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MG12 to 1.6 - two questions

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For you MG12 people who upgraded to 1.6's, two questions:
1) do the 1.6's need to be further out from the walls?
2) do the 1.6's need to be played louder to 'open up'?
That number two question is what I'm really wondering about. I have no local dealer and the only way to hear them is to order them! I'm thinking of putting my 12's in the HT, and 1.6's taking their place in the 2-channel music room.
All comments welcome.

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I'm running 1.6s in my garage loft apartment, which is - HenryH 07:40:10 03/23/07 (0)
16 X 16 with an 8' gabled ceiling. even with less than optimum positioning (the L speaker is close to a side wall) I'm happy with the sound. I went from MMGs to 1.6s.
I thought about the 12s, but went to 1.6s. Glad I did. ML is correct, however. 1.6s can dominate the decor.

Henry
Mushrooms are the opiate of the mooses
Re: MG12 to 1.6 - two questions - MaggieLover 20:55:03 03/22/07 (2)
The issue is not whether the 1.6s need to be farther out, but rather are your MG12's already out far enough. There are no absolutes on spacing Maggies. However, many of us use the Cardas formula which seems to work well. Using that formula, the spacing for the 12's and the 1.6s would be similar. The side wall distances would change slightly. In my room, the center of the bass panel's of my 1.6s are 59" from the back wall and 43" from the side walls.
Your questions are very general. The room, the electronics and the setup will have a significant impact on the sonic results. In some rooms the 12's or perhaps even the MMGs might sound superior to the 1.6's. It really all depends:)
The 12's are a fine speaker. While I believe the 1.6s have a superior soundstage as well as bass, they may not be able to demonstate that in your room depending on the answers to the following questions. How big is you're listening room? Where are the 12's located now. Are you flexible with regard to position? What sort os wall/floor coverings and furishing are in the area? Is there anything between the speakers? Where is you're listening position? Any large mirrors/windows in the room. What electronics and cabling are you using, etc.
- Re: MG12 to 1.6 - two questions - mbnx01 22:11:33 03/22/07 (1)
  The room is approx 16 feet wide, and the speakers are 32" up from the back wall and angled into the corners. I sit about 7-8 feet back, and then there's a kitchen opening behind me, so it's kinda goofy. Room is not hard or bright, carpeting, cloth blinds, etc.
  I like the 12's so much I'm thinking about moving them into the HT room and I'm pretty spoiled by the 'magneplanar sound', so I was toying with 1.6's to replace them. I'm running Rogue tube gear, very nice with the Maggies. I remember when I got the 12's I thought they were huge, now I'm used to them and think they're very reasonably sized. I've wondered if I'd get used to the 1.6's the same way!
  - Re: MG12 to 1.6 - two questions - MaggieLover 03:48:45 03/23/07 (0)
    What are the other room dimensions? The length and height? How far are they from the side walls and from each other? The 1.6s may well be good in your room, but be warned, they are large. Even after a couple of years of ownership, they still dominate my listening room. They're 65" tall and 19" wide. That's 14" taller and 2" wider than the 12's. In a shop it may not appear to be a lot, at home it is unless you have a large room. The only thing traneparent about them is the sound :)
Re: MG12 to 1.6 - two questions - riceowl68 20:06:25 03/22/07 (0)
First of all, what don't you like about the MG12's that makes you want to upgrade?
I have SMGa's which were the MG12's of their day. I have auditioned 12's and 1.6's at my local dealer (not the best I admit) and I couldn't hear any improvements that would justify an upgrade.
The 1.6's have a little more bass (no advantage if you have a good sub already) and maybe a little higher soundstage. Not really compelling reasons to upgrade.
That being said, if you are going to move the 12's to the HT then you are going to NEED new speakers and why not go up the line and try the 1.6's or even 3.6's if the budget allows?

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