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I finally listened to 20.1 - wow, but be careful?!

79.8.32.84
Posted on November 2, 2009 at 09:05:07
Bibo01
Audiophile

Posts: 119
Joined: December 18, 2008
 I have a pair of 3.6 with Mye stands and active bi-amplification (Sanders Sound Sytems Magtech and Innersound 300 ESL).
Just for the fun of it I was really curious to listen to 20.1s - the BIG MAMA - and compare to my 3.6s. You never know what the future may reserve to you! :-)
Last week-end I finally got the chance to do it as I paid a visit to the Italian Magnepan importer. I heard a pair of broken in stock 20.1s powered by a McCormack DNA125 amp (undoubtedly a touch too small for such loudspeakers). Unfortunately, it wasn't the best listening room. There were a few reverberation problems. I thought that after all also my lounge room is not laid out for top listening. Initially, I reviewed a few CDs of mine which I had brought along.

One cannot avoid noticing how deep and low the sound of 20.1s can be, compared to 3.6s. Wow! I liked them a lot...but I was also prepared to like them.
However, given that they have the same tweeter, I was a touch disappointed because they sounded veiled to me, less presence and soundstage. As I expressed my remarks, the manager tried to change the jumper from a copper one to a stock one. They were a touch brighter - not a big change anyhow.
Although I told him about my own set-up, he never mentioned it as the problem for the veiling. Just sometimes he referred to the meagre DNA125. Was I comparing apple and oranges? After all his 20.1s were powered by 200W and my 3.6s by a combined 1400W!?

Having a general chat about the 20.1 and its push/pull technology, he told me that there are 2 panels sandwitched together. As I have right now a delamination problem with the bass of my loudspeakers, I enquired about eventually repairing 20.1s. I was told that it is not possible. It is only possible to change the whole panel which costs serious money. At that time he obviously pushed for the need of a warranty - I bought mine second hand. However, I was slightly taken aback by the possibility of spending around 5000 euros for delamination after 8-10 years for speakers that here already cost over 20,000 euros.
Is this limitation about its repairing unflexibility true? How much do you eventually spend in the US?
Honestly, if it is true, I think it is a serious drawback. Now I would think twice about upgrading.

What are your thoughts?
RE: Congratulations, posted on November 2, 2009 at 11:29:47
Travis
Audiophile

Posts: 3268
Location: La Grange, Texas
Joined: November 25, 2001
Contributor
  Since: May 13, 2008
 on having some proper amplification. I am a big believer in Roger Sanders' amps. Reasonable prices coupled with plenty of power equals great sound in this case and even better after an hour or two. I'm always surprised that more Maggie owners, or any owners of inefficient speakers, don't have them.




"If people don't want to come, nothing will stop them" - Sol Hurok
Thanks!, posted on November 2, 2009 at 11:48:04
Bibo01
Audiophile

Posts: 119
Joined: December 18, 2008
 People from audio components manufacteurer Angstrom Research ( http://www.angstromresearch.com/default_eng.html), who have their offices down the road from me and will soon give some assistance to my 3.6s, are interested in my Magtech amp and they will soon bench test it.
Possibly, I will be able to give some interesting technical insight to other fellow forum readers.

RE: I finally listened to 20.1 - wow, but be careful?!, posted on November 2, 2009 at 10:08:34
grantv
Manufacturer

Posts: 3018
Location: B.C.
Joined: January 15, 2002
 -Active biamping would help the 20.1's
-Your stands help remove the veil you're speaking of
-Their amplification is a bit shy, add to that biamping bypasses the passive xover (which eats power)
In these ways your speakers have an advantage.
IIRC Duilawyer had a midrange in need of repair on his 20 series. And IIRC the bill was substantial (~$4KUS or so).

You wanted to dance, now..., posted on November 2, 2009 at 10:46:23
Bibo01
Audiophile

Posts: 119
Joined: December 18, 2008
 So owning a 20 series it's like owning a Ferrari.
Everytime you need to service it, you must throw good money at it!
No DIY job :-\
You wanted to dance, now...

LOL, posted on November 2, 2009 at 11:26:02
grantv
Manufacturer

Posts: 3018
Location: B.C.
Joined: January 15, 2002
 Yes, if one wants to dance... absolutely. Take a peek thru DIY's posts and see if you can find it, or just call Magnepan. I think 20.1 rebuilds are pretty costly.

RE: LOL, posted on November 2, 2009 at 11:39:20
Bibo01
Audiophile

Posts: 119
Joined: December 18, 2008
 The Italian Magnepan importer was pretty sure that it is not possible to have a DIY fix of 20.1 delaminated bass panels. Because of the push-pull, the 2 panels are sandwitched together in a "special" way.
I asked here though because one never knows... If someone has done some DIY job on 20 series, I would like to hear from him.

RE: I finally listened to 20.1 - wow, but be careful?!, posted on November 2, 2009 at 09:34:23
DrChaos
Audiophile

Posts: 49
Location: San Diego
Joined: July 13, 2009
 "There were a few reverberation problems."

"However, given that they have the same tweeter, I was a touch disappointed because they sounded veiled to me, less presence and soundstage."

I'd guess that the room issues are more important than amplifier issues.

Also, active bi-amping can change things as well, and if you have your own crossover you may prefer the settings & frequency response on yours vs Magnepan's.

It may not be worth the difference for you.

RE: I finally listened to 20.1 - wow, but be careful?!, posted on November 2, 2009 at 09:42:31
Bibo01
Audiophile

Posts: 119
Joined: December 18, 2008
 You are probably right.
I came out thinking that, for me, three times the price of the 3.6s is not worth it for 20.1s!

What's your view on its panels?

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