Side-grading from B&W N805, need advice!

[Mr Peabody]

I suspect the Vantage wasn't set up correctly. The active bass module has a control to add or subtract 10 dB and sounds best with a lot of room around it, not close to walls or back wall. The ML should have sounded great with Mac but my opinion of Mac is dropping as I'm hearing more and more not so good set ups with Mac.

ML's are great but maybe not for every one. What you miss is a physical sense of the music as the electrostat doesn't excite the air in the same way a dynamic driver would. Could be why he had the bass cranked. The benefit when set up correctly is an unmatched sense of presence. Match that with electronics able to convey presence, like tubes, and you have magic.

I haven't been to the site but I remember seeing an add for ML at Audio Advisor. Return shipping on speakers like that would be a bear, you'd have to be pretty sure you were serious about possibly keeping them, or just have the funds to be able to afford the audition.

[Mr Peabody]

Although it seems about half the members here have Maggies I for one do not share in that enthusiasm. I don't dislike them in the way I do certain other brands but I definitely don't like them enough to own them. Some say the 1.6 is a great deal in that $1.6k range but when I can buy a Dynaudio Focus 110 for the same price I can't quite agree. And, the value factor of the 1.6 shrinks when you consider one would almost certain have to use a sub which would lead to further expense.

Now, if your intent was to not use a box speaker no matter what and on a budget the 1.6 is a good deal, one might say your only choice.

Maggies and ML have nothing in common especially the sound character and technology.

[jrhymeammo]

Some say the 1.6 is a great deal in that $1.6k range but when I can buy a Dynaudio Focus 110 for the same price I can't quite agree. And, the value factor of the 1.6 shrinks when you consider one would almost certain have to use a sub which would lead to further expense.

Now, if your intent was to not use a box speaker no matter what and on a budget the 1.6 is a good deal, one might say your only choice.

Strongly agreed.[Runs out the door]
Easy gents, it's all a matter of taste.

[vlastoc]

I'm not sure, but perhaps i'm out of price range with my tip: SPENDOR A6.
Is there a possibilty to hear them in your area?

[poppachubby]

Funny, my experience couldn't have been more different. Just thought I'd add my 2 cents. The ML I heard were hooked into Mac gear also. I would have to think that they weren't configured correctly when you heard them...oh well. Maybe a pair of the ironically named Spendor?

[Ajani]

Strongly agreed.[Runs out the door]
Easy gents, it's all a matter of taste.

Obviously you don't have any taste if you don't think maggie is totally aweso.... oh wait a tic, I don't like Maggies either... ummm... scratch that 1st point...

(Audio is all about tastes - at $2K my top choice would be a pair of Revel Performa M22's. I'd also take the Dynaudio Focus 140 over the Maggies. To each his own)

[Ajani]

on a side note, i did go listen to magnepans and like i've mentioned earlier in this thread, i did not fall in love w/ their sound.. i can totally see why someone would, but i don't think it's for me to be honest.... it sounded a bit soft, somewhat lacking in energy and dynamics especially compared to the proac and carbon 7's

Oh yeah, we already discussed that... I tend to forget things when threads last more than half a page... My bad

[Feanor]

Although it seems about half the members here have Maggies I for one do not share in that enthusiasm. I don't dislike them in the way I do certain other brands but I definitely don't like them enough to own them. Some say the 1.6 is a great deal in that $1.6k range but when I can buy a Dynaudio Focus 110 for the same price I can't quite agree. And, the value factor of the 1.6 shrinks when you consider one would almost certain have to use a sub which would lead to further expense.

....

Says who? The MG 1.6 is virtually flat to 40 Hz. You only need a sub if you listen lower than that. Virtually no standmounts and not many floorstanders in the price range do any better.

I have a sub, but then I occassionally listen to pipe organ music.

[frenchmon]

I'm not sure, but perhaps i'm out of price range with my tip: SPENDOR A6.
Is there a possibilty to hear them in your area?

I sure love the Canton's in the original posting...you own a pair?

frenchmon

[frenchmon]

Oh I see you own the CANTON Vento 807DC and the Eorgo's..How do you REALLY like them and how do they compare to other speakers such as the Dyaudio's, Splendor Proac and some of the other well known speakers? You don't see much fuss about Cantons in the States but I love what I've read about the reference series.

frenchmon

[frenchmon]

Obviously you don't have any taste if you don't think maggie is totally aweso.... oh wait a tic, I don't like Maggies either... ummm... scratch that 1st point...

(Audio is all about tastes - at $2K my top choice would be a pair of Revel Performa M22's. I'd also take the Dynaudio Focus 140 over the Maggies. To each his own)

While I've not heard Maggies, I've listened to the Revels and the 140's and think they are great sounding speakers. I really liked the Revels but they are nothing special to look at.

frenchmon

[Ajani]

While I've not heard Maggies, I've listened to the Revels and the 140's and think they are great sounding speakers. I really liked the Revels but they are nothing special to look at.

frenchmon

Yep, sadly Revel could use a makeover... I love the sound of their speakers, but the aesthetics are merely passable.... Especially compared to my other favorite speaker brand - Monitor Audio...

[koven]

i've heard the revel floor stander when i was auditioning the thiels and magnepan, they did not impress at all, in both sound and looks.

vlastoc: no spendor dealers in my area unfortunately, i've read a lot about how great spendors.. they're on my list of things to watch for on audiogon.. along w/ dynaudio and harbeth



anyway, quick update.... i'm really liking the proac response 1.5's for the price i paid (around $1k) the mahogany finish is really nice and the speakers look very classy.. i actually like them better with the grill on

it's quite hard to decide between the carbon 7's and proac.. i prefer the carbon 7's sound but it's not by a lot, i'm not sure if they're $700 better.. i like the proac's looks better too... but im going to spend another weekend w/ both before i decide.. it's looking like the proac's are staying though. although i hope that doesn't take away from the carbon 7's because i still find them mind blowingly good, just more of a financial decision since i'm quite frugal

[frenchmon]

How about some pictures koven? Sounds like you got a good price...is there a dealer in your area? Is he online?

frenchmon

[koven]

i got it used off audigon... heres some quick pics

[Ajani]

i've heard the revel floor stander when i was auditioning the thiels and magnepan, they did not impress at all, in both sound and looks.

vlastoc: no spendor dealers in my area unfortunately, i've read a lot about how great spendors.. they're on my list of things to watch for on audiogon.. along w/ dynaudio and harbeth



anyway, quick update.... i'm really liking the proac response 1.5's for the price i paid (around $1k) the mahogany finish is really nice and the speakers look very classy.. i actually like them better with the grill on

it's quite hard to decide between the carbon 7's and proac.. i prefer the carbon 7's sound but it's not by a lot, i'm not sure if they're $700 better.. i like the proac's looks better too... but im going to spend another weekend w/ both before i decide.. it's looking like the proac's are staying though. although i hope that doesn't take away from the carbon 7's because i still find them mind blowingly good, just more of a financial decision since i'm quite frugal

The Proacs seems the better value for your money (especially considering you don't need to buy stands for them).

If the difference in sound quality between them and the Fritz isn't substantial, and you don't have any plans to upgrade your electronics (which might increase the difference), then the Proacs are probably the right choice...

[koven]

honestly i do think the fritz sound better than the response 1.5's... whether it's a slight difference or not, im still trying to decide that.. and whether if its worth the extra money.

i will do lots of listening to both this weekend.

[02audionoob]

The ProAc speakers I've heard seem to really shine with top notch electronics, so I wonder if the subtle difference might remain subtle even if you upgrade other equipment in the system.

[koven]

If I do keep the Proac's, I will likely sell my mcintosh SS for a tube... i'm thinking audio research or maybe prima luna

[Mr Peabody]

If you decide to switch amps I hope you audition like you did the speakers. You might be surprised by the sound of Audio Research. I find it a bit unique compared to most tube gear. I hope you can throw some Conrad Johnson on your list when you get to that point.

[02audionoob]

If I do keep the Proac's, I will likely sell my mcintosh SS for a tube... i'm thinking audio research or maybe prima luna

I like your thinking.

...but that's coming from a guy who has ProAc towers and an Audio Research tube amp.

[poppachubby]

Great space koven! Perfect little nook, I assume the panels keep things more or less neutral? All things being equal in the room, I wonder if any of those speakers would respond better or poorer with any changes. It is however, an ideal space.

[frenchmon]

i got it used off audigon... heres some quick pics

oooooweeee! Whats your address man...I can be there in a day.

frenchmon

[frenchmon]

If I do keep the Proac's, I will likely sell my mcintosh SS for a tube... i'm thinking audio research or maybe prima luna

Dont you have a hybrid set up now with the tubed NOVA? I would think its warm now?

frenchmon

[frenchmon]

I wonder if the drivers in the Totem is really the same as the drivers in the Swan Diva? They sure look like it. Looks like the drivers in drivers in the Proac's. are Seas.

frenchmon