Maggies with no Sub: Fantastic surprise


OK, I have had Maggies for years, and always had subs with them: Vandersteens, DefTech, Velodyne, JL Audio, Sunfire, SVS Sound, etc...

When using set up software I have measure the lower end to 35 hz consistantly, so then I would take a ton of time and effort placing the subs in the correct spots, and letting the sub or controller (SMS-1) set up the crossover for different locations. I was always looking for that perfect integration for both stereo and LFE effects, so I finally bought a Rel B1 and I am awaiting it's delivery.

In the mean time, I have for the first time ever, been listening to the Maggie 3.6R's without a sub, and I am shocked. My God, there's a lot of bass there. I have a lot of juice going to them (Cary CAD 500 MB's) and Mye Stands, but wow, they really sound great. I'm kind of sorry I bought the Rel now. I think I may just buy a cheap sub for LFE effects on movies and just leave the Maggie's on their own for Stereo.

Anyone else have this experience??

It may all be amp related, but I will now dispute anyone who says Maggies have no low end authority. I am shocked that much of the low end bass I thought was coming from the subs over the years was actually coming from the Maggies!!
macdadtexas
I've heard smaller Rel subs (not sure of model) dialed in very well with the big Maggie 20.s in my favorite local dealers system.

Glad its working out for you.
1.6QR's biwired with Speltz Anti-Cable with no doubt results in the effect of a pair of subs in the mix - Of course you must have these at least 48" from the rear wall - and also dependent upon associated amp, preamp, CD player, etc ;-)
After reading through this thread, I am wondering about the crossover frequency I chose for my Marchand XM44 3 way which is expected in next few days. I still use my Maggie IIIa's and recently acquired a second Audio Research D400mkII to bi-amp. I also have a pair of Velodyne F1200s in my system. After hearing from a guy at Velodyne who said he had lots of experience with Maggies I ordered a 50hz crossover hi and low with a 48db slope at the low end. Thoughts/opinions wecome and sought.

Right now I am using the passive XO1 but can't wait to hear the set-up with the Marchand.
I have Magnepan 20Rs with upgraded passive crossover (improved parts)being driven by CJ Premier 8A 6550 tube amps(275 watts/monobloc). The amps were upgraded by Bob Backert of rhBackert Sounddezign including full cap changeout to V-Caps. My question : I have a pair of factory refurbished MG IIIA in storage. Using a pair of extra SS monobloc amps I also have and a Dahlquist DQ DLP-1 passive/active crossover, could I drive just the bass section of the IIIA's as a "cut from the same cloth" sub augmentation?
I think you could by removing the mid and tweeter fuses and running just the bass cable from external Maggie XO. Seems like a bit of a waste of a great speaker but if the XO and amp can get them the signal, should work especially if you have more than one "main out" from the Pre-amp which can then connect to XO.

I finally sold my IIIAs. Always loved that speaker and bi-amped them with an electronic XO last couple years before I got the 3.7s

Mike