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Your opinion

M

mbeigh

Active Member
I have the opportunity to pick up some new speakers. Chosing from the folowing lis, which would you choose?

Magnepan MGIII
Acoustat 2 MH
Thiel CS 2.2

I will probably use these with a Mac 2002 or an upgraded Jolida 5o2b. All are priced very close to each other, but I can only afford one.

Your opinions are desired and appreciated.

M Beigh
 
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seems like you can not go wrong no matter what you choose. I am a magnepan lover, but, is all I have really heard. I have had a few people tell me that they loved the magnepans too, until they tried the acoustat.........but I do not think I have ever read where anyone who had them did not like the MG-III
so basically I am no help tho I would probably have to go with the Acoustat just so I could try a pair out.
I am pretty sure the acoustats are the same as the magnepans - best to have a very high current amp if you like to turn them up.
 
My opinion is that -- in general -- the planar electrostatic speakers are best driven with high current, high-damping factor, low impedance solid state amps. They offer a somewhat challenging load to tube output amps.
 
I would go for the Maggies or the Thiels with the McIntosh 2002. Depending upon the type of music you like and the system properties you value, I think this would be the best choice. I've listened to Acoustats several times and really wanted to like them, but they have left me cold each time. Don't really know why, but they just never rang the bell for me. In contrast, the Maggies are very natural and lifelike and image so well that on good electronics they just disappear and all you hear is the performers and the room. Their main downside is their bass response rolls off and they don't go very deep. They are also not a real punchy speaker. The Thiels on the other hand are a very punchy speaker and do go fairly deep, but won't image as well as the Maggies.

As far as amplifiers are concerned, I think the Mac is the best choice with the speakers you are considering because they all need lots of power to sound their best. Hope this helps you make a good choice! :music:
 
not familiar with any of the three but having owned an acoustat amp and read up on why it was made, i'd stay away from the acoustats as they can present difficult loads to the amp.
 
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