout! (That's all)

Opinions requested:

1) Do I need diffusers behind the Maggie? How many?

2) How about acoustic treatment? (My room: 24 by 12)

3) This music room is separated by french doors (glass) which open up into an adjacent 24 by 12 room in the basement (my movie room), should the doors remain open or shut?

4) Maggie Placement: I had to push the Maggies back towards the back wall to about 5ft as setting it up at 7 or 8ft didn't improve the imaging/sound stage at all.

Let me know what you think about my current system and future plans.