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Hmm, the speakers are about $1200 if remember correctly and the amp I'm not sure about. I didn't like the specs or the fact that it's measured from 40Hz, that says it might not perform so well in the low end. I did a search and found a review that pretty much confirms my theory. http://whathifi.com/Review/Marantz-PM5003/Uhhh...WOW. WOOOOW.
I went to the audio store with my soon to be room mate and we were both floored. They didn't have the MMG's but the did have the MG12's. The price they gave us was $1400 out the door for the MG12 and Marantz PM5003 Integrated Amp. My roommate and I are considering splitting the cost and getting them. Is $1400 a good price for the combo?
Hmm, the speakers are about $1200 if remember correctly and the amp I'm not sure about. I didn't like the specs or the fact that it's measured from 40Hz, that says it might not perform so well in the low end. I did a search and found a review that pretty much confirms my theory. http://whathifi.com/Review/Marantz-PM5003/
I couldn't find anything in the specs that mentioned true 4ohm operation. This is a MUST HAVE capability. Maggies require a lot of current.Thanks for the info Alai. I'll try to convince my friend that used is the way to go.
Now onto another thing. At the moment I'm not sure I want to get the MMG (+ REL or eD sub) or just the MG12's.
EDIT: Would I be able to get the MG12's for $800 used? Also would something like the Yamaha RX-V2200 be okay for the MG12's?
My IC's are some Radioshack Gold cables. Unfortunately they are quite long at 12ft.
The local audio shop did have some cheap-ish speaker cable at $2/foot.
I'm looking through AA's Planar forum now...
Question about amplification...
My current TX-DS777 does 135wpc @ 6 ohms, 179w peak. I have tested with 4 ohm speakers and they seem to do fine. Would it be okay to use them with MG12's until I get a poweramp? Plus I'd like to use the TX-DS777 as a preamp and amp for my rear channels.
Here's the thing about Maggies and that rather annoying 4ohm requirement. Maggies are 4ohm across it's entire frequency range save for a sharp dip near it's crossover point. A receiver not build to handle that kind of load will fry or run VERY hot under heavy usage. A good receiver will either be rated to handle 4ohms stable or have full spectrum RMS ratings that double with each drop in resistance (50W@8ohms, 100W@4ohms, 200W@2ohms etc). Those units will have beefy transformers, caps, higher grade components all around.honestly no idea, onkyo's webpage is about as helpful as a brick wall
it'd work fine as a preamp, and if it will do 4 ohm stable, why replace it, if it works and doesn't run overly hot, just go with it
you don't need audiophile equipment for audiophile quality sound ()
Nice feature that it has is analog bass management so you can filter the low freq's out of the Maggies and direct them into the sub (which in turn would take some stress of the amp). It has a few other bells and whistles and is even on sale at the moment
So here is what I'm thinking and my budget for each item...
Harman Kardon Stereo Receiver refurb- $225 (w/shipping)
Parts Express 8" Elite Subwoofer - $100 (w/shipping)
Magnapan MMG - $450 (w/shipping)
$775 total!
I considered many of the amps that Alai mentioned but I'd also need a preamp, and I intend to upgrade the H/K later along the line.
If you are connecting the speakers to the computer, then you just need an amp. The computer will act as a preamp/processor.
Couldn't I just use a high pass filter (maggie mates?) or use one from a subwoofer?
Here's the thing about Maggies and that rather annoying 4ohm requirement. Maggies are 4ohm across it's entire frequency range save for a sharp dip near it's crossover point. A receiver not build to handle that kind of load will fry or run VERY hot under heavy usage. A good receiver will either be rated to handle 4ohms stable or have full spectrum RMS ratings that double with each drop in resistance (50W@8ohms, 100W@4ohms, 200W@2ohms etc). Those units will have beefy transformers, caps, higher grade components all around.
But like obobski said, if it works, run with it. Just keep an eye out on those temps when turning the volume up. Those Maggies will quickly let you know if they are current starved. The clipping will show up during passages you wouldn't normally expect.
My 0404's software has a nasty habit of going to 100% volume on restart. I'd hate to kill my ears/speakers/power amp. Is there any sort of cheap passive preamp I could buy?
Also what do you think of this? http://www.zzounds.com/item--BEHA500
It claims to output 230w at 4 ohms, and its only $200.
I guess it shouldn't be too bad... but keep in mind that the input connector you will be using is TRS, not RCA. I have a couple professional amps that have similar specs... honestly, the amps I have listed for you sound much much better and cleaner. If Maggies are as transparent as you say they are, then I suspect you will want the amp to sound very clean.
If you really want to keep it at $200, look for the Adcom GFA-545 or Acurus A100 or A150. I think the Carver TFM-15 could do the job as well, though I can't be too sure.
If they work in the same way as the passive filters I've used then sure as long as your receiver has main in/pre-outs. The one downside is that you are limited to the crossover point of the passive filter. You may also be able to use the one from the sub but most recommend to avoid that route.
what does "sound much cleaner" mean?
As in less muddy. Details are more pronounced.
Not only 4 ohm stable but high current as well. MMGs and Maggies in general suck up current. The good thing is there aren't any wild impedance swings to drive an amp crazy, the amp just needs to be able to supply the juice at 4 ohms.Getting a 4 ohm stable amp/receiver definitely makes sense but if it were my money and I were looking for improvements in details/sound I wouldn't put it into an amp. To me that would be more in the speaker quality/room acoustics/speaker placement areas.
I've auditioned the MMG's and while they were not my cup of tea I can see why people enjoy them. I hope you have enough space to keep these away from walls (especially the back walls) since they are dipoles. Putting a speaker like this in a cramped situation may be disappointing. Either way they do have a generous audition policy and are great to deal with.
I'm curious also. I added a pair of MMGWs for surround duty and lemme tell you, it's phenomenal! Now these are 3'x10"x1" and wall mounted so they aren't small and you can't hide them but you can swivel them back flush to the wall when not in use for improved WAF. It helps to have a receiver that can do different crossover points for all of the speakers.I have been watching this thread for a while and I wonder what the outcome was? What components did you end up getting and how does it all sound?
I also want a pair of MMG's but just bought an home theater system and have to wait a bit for a dedicated 2 channel setup.
I have been watching this thread for a while and I wonder what the outcome was? What components did you end up getting and how does it all sound?
I've heard rave reviews of these particular speakers. From what I've heard the Magepans require a beefy amp as the speakers need a lot of 'juice' to realize their full potential.