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Magneplanar 1.7s to Recruit New Audiophile?

I may be asked for advice on an office/retreat system over a garage or poolhouse to be completed this summer.

Although the budget could be $5-10K plus, this would presumably be if domineering wives or architects were expecting an array of in wall speakers, Creston touch panels and multi channel home theatre junk blah blah blah.

There is hope, however, because this person genuinely loves music and movies.

Therefore, I am hoping to somehow propose the following:

* Oppo Blu Ray / Universal player
* Lenovo or Apple notebook for Pandora, music and movies
* Benchmark DAC / Pre 1
* Odyssey Khartago Monoblocks
* Magneplanar 1.7s
* Signal Cable cables throughout
* Sony LED HDTV from Costco

If anyone thinks they could do better for the money, please let me know,but to me, that would be a great little system for music or movies!
cwlondon
martykl
3,563 posts
 
Personally, I'd go with an MMG/subwoofer combo. Whatever the cost to the "purist" audiophile approach may be, the extended, smooth bass of the subs and the placement flexibility of the smaller Maggies is likely -IMHO- to more than justify it.

The trick, of course, is getting proper integration. I use the Velodyne SMS-1 Digital Room Correction unit (DRC to the subs, only!) for precise control of level matching and all other crossover variables. It's a PITA to set up, but works like a charm. I also use an NHT x-2 active x-over, ahead of the SMS in order to keep the Velo unit out of the main signal path. More complex than most audiophiles prefer, but very, very effective.

Good luck.

Marty
thesoundhouse
247 posts
 
I have owned or used for extended periods of time pair of 1.7s, 3.6Rs and of Tympanis and the 1.7 kill the 3.6s and Tympanis. The only other two models of Magnepan speakers I have heard sound better than the 1.7s is the new 3.7s and 20.1s. I heard them at my friends store. The A-B comparison proved that that the 1.7s were better than the 3.6R's but the 3.7s are killer and I thought actually sounded better than the 20.1s. For $5000.00 to $10,000 budget for entire system. I would start with the 1.7s. You will need a little power. I would grab a used Threshold SA500 for $1500.00. With a $5000 to $10,000 budget and 1.7s it will be a tight budget.
magfan
1,583 posts
 
Can't argue with Bryston and Magnepan. Or ARC, either.
As for ICE amps? Well, the W4S gets some good press. Bel Canto is on any short list or perhaps even PSAudio (pre loved).
Spectron? lots of $$$.

Sony? I, too, was a long time fan. I bought a 19" trinatron when they 1st came out. It lasted for 20+ years. My 'new' SXRD? Won't go 1/3rd that.

Hot rodded MMG? Sub? Modded 1.6s?

Something like THIS:: http://www.indiespinzone.com/magnestand.html
may help WAF...if it comes to that. They are Beautiful to look and reviews indicate improved sound over 'stock'.

Isn't it fun spending OPM?
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
Have you heard the 1.7s? There are things electrostats do great, and areas they are less strong. You will want to see how they compare to other designs with the type of music & movies you will be playing.

On the DAC side, you could do much better IMO. I would look at the Eastern Electric and Wyred4Sound DAC2 for starters.
amandarae
512 posts
 
I been there. Magnepans are cheap, but that is just the speakers. After that you will spend much more on the ff(in any order):

1.) Amps
2.) Crossover tweaks
3.) Room treatments
4.) Cables
5.) Preamp
6.) Stands
7.) Subwoofer

You do not own Magnepans. At some point, they will own you.
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