Magnepan 1.6QR and Bel Canto

I can't respond to the matching. However, if he is willing to lend them to you, why not take him up on the offer and decide for yourself?

Good golly! Having friends like that is a beautiful thing. The maggies may not be the last word in speakers. {For the price they may well be.} But they are truly wonderfull. Take him up on his offer!

You should listen to the combo before asking for opinions. Form your own opinion. Knowing what others feel beforehand may poison the well. Besides, your opinion is the only one that matters anyway. Have fun!

Can't comment on the sound, as mentioned you should form your own opinion on this first, but the Bel Cantos will drive nails and never get hot so I would think they would serve the Magnepans reputedly difficult load fairly easily. I have the 300's and the 1000's in my system, the 300's drive my center and rears. Overall they are very close, but the power difference exposes itself in bass extension and drive, and overall dynamics. If you like the 300's then you would love the 1000's.