- the one thing missing from this discussion - wazoo 05:20:06 11/06/09
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- In Reply to: RE: Low level listening with big Magnepans posted by Rod H. on November 05, 2009 at 14:05:40
What constitutes low to medium volumes? I think I agree with your statement - assuming our ideas about low to medium volume is in agreement. I listened to some music last night at an average A-weighted volume around 65dB (ranged from around 50 to 80dB) as measured by a ratshack meter. It was very involving - I wouldn't remotely label the sound as 'veiled'. Still, listening to the same music at an average A-weighted level of 80dB is even more satisfying (that's pretty much where the urge to turn up the wick subsides).
"Jazz is not dead - it just smells funny" FZ
- Agree RatShack metering is the Bees Knees when talking about LOUD - Elizabeth 10:07:21 11/12/09
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- In Reply to: RE: the one thing missing from this discussion posted by wazoo on November 06, 2009 at 05:20:06
I used a RS meter at the dealer when auditioning.. peaking @ 80db A wieghted at the seating position was the best. The dealer even asked me what level I was using as he realized it sounded so fine.
- RE: Agree RatShack metering is the Bees Knees when talking about LOUD - Kirk57 11:18:26 11/12/09
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- In Reply to: RE: Agree RatShack metering is the Bees Knees when talking about LOUD posted by Elizabeth on November 12, 2009 at 10:07:21
OP here...yeah I use a Radio Shack SPL meter.
The lower level I'm talking about would be mid-upper 50 db at the listening position according to my meter. Conversation level.
My experience has been they sound fantastic at around upper 70-lower 80 db range at the listening position.
- RE: Agree RatShack metering is the Bees Knees when talking about LOUD - monk1 12:32:40 11/12/09
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- In Reply to: RE: Agree RatShack metering is the Bees Knees when talking about LOUD posted by Kirk57 on November 12, 2009 at 11:18:26
Another point that hasn't been mentioned so far is the amplifier's role at very low SPL-levels. Even at 50 dB-SPL, the amp would be operating at fractional-watt levels. This is not a normal concern for Maggie owners, but for many horn owners, this issue is very real because the high sensitivity horns reveal amplifier flaws at extreme low levels. I believe they call it "The first Watt".
- RE: Agree RatShack metering is the Bees Knees when talking about LOUD - monk1 12:32:40 11/12/09
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- RE: Agree RatShack metering is the Bees Knees when talking about LOUD - Kirk57 11:18:26 11/12/09
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- Agree RatShack metering is the Bees Knees when talking about LOUD - Elizabeth 10:07:21 11/12/09
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- RE: Low level listening with big Magnepans - Kirk57 14:23:20 11/05/09
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- In Reply to: RE: Low level listening with big Magnepans posted by Rod H. on November 05, 2009 at 14:05:40
well, I'm guessing it is something to do with the MMGs vs MGIIb (which are larger, older and do not have the QR tweeter) because I've already done all the mods I can to my MGIIb's.
I'm wondering if Magnepan has changed the magnet structure/strength over the years. I *think* the mylar and wires are pretty much the same.
I'll keep an eye out for some MMGs locally.
- the magnet formula has evolved - wazoo 05:24:37 11/06/09
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- In Reply to: RE: Low level listening with big Magnepans posted by Kirk57 on November 05, 2009 at 14:23:20
According to the 1980 patent, Plastiform (rubber bonded barium ferrite), ceramic magnet with barium ferrite, and samarium cobalt in a polymer binding were used in different arrangements to increase the net flux density. This was a departure from the earlier pole piece (pure Plastiform) design and, I'm sure, an improvement.
I haven't read all of the patent data, but it seems likely that progress in this regard has continued. Flux density was certainly on Jim's radar screen.
"Jazz is not dead - it just smells funny" FZ
- RE: Low level listening with big Magnepans - DrChaos 17:17:16 11/05/09
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- In Reply to: RE: Low level listening with big Magnepans posted by Kirk57 on November 05, 2009 at 14:23:20
"I'm wondering if Magnepan has changed the magnet structure/strength over the years. I *think* the mylar and wires are pretty much the same."
I don't know anything specific about Magnepan's decision but it is certainly true that neodymium permanent magnets have become standard industrial products during that time. These have substantially higher field strength than previous magnets, and therefore with the same amount of current, you get a larger mechanical force.
I now have MG1.6's and compared to my old MGIIb's, they are substantially more efficient, and have clearly more high-frequency extension. Maybe that makes them sound 'clearer' at lower SPL's?
But also remember the classic Fletcher-Munson curves: humans have varying sensitivity to sounds vs frequency depending on the SPL. This is the origin of the loudness "button", which really should be a knob, and should be calibrated to overall system sensitivity.
So it is natural that the tonal balance changes with varying volume. It's possible that a fully linear and flat responding speaker at higher volumes will sound not as nice at lower volumes simply because it reproduces exactly the same thing, but humans don't hear that way.
- the magnet formula has evolved - wazoo 05:24:37 11/06/09
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