magnepan 1.6 needs help in the bass

But Mrtennis, what is the true existentialistic meaning of this post :-)

Seriously, having owned a pair of 1.6's I can tell you that they need a s**t load of power to bring out their true bass potential. Minimum that I would consider is 250 wpc [stable, into 4 ohms] for SS amps. Never ran 'em with tubes. I would also recommend a speaker stand [forget who makes the Maggie stands] or fashion some kind of clamp device then anchor studs from the top corners to the wall [doubtful WAF, though!]

I have been happy for years with a single Vandersteen 2Wq with my 1.6s. This is a terrific combination and the vandy has the speed to keep up with the Maggies, as well as tight, tuneful and remarkably unintrusive bass.

The x-over on this sub is such that you must have the ability to place it in the line level signal between your pre- and power amp. It will work with integrateds that have an effects loop or pre-out/power-in loop.

The x-over rolls off the signal below 80 hz that ends up going to your speakers. Conversely, the sub rolls off frequencies as it approaches 80 hz so you get a nice seamless transition with a smooth handoff. The sub actually gets its signal from your amplifier as opposed to the x-over itself. In this way, the sub is working with the same signal as the speakers which is another nice point of integration (since it's essentially part of your speaker system).

You will need to know the input impedance of your power amp should you acquire a 2Wq, as the crossover needs to be matched to that figure--otherwise, your frequency "hand off" will be in the wrong place.

I am pondering adding a second, but only for the fun of it (vs. any need for more bass).

Mrtennis, haven't I told you that you're chasing a chimera? Repent and get thee a fine floorstanding dynamic speaker. But, if you are intent on your quest, some fine stereo subs would be REL or Vandersteen. For predominantly two channel listening you would not need any more than the older Vandy 2W's, which I used with 1.6's at one time. They have been the one constant during the time I have moved through six pairs of mains (Maggie 1.6's; Eminent Technology LFT-8A's (then, two pair of E.T.'s stacked); Canary Audio Zamas, Apogee Calipers, Chapman Audio T-7's (which I still have) and Chapman Audio T-77's).

hi doug, i have been advised to run a subwoofer up to 40 hz.

doesn't the vandersteen have a passive cross over which goes to 80 hz ? if so that may be a problem. my preamp has 2 main outputs, so ideally, i would send a signal from the main out to an amp which would power the subwoofer. i would like to run the 1.6s full range and blend the sub. is this possible with the rel ?

thanks

I'm with Ozzy on this one........ I have 1.6's and run them full out with a REL Storm III set at about 35Hz. TO my ears things sound pretty good.

Chris