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In Reply to: 3.6 +'s & -'s considering that posted by Kiefer74.1 on March 22, 2007 at 14:12:22:
I've not had 1.6's for comparison, so I can't address that. As far as pluses and minuses, the 3.6's are extremely revealing speakers. You will hear everything. That can be good or bad, depending on the quality of the system driving it and the source (and source material).Bad CD's sound, well, bad!
Also every little tweak, tube change, contact enhancer, cable change, etc. you'll probably hear.
The only negative I've experienced (and learned to tame) is that in a smaller, highly reflective room, the tweeter can be quite bright. Once you have your room treatments dialed in to your satisfaction, t's just a matter of getting a bunch of resistors (I bought them in .1 ohm increments from 0.1 to 1.2 ohms for a total of around $20) and dialing in how much tweeter you want. Once you get the hang of this, there really is nothing objectionable.
But I would have to say overbearing tweeter brightness is what most people have found "objectionable", but the cure is treating the room and adding appropriate resistance.
The speakers absolutely sing with tubes, and I love the combo.
Hope that answers some of your questions, Jon. Happy hunting!
Jerry
Follow Ups:
As I know we have similiar equipment.If I find that resistors are needed, trying room treatment 1st, than I'll be doing pretty much the same as you did, But, if they degrade the sound in any way they're out and I'll have to work on more room treatment and speaker positions.
I'll be so happy when they arrive! Magnepan is sending me samples of their wood and fabric to see what will match in my room the best...though I have a good feeling it's going to be the off-white w/ dark cherry (extra $300 for the cherry, but if it looks the best it's worth it for a speaker in this price range.
Take care,
Jon
Jon,
I think if you're going to be driving them with a Zeus you're going to be all set. REALLY set. It sounds like that at the volumes you like to listen to (and some of the higher demand music) that will be an optimal choice.
I have not found the resistors to offer any sound degradation, but I got to a point with room treatments that I wanted to not overdamp the sound. I actually removed some absorption behind the speakers to maintain the live "air" that I like, but the tweeters were still a bit bright. By calming them down a little bit with some resistance, it warms up the midrange and right-sizes the treble to the point the cymbals shimmer, rather than sizzle...Room treatments first, as you are saying, but don't be afraid to play
with 0.X ohms behind the panels : )
Enjoy the journey,
Jerry
Jerry,Ya I imagine the Zeus will take care of any possible problems w/ not having adequate power to say the least! + I may keep my 150's for the mids/highs...overkill? probably. But I'll either do that or use them in my second system, which will improve that one several times over. Still decided whether to keep the 1.6's or not...time will tell. Along w/ my lack of $ when all iz said and done!
My room is completey untreated right now, making things sometimes sound a lil too bright, but the payoff is an amazing soundstage!
I know I'll be using some minor room treatments and, if needed, the resistors will be put in.
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