Description

Finally, a system that pretty much disappears and leaves just the musical event. It delivers all of the subtlety, power and glory, and emotional impact of the musical experience. If I've erred in any respect, it's always been in favor of musicality over theatricality or gee-whiz effects. Is it done yet? Not exactly.

Note:

1. I run the Accuphase DP-75 directly into the Pass X350 via the Cardas Golden Ref XLR cables for CD playback. The ARC LS22r comes into play only for phono and tuner. It's a bit of extra work, but the results are worth it.

2. The Linn Sondek LP12 is sitting on a 90 pound slab of terrazzo marble which is in turn supported by three Nordost cone and saucer isolation devices.

3. With respect to system evolution, adding a pair of Pass X600 amps would be a nice improvement. I will probably keep the X350 for use in a biamped configuration. An ARC REF 1 or REF 2 preamp with the right tubes would make the the current preamp bypass unnecessary. At some point, it would be nice to upgrade to a pair of MR20.1s

I'm researching a makover for the 20Rs. The focus of my research addresses two areas:

A. Magnepan's middle-of-the-road crossover parts selections and

B. An acoustically and aesthetically non-intrusive means of stiffening the overall speaker frame and incorporating some decent stands.

I think that there's a lot of potential yet to be realized in the stock MG20R design.

Should these improvements prove successful and significant I'll offer them as a kit or as a service to MG20R owners. The same methodology can be applied to the 3.5/3.6 as well. I should have this in testing by the end of March. The crossover parts are on the way and I'm finalizing the CAD drawings for the stand/frame stiffener. Stay tuned...

Cheers to all and enjoy the music!
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Components Toggle details

    • Magnepan MG-20r
    This pair with XO20 crossovers. 250 lbs.
    • Pass Labs X-350
    350w x 2 @8 ohms, 700w x 2 @4 ohms. 150 lbs.
    • Audio Research LS-22r
    with remote and upgraded with Russian NOS 6H23 tubes
    • Accuphase DP-75
    8 20 bit DACs in parallel per channel, 53 lbs. Killer CD player.
    • Linn LP-12 Sondek Ittok
    Includes Valhalla PS, Trampolin
    • Linn Ittok LVII
    Ittok LV II
    • Dynavector 10-X4 mkII
    MC, 2.0 mV
    • Krell Standard KPE phono
    Gret phono preamp
    • Luxman 5T-50
    An oldie but a goodie. Classic 80s vintage tuner
    • Audio Magic Spellcaster II
    2 pair of custom made .5 meter jumpers to go from the Magnepan XO20 external crossovers to the main panels
    • Cardas Golden Reference
    2.5 meter biwire. About the best copper there is, and a perfect compliment for the Magnepans.
    • Cardas Golden Reference
    1 meter balanced
    • Cardas Golden Cross
    1 and 1.5 meter pairs
    • Audio Magic Spellcaster II
    6 foot.
    • Bybee Technologies Pro
    20 lbs. It's like magic!

Comments 11

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Warddorrity, nice setup!!! I have recently finished upgrading my electronics and am now looking for speakers. I have a short list I am interested in hearing. They include Von Schweikert, Talon and Magnepan.
I auditioned a pair of Talon's which I like very much, but I want to try the some Magnepan's. I'm a little concerned about one issue mentioned to me about them. I was told they have a very big soundstage, but they also have very big presentation of images within the soundstage i.e. larger than natural voices and instruments.
The idea this person tried to express was the lack of small pinpoint detail in favor of large images. I hope I have expressed this clearly enough for you to understand what I'm asking about. Have you noticed these characteristics with your speakers?

nrchy