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In Reply to: My thoughts on my move from the Magnepan 1.6 QR to the 3.6R posted by Bob01605 on October 3, 2006 at 13:27:56:
Nicely done Bob. It's hard to tell how much toe in there is because I can't see the listening position. For some tech reasons, Magnepan recommends, for the 3.6, that the tweeter be 1 to 2 inches farther from you ears than mid/bass. Doesn't matter whether they are on the inside or outside. You might try this and see what it does for the "upfront vocals" and soundstage. Mark the spot where they are now so you can always go back. Enjoy.
Follow Ups:
The 3.6's were placed in the same spot as the 1.6's were. I have moved them around a little but have not really improved how they sound. When placed in the same spot as the 1.6's, the 3.6's center fill does seem a little more forward. The "toe in" is as seen - maybe 10-15 degrees and I am listening from my chair about 7 or 8 feet from the speakers. Each speaker faces a point maybe 2 feet BEHIND my head at the listening position. Without a little toe in the soundstage loses some focus at least in this room. The photo distorts the room's shape somewhat. If I move them closer to the front wall then I lose some soundstage depth. Track 10 of Stereophile's test CD 3 has a good depth test where some fellow walks front, back and side to side while banging a little instrument (drum, tambourine ??) - he is actually testing different types of microphones and how they pick up the soundstage. It's a good test of a stereo system's ability to project depth. He tells you where he is on the soundstage like "I am at the back left". On the Classic Records reissue of Dave Brubecks "Take Five" cut (from the album of the same name) I can notice the snare drums in the left channel up front but when he whacks that kick drum it is noticeably further back BEHIND the left speaker.Bob
I went from 1.6's to the 3.6's and thought the 3.6 were better for sure, but they were more difficult to position. Basically the 1.6's were drop em and forget em loudspeakers. I moved them around a bit and got the "right spot" fairly quickly. (Whereas it took me much longer to get the 3.6's in the right spot). In fact there are times i still move them around (Old tape marks on the floor can attest to that). I miss my 1.6's, for around $1000 buck used they cant be beat.
Enjoy and dont be afraid to experiment, but dont forget to mark areas that you felt sounded good!
Mike
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