this is a wonderful system, it honestly looks like what i hope my system will evolve into. (i'll put a system up on Agon when i can) I'm in the early stages of things. My question is: I'm looking at getting a Cambridge audio 640H, but i see that you also use the PS3 as a music server. I'd be using the 640H as a CD player and music server with an external DAC, but i also have a PS3 which i only use for dvd and bluray right now. What worked, and more importantly, which of these two sounds better?
Thank you

kenm80 January 16, 2012 19:50

System edited: The system has been pretty much revamped

keith944t January 10, 2010 09:52

Nice setup I just want to say I had mmg's great,went to 12qr,even better the went to 3.5r,sold them they are nice,musical,the 2 way qr's have way more detail,just bought 1.6 qr's this is where I stop,I am going to gunn them check out magnestand.com listen long and hard before you jump to 3.6r;s they sound different then the 2 way's just my opinion!more money does not make them better!

audiogreencat January 01, 2010 15:57

Great looking setup. I have the Rogue Perseus and love it. Been recently looking into the Maggie 1.6. Demoed for a week from a buddy and loved them. I was only running 240wpc stereo into 4 ohms. I'd love to hear what the 150 monoblocks do. I hear that biamping Maggies makes a huge difference. Anyway, nice setup! Thanks for sharing!

daveed_tx October 02, 2009 18:39

Hi, just saw your post from last summer re: my 1.6-based system. Looks like you're doing nice things here! I'll bet the Rogue monoblocks were a huge upgrade. I'd suggest you keep working on your digital source if you can. Cambridge Audio offers a good value, but the more signal you feed your Maggies, the happier they will be :)

I'm still using a Classe .5 that sounds decent but is on its 3rd transport and can't manage to track on a lot of my CDs. I A/B'd it with the Ayre CX-7e on a pair of 1.6's at my local audio store, and the difference was gigantic in terms of pure sound, soundstage and detail. So the Ayre is definitely a winner, and I've seen some Esoteric gear on Agon lately for reasonable prices. Esoteric is just a stunning product line. And of course there are many other contenders.

I'm mightily interested in Mapleshade's Maggie stand, http://www.mapleshaderecords.com/audioproducts/epiphany.php. Simply running my speaker cables on top of their Triad lifts made a considerable difference in my system's clarity; I'm pretty sure the Epiphany stand would change the game entirely. The one poor thing about the 1.6's to my mind is their woefully unstable, non-damping feet.

I'd be interested in keeping up to date with you, let me know how your system is doing.

jphig January 25, 2009 14:08

System edited: Things are progressing nicely, added the DVD 99 while the server was going through a software update and just learned about SACD's. WOW, Why didn't these things catch on? Now I'm Thinking of swapping out the Denon AV for a more modern unit with analog input or HDMI from the SACD/DVD player. Considering the Yamaha RX-V663BL; any other ideas in the sub $500 range?

keith944t September 28, 2008 18:35

Keith,

Thanks for the reply. I am guessing Porsche from your user ID? 944 turbo to be more specific, great ride. You are correct with your assessment, mine is a 350Z, after market supercharger, borla stainless exhaust, brembo brakes, recarro seats, aftermarket fuel rails, plugs, wires and pretty much a never ending host of small after market parts. At the end of the day a car that will put 490 horse to the rear wheels, has a 6 speed gear box and will run a vette off the road, not to offend any vette owners.

I have been looking to upgrade the MMG's as well but have also given consideration to a maggie center speaker and the MMGW's on the rear wall. I have seen some very unique mounting options for the MMG's and all other maggies at MUG, a websire dedicated to maggies, logans and all other speakers that are not the typical box design. Take a look you might get some suggestions to mount the MMG's.

The only issue of potential concern is that the MMG is designed to be a floor standing speaker that is best placed some 30+ inches for any wall or boundary. The MMGW's on the other hand can litetally be mounted directly to the front or back wall without issue.

The mono blocks should do exactly that, wake them up and as all maggie owners know they like power and lots of it. I am feeding them 400w @ 4OHMs each via a Sunfire Cinema Grand, for my money a hard amplifier to beat. The most amazing aspect besides the fact that most maggies are less than 2 inches thick is that they take 400W with ease almost aking for more. Simply amazing.

When you get around to selling the 1.6's don't hesitate in letting me know.

nissancrazy August 11, 2008 17:43

Nissancrazy, (wow! another car guy)
BIG sound, the MMG's were/are great, but the 1.6's are an incredible step up. The size alone bring the stage to FULL size, the bass is actually in there without the sub (not as good as finer driver units, but WAY better than the MMG's) The whole range is wider too. I auditioned 1.2's also good, but for the price the 1.6's were much nicer to me.
I just ordered new Rogue Audio 150 monoblocks; that ought to really wake the Maggies up!
I'm thinking of ordering the "entry level" center (MMC) from Magneplanr directly.
I've been considering using the MMG's as my surrounds, but with the constraint of room size, I'll have hang them. I haven't figured out a safe, functional method yet. Also was wondering what mounting them sideways would be like, tweeters up I guess?
After I recoup financially from this major investment, I'll be looking for those 3.6's and my 1.6's will be up for sale then. The Rotel RB1080 will be appearing in a classified near you in a week or so.

keith944t August 10, 2008 16:18

Keith, what difference would you say there is between the MMG's and the 1.6's? I have the MMG's and have wondered if there is a decent reason to move up the line?

I did have the privilage to hear a pair of the 3.6's and there is only one word, AMAZING.

I am actually looking for a pair of MMGW's for the back wall, but they seem hard to find used.

Thanks

nissancrazy August 09, 2008 11:17

Actively Bi-amp or tri-amp them to get the best sound!

That's from my experience with 3.5.

Jeff

jefftsefu August 05, 2008 08:28

System edited: Added the pictures. I'd still appreciate any thoughts or comments. Local dealer is not to thrilled with digital amps, I'm now thinking monoblocks from Rogue or Vincent, thoughts?

keith944t August 04, 2008 13:45