2-channel advice
Killy -- Mon, 07/21/2008 - 16:28
Ok gang, I'm setting up a 2-channel rig and I'm trying to decide between separates and an integrated unit, something like the Outlaw Audio RR2150. As for speakers, I've narrowed it down to the Magnepan MMG's and the Monitor Audio Silver RS6's - any advice would be appreciated! Also, I've heard that Maggies need quite a bit of power to run them adequately, can anyone tell me the minimum with the MMG's?
Thanks!
Sean
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The MMGs are a great speaker and a spectacular value. To get the most of them, however, you'll need at least 100W and an amplifier with an ability to deliver current. (This is indicated by the difference between the 8-ohm and 4-ohm power rating. An ideal amplifier can double its power into 4 ohms relative to the 8-ohm rating.) You're more likely to find this ability in a separate power amplifier, although a few of the upper-end integrateds will perform like separates.
What's your amplification budget?
You'll also need to position them out into the room, with some space behind them. If you can meet these two requirements, there's no better value in high-end loudspeakers than the MMG.
The fundamental problem with Magnepans is that they require a lot of power, the more the better. This precludes using many tubed amplifiers. Do you prefer the sound of monitors to that delivered by a panel? A monitor will deliver a more precise soundstage and greater dynamics than the Magnepan.
This is very helpful guys, thanks.
In terms of my budget for amplification, I'd like to stay under $2K. I've also considered setting this up in my living room, picking up a solid 7-channel amp (maybe NAD) and having that run my existing Mythos 5.1 setup and use the other 2 channels for the Maggies (or Silver RS6's). Will this type of setup work, does it depend on which processor I purchase?
Jacob - Since I've yet to audition any panels, I can't answer your question. I need to make this purchase w/o auditioning, so all I can say is that clarity and extended highs are of the utmost importance to me. My friend has some Martin Logans that I've heard a few times and I'm a huge fan.
I'm not sure what you're thinking of in terms of mixing the new speakers (MMGs or Monitor Audio) with your existing 5.1-channel system. Are you thinking of having parallel systems, one two-channel and one multichannel?
Robert,
That's correct, parallel systems so I can just use the MMG or Monitors for cd and vinyl playback and the 5.1 for movies and multi-channel recordings. One 7-channel amp to run all of it.
Thanks,
Sean
You could take that approach, but it's a bit cumbersome to have an extra pair of front speakers. I have a combined music/multichannel system, and use the stereo speakers as L/R speakers. The L/R line-level output from my controller feeds a fixed-gain input on the preamp.
If you do go with a seven-channel amp to drive the entire system, here's a consideration: some multichannel amplifiers have separate power transformers for each channel, while others have a single transformer that supplies all the channels. If you choose a multichannel amplifier with a single transformer, you'll benefit from the transformer's greater capacity when driving just two channels. The transformer, designed to power seven amplification stages, will be overkill in stereo mode.
Very helpful, thank you. I think I'll go the route you've gone w/ your setup. One last wrinkle, I was just offered a great deal on some Martin Logan Scenarios, any thoughts on how those might compare to the MMG's?
Thanks.
I haven't heard the Scenario, but MartinLogan makes very good sounding speakers.