Simple question with a hopefuly simple answer re: MG-I Speakers to use with Pandora
helvi -- Mon, 03/21/2011 - 17:15
I bought a pair of speakers at Goodwill and they are marked MG-I (improved) and are in working order.
I am SO not an audio-person - but I wonder how I can use these in my office/studio hooked up to the computer so I can listen to internet radio stations.
So - I am wondering what I need to make this happen. I am guessing that the computer will not have enough power to make these speakers work. I am looking for basic help on the logistics on how and what I need to make this work, like a diagram of what gets plugged into what. I have a receiver/amp that I used to test the speakers.
Hope that makes sense!
Thanks-
Helvi
All content, design, and layout are Copyright © 1999 - 2011 NextScreen. All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.
Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.
They would be Magnepan MG1-Improved.
A nice classic dipole panel.
Not ideal for an office system unless you have a huge office.
They need lots of space and lots of clean power.
Just hook up the speakers to your receiver and buy a cheap DAC, like the under $200 offerings from Musical Fidelity, and the like. Computer usb connection goes into the DAC, the DAC goes into the receiver. If your receiver has a USB connection, you can bypass the DAC option. You may want to buy a new, cheap receiver that has a USB connection, out of simplicity's sake. Buy some banana plugs for your speaker cable connections and use them on both ends of your cables as necessary- it's easier and more substantial to hook up on the speaker end that way- and it sounds better. All Maggies really do need more power than a typical 100 watt (into 8 ohms) receiver can offer, but for your office system... it's good enough. Really low powered Ipod docks or amps are not wise- they simply will sound weak or thin in the normal range of the volume knob. Get a sub for the set-up if you want/can have deep bass in your office.
Keep in mind that older Magneplanar speakers sometimes have issues with wire leaving the mylar/glue base (in salty or humid air over decades of time), and that would be very bad or at least a huge pain in the ass. Call Magnepan if that's the case. They can and do repair all Maggies of any age. You want other set up advice? Provide room and basic placement dimensions, and I'm sure any and everyone will help.
-Glotz