High end: Dynamic or Magneplan?

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Neutral
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#1 erstellt: 05. Aug 2005, 12:09

I had an interesting time last evening checking out high-end speakers. I started with the Magnepan 12 floorstanding model and found it fantastic for vocals - Diana Krall, Celine, Knopfler etc. They are as advertised - boxless and open. There is no trace of boom and the soundstaging is excellent.

It's amazing how such a flat speaker, just 1 cm thick can outwit much larger and heavier speakers. I also listened to a B&W model priced around Rs 60,000 but it was certainly inferior. The box was flimsy and resonated. It did not seem to have any of B&W's superior technologies. Surprisingly, the dealer told me it is the most selling speaker.

I also checked out JBL speakers at Crossroads. I actually liked the Infinity 40BK model. I also head the Northridge 60 floorstander and found it horrible. Boomy and lacking a midrange. The 80 Northridge was a lot better and sounded balanced at a reasonable price.

Of all the speakers in the Rs 60,000 region, by far the best speakers I heard were the Magnepans. The dealer told me they have a few disadvantages: only 1 years warranty and poorer performing for trance and rock. Placement might also be an issue. But I guess for vocals, they rule.

I would be thrilled if other forum members would also listen to exotics like Magnepans, Martin Logans, and Cadences and post reviews on them. By first experience with this category tells me that boxes may not be the best option for expensive speakers.

Arj
Inventar

#2 erstellt: 05. Aug 2005, 12:21

Maggies are a cult in itself and the only thing missing would be deep Bass if you like rock. but it is more than compensated by its Midbass, Midrange and treble quality.

just make sure that all music you like is well represented especially the ones with deep bass (eg since you like Dire straits, the Bass guitar should sound authoritative and the Twang should be felt)

there are those who prefer them to box speakers andd those who dont. it is purely individual and subjective hence your liking it is imp

POwer and space requirements are high in Maggies hence you need high power amps (Although the NAD 350 series have been known to run them well) as well as space to optimally place them

IMHO B&W high selling models are not really a comparison to maggies as B&W only gets really good from the 700 series.

BTW It is not really an electrostat but a Planar (unlike MLs, Final and Cadence) hence works differently.

you should get enough info from the web on that..

cheers!

[Beitrag von Arj am 05. Aug 2005, 12:22 bearbeitet]

Neutral
Stammgast

#3 erstellt: 05. Aug 2005, 16:38

Arjun,
Do you know anyone who actually owns these speakers? Their distribution is poor in India. Otherwise I would certainly recommend them over regular box speakers. To some extent I am inclined to agree with Square Wave that foreign brands don't make their cheaper ranges up to the mark. I guess Quads and PSB would be competition to Magnepan.

Unfortunately, these Maggies require larger rooms as they need to be far from the rear wall. As far as deep bass is concerned, I guess one will have to change one's listening preferences and opt for vocals and jazz.

Have you heard any JBL studio monitors? Their pro equipment is supposed to be good but they also make rubbish for the masses (a boomy 8 inch driver coupled with a tweeter) which has no mids at all.

Arj
Inventar

#4 erstellt: 05. Aug 2005, 19:01

well, I do not know any maggie owners..just interacted with some on some forums..
They very rarely have quality issues

But it is very difficult to compare planars with others since the sonic capabilities are very different. hence you need to go by if you prefer their sound .

JBL or for that matter any studio monitors are usually good, althoug on the neutral side, which is not very well liked. I have not really heard JBL studio range.

JBL, although an american brand , has a great fan following in Japan and their Megabuck speakers are very often designed with the japanese audiophile in mind.

If you can manage try to check out the Dynaudio studio/ professional monitors. they are usually cheaper but as good as the better finished retail cousins.

powersupply
Ist häufiger hier

#5 erstellt: 06. Aug 2005, 07:14

Neutral wrote:

As far as deep bass is concerned, I guess one will have to change one's listening preferences and opt for vocals and jazz.

Not necessary, with Magnepans you try adding a good musical sub, you should get what you expect.

zhopudey
Stammgast

#6 erstellt: 08. Aug 2005, 07:42

I've read that maggies have a very small sweet spot. That could be a hindrance.

hojo
Schaut ab und zu mal vorbei

#7 erstellt: 08. Aug 2005, 10:29

Neutral,
There are advocates for both the technologies around the world. The best of box speakers can almost match planars in the highs and mid region. I say “ALMOST”. They may not equal the planars. Planars have a mesmerizing sound in the upper-mids and highs. If you do a straight comparison of a b&w speaker from their 600 series with the Magnaplanar, the maggies will rule in the mids and highs. The highs and mids are supposed to just emanate from the front of the panel of a box speaker and mesmerize you with its spaciousness and clarity. For this to happen, the bass has to be disciplined too. The problem with entry-lines speakers is that, most are voiced for the masses with a slight bass boost in the mid-bass region. This is added to the boom emitted by the compromised cabinet. So you get muddy bass which affects the mids and highs. On top of this, the cheap highs driver and crossover will affect the spaciousness and quality of the sound. You try listening to a top of the line dynaudio or quad bookshelf speaker on proper, sturdy stands. They almost touch the planars in the mids/highs provided your room is adequately treated.
I agree with your views about their 600 series. In addition to sounding boomy, they have the most colored sound too IMHO. They start sounding good from the 700 series.

benkenobi
Hat sich gelöscht

#8 erstellt: 08. Aug 2005, 11:09

Some of the supposedley better planars..COst a bomb..but i think the 60 inch tweeter makes up for it..and anyone wants to talk abt bass of planar speakers ain't going to be having an issue with these am sure.

http://glacieraudio....ore/Gilmoreintro.htm
Cheers,
Sachi

Neutral
Stammgast

#9 erstellt: 09. Aug 2005, 15:17

Hojo you're right,

B&W 700 series onwards make great home theaters with fantastic dynamics. I trust that they will be good at stereo too. I guess their Nautilus is where their R&D effort is concentrated.

hojo
Schaut ab und zu mal vorbei

#10 erstellt: 09. Aug 2005, 15:44

Yes.
That is exactly what I feel too. Even the CDM 9nt didn’t sound convincing to me for the price you pay. Nautilus is where the fun really starts.
I recently heard the Jamo series. The good ones start at the D-Series only. The D-series is one class act except for the model which has a down firing woofer IMHO.

Neutral
Stammgast

#11 erstellt: 09. Aug 2005, 17:22

The Jamo D-series has a good reputation. The entry level stuff in the Rs 20000 region of the E-series is easily beaten by local Indian brands. It's the same problem as in B&W - not much attention to cabinet construction for the budget speakers.

Arj
Inventar

#12 erstellt: 09. Aug 2005, 17:24

these are actually meant for thr HT market and not for 2 ch..

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