What new speakers to replace my Magnepans?

[Mike Anderson]

I'm thinking about replacing my Magnepan 3.6R speakers. However, my preamp and amp setup is designed around them. So my question is: If I don't want to replace the rest of my system, what kind of speakers would do the job?

My current setup is as follows: I'm using a DEQX HDP-3 unit for the pre-amp, active crossover, and room correction. This is a very flexible unit, so it shouldn't matter much as far as what type of speakers I get, although it'd be nice to get speakers that can take advantage of it.

More important are the Amps: I'm using four Class D monoblocks. For the mids+tweeters of the 3.6Rs, I'm using a pair of Bel Canto REF500M power amps (500W @ 4 ohms). For the bass panels, I'm using a pair of ICEPower 1000ASP modules (1000W @ 4 ohms).

I'd prefer not to sell/swap out those components. So basically, I'm looking for speakers that would work well with this setup -- in particular, the Class D power amps. (However, I could add another pair of monoblocks to go with a 3-way active crossover, since the DEQX unit has that capability.)

Added info: Total budget for new speakers is under $5000. I have a pretty big room -- about 22' x 20' with 10 foot ceilings, with a bathroom and a couple closets/nooks that tend to act as bass traps.

Musically, I want some BIG and PUNCHY BASS!! I'd love to be able to crank up some LOUD hard rock or electronic dance music and feel the bass punch me in my chest! That's something I've never had with Maggies, and I'm craving it.

So, with those parameters: Any advice?

[Mike Anderson]

I see a pair of used B&W Nautilus 802's in my budget -- Would these work well with my amps?

[blackraven]

The B&W's would be great. I would also consider a pair of Dynaudio towers, PSB T3 or T2's. The PSB Synchrony one's would be great if you can find a used pair as the T series replaced them. The PSB's and Dyn's are a warmer sounding speaker and put out great bass. A friend of mine runs a pair of NuForce Model 9se digital amps with his Synchony's and they sound awesome.

If you are already running a sub with the Maggies or if you are just ready for a change, then skip the message below.

Why don't you add a good sealed sub to the 3.6's. You could even add a pair of subs. I have the 1.6's and run a Martin Logan sub. I run the Maggies full range and set the cross over on the sub at 45Hz. I get the nice punchy bass of a traditional speaker and it integrates seamlessly. You can pick up a sealed servo Rhythmic sub for about $750. I have a friend that runs one with his 1.7's and it sounds awesome.

I have another friend that runs a pair of subs with his 3.7's and they also integrate seamlessly. The trick is to run the Maggies full range and set the sub at the lower frequency limit of the Maggies.

Velodyne and Rel make some subs that have a remote so you can change settings if you want to change the bass according to the music you are playing.

Optimum 12 12" Powered Subwoofer by Velodyne

Rythmik Audio servo subwoofer 12" F12

[Feanor]

Why don't you add a good sealed sub to the 3.6's. You could even add a pair of subs. I have the 1.6's and run a Martin Logan sub. I run the Maggies full range and set the cross over on the sub at 45Hz. I get the nice punchy bass of a traditional speaker and it integrates seamlessly. You can pick up a sealed servo Rhythmic sub for about $750. I have a friend that runs one with his 1.7's and it sounds awesome.

I have another friend that runs a pair of subs with his 3.7's and they also integrate seamlessly. The trick is to run the Maggies full range and set the sub at the lower frequency limit of the Maggies.
...

Given Mike's active crossover, it would easy for him to run a pair of good subs to effectively REPLACE the Maggies bass by using both low- and high-pass filters at say 100 or even 120 Hz. That would surely deliver all the bass he might crave without stressing the Maggies.

[Mike Anderson]

One of the Maggies has a noise/crackling/static problem. I don't know if it's delamination or something else, but I don't really have the time or wherewithal to take it apart in any case. It will also be a giant pain in the ass to ship it back to the factory. I'm hoping to unload them for cheap and just move on.

[Mike Anderson]

The salesman at my local audiofools shop is hard selling the new Paradigm Prestige 95F speakers, says they're perfect for generating big bass in big rooms. Anyone had any experience with those?