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AMT vs Magneplanar?

R

Rotary

Member
So I just moved into a new space and I'm looking to downsize my speaker collection a bit. Mainly I'm looking to get rid of either my Magnepan MG IIC's or my ESS AMT1C's. I like them both with maybe the magnepans being a tough better? But it's marginal and could totally have something to do with my setup. I'd like some input on which ones are worth keeping. I know audio can be totally subjective, but I figured I'd ask for some input in case the answer is obvious.
 
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Maggies of that age will need work over time and require "space" to get the most out of the. The ESS AMT1C would be my 'keeper' for long range flexibility and retained value.
 
Well I think I kind of answered it for myself. I got everything setup and had a good listening session. And while both are very very good, the magneplanars edged it out. I just felt that the mids were so much more detailed and at times certain songs would give me goosebumps. Mago-Uta by Count Buffalo and The Jazz Rock Band sealed the deal. The drum solo really stood out to me and the magneplanars had such a spacious soundstage, I think I'm keeping the magnepans.
 
Rotary said:
Well I think I kind of answered it for myself. I got everything setup and had a good listening session. And while both are very very good, the magneplanars edged it out. I just felt that the mids were so much more detailed and at times certain songs would give me goosebumps. Mago-Uta by Count Buffalo and The Jazz Rock Band sealed the deal. The drum solo really stood out to me and the magneplanars had such a spacious soundstage, I think I'm keeping the magnepans.
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IMHO, you made the right decision. I have variety of speakers; however, overall I prefer the Magnepans.
 
Magnepans are special. Sure they don’t do everything, most speakers can’t but for some music they are hard to beat. One thing I liked about the IIc set I rebuilt was that they seemed more coherent than the 2.5\R and IIIa that were here at the same time. Sure the ribbons were nice but the IIcs were smooth.
 
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Blue Shadow said:
Magnepans are special. Sure they don’t do everything, most speakers can’t but for some music they are hard to beat. One thing I liked about the IIc set I rebuilt was that they seemed more coherent than the 2.5\R and IIIa that were here at the same time. Sure the ribbons were nice but the IIcs were smooth.
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The thing I'm really liking about these magneplanars is that their short comings are fairly easily mitigated. I know some people complain of relatively poor bass, but not only do I think it sounds fine alone, I've got a nice sub I can power alongside them the make up for it. I definitely agree with the fact they are better for some songs than others. Orchestral pieces are excellent through these, but for any hip hop or funk I find myself leaning towards my Chorus IIs. Frankly I'm a bit surprised I find myself listening to the magneplanars more than the chorus IIs for certain genres just based on the price gap alone. I got my MG IICs for I think around $200
 
That coherent midrange and depth you can get from planers can be tough to duplicate from most conventional speakers, and IMO is where the real magic comes from. The downside is that they're very sensitive to setup and the rest of the system chain (amps in particular). They have potential that I'd be inclined to pursue, but it's always a very personal choice. Have you checked into any of the Maggie crossover updates and mods out there?
 
knotscott said:
That coherent midrange and depth you can get from planers can be tough to duplicate from most conventional speakers, and IMO is where the real magic comes from. The downside is that they're very sensitive to setup and the rest of the system chain (amps in particular). They have potential that I'd be inclined to pursue, but it's always a very personal choice. Have you checked into any of the Maggie crossover updates and mods out there?
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Did not even know they exist. My current setup is comprised of components from the pioneer communication series. I know it's not THE best setup but I'm happy with it. I might upgrade to the A-9 amp to get a bit more out of it but I have a dynamic processor and EQ in the loop as well
 
Rotary said:
Did not even know they exist. My current setup is comprised of components from the pioneer communication series. I know it's not THE best setup but I'm happy with it. I might upgrade to the A-9 amp to get a bit more out of it but I have a dynamic processor and EQ in the loop as well
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The Maggies are known to do well with higher current amps, and amp technology has progressed a lot over the decades. I don't want to talk someone into not being happy with their setup, or spending money they don't need to, but I do suspect the Maggies have a lot of untapped potential remaining. It's always best to make yourself happy first, but since you were asking, just thought I plant the seed!

Are you DIY oriented at all?
 
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knotscott said:
The Maggies are known to do well with higher current amps, and amp technology has progressed a lot over the decades. I don't want to talk someone into not being happy with their setup, or spending money they don't need to, but I do suspect the Maggies have a lot of untapped potential remaining. Make you happy first, but since you were asking, just thought I plant the seed!
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I do plan on getting a new high end receiver to run through my new TV, don't know if that would work well, still new to the hobby. Currently I don't think I've had any issues driving them however I've never heard magneplanars with their maximum potential realized. I imagine I'm not even close to maximizing the potential of my whole setup
 
Rotary said:
I do plan on getting a new high end receiver to run through my new TV, don't know if that would work well, still new to the hobby. Currently I don't think I've had any issues driving them however I've never heard magneplanars with their maximum potential realized. I imagine I'm not even close to maximizing the potential of my whole setup
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Do some research first....the Maggies have had a strong following for a long time, so I'd be surprised if there weren't some dedicated Maggy groups who could give excellent "insider" guidance. Good luck!
 
My roommate had a pair of mgIIC in the early 80s and we cobbled together a stereo system.

It was my first experience with maggies and loved them ever since.

I did have a few other speakers before I got a pair (needed a listening room).

Now I worry about power amps, preamps, DACs, ...
 
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