AudioCircle
Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Planar Circle => Topic started by: SteveFord on 27 Nov 2010, 11:12 am
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For those of you with better than movie theater sound in your homes, this would be the place to share your insights.
Many years ago I was running 4 MMGs and a sub off of a Carver C4000 preamp and I still remember the Yankee fans during the World Series provided some rather colorful commentary.
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As excited as I get talking Maggies in general, what gets me going the most is Maggies for HT. :thumb:
When I first read Jim Winey's comments on his website about HT, I honestly took a bit of a cynical approach. In the back of my mind I was thinking it was just marketing hype so as not to lose any market share due to the fact that Maggies weren't good for HT. Well, it didn't take me long to realize that I could not have been more wrong.
As much music is the driving force for how I spend my home audio dollar, I spend a greater percentage of my time with HT. That being said, there's simply no way I could ever live with a speaker that was great with music but average with movies. Thankfully, and ironically, I have the best of both worlds. Quite simply, Maggies bring movies to life. They are able to reproduce every-single-detail off of a film soundtrack. Vocals are AMAZING. I have become addicted to Maggies for HT because of the way it creates such an organic, visceral experience when you are watching a movie.
I remember two of the first few movies I watched on my former MMGs were Hidalgo and Sleepy Hollow (Johnny Depp version). I remember how real and precise the sound of the horses hooves were when they impacted the dirt in Hidalgo, and how incredibly detailed it was when the wooden wheels of the carriage were when they went rolling over the gravel-covered ground in Sleepy Hollow. There began a never-ending string of Maggie Magic moments with film that have stayed with me over the past five years. Maggies take ordinary, common, seemingly uninteresting sound effects and bring them to life. When that happens, you are brought INTO the movie, and that experience is truly addicting!
Even better, a Maggie HT set-up is extremely inexpensive compared to what you'd lay out with other options. I had MMGs in front, a pair of MMG-Ws in back, and a little 10" SVS subwoofer as my first Maggie system. That came in at a little over $1k, and I could have been MORE than happy with that little rig forever. The MMG-Ws are such amazing speakers for surrounds...they work with the mains to create a truly immersive soundfield, often times creating images that seem impossible. I had a weird room that caused the mains to be over 20' away from the surrounds, and yet I still would have times when effects were seemingly being placed on the side walls...I remember the time I was watching a movie with my mom, and a helicopter seemed like it was coming in from the side and above our seating position. The look she gave me was priceless!
As for dynamics, if you properly calibrate a subwoofer and have plenty of current on tap for those more demanding passages, you give up very little over box speakers in terms of dynamics, IMO. Last night I was watching The Expendables, and my ears needed to literally recover from certain scenes in that film. Anyone who needs MORE than that probably needs some Cerwin Vegas or some other speaker that just focuses on reproducing SPLs at the max level, and sound quality is not paramount. Heck, I'm not even running a subwoofer right now since I wanted to be merciful on my neighbors (recently moved into a 1450sf apartment), and my 3.6/cc3/MMG-W set-up still knocked me onto my butt!
I have some pics in the Planar Porn thread if anyone wants to get an idea of my set-up. I will take updated pics of the rear of the room now that I have my "Ws" up and running, as soon as I finish my tinkering.
VIVE LE MAGGIES!!!!!
PS: Steve makes a good point about the fans he heard during the World Series...if you want high def audio to go with your high def sports, give Maggies a shot when watching a game...talk about bringing the game to life! I remember watching the superbowl in my HT the first time a few years ago...that was back when I had my MMGs. It felt as if I were right there on the field with those guys...truly amazing!!
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Here's where I need some help.
I hate remotes, I hate scrolling through menus just so I can listen to something and looking at the back of an A/V receiver makes me want to forget about the whole thing.
Having said that, I promised my better half a Maggie based home theater system someday and that day is fast approaching.
I think that I have the amps lined up, a subwoofer is no big deal, I'll be using an Oppo 83 or 93 and she will provide the flat screen.
Four Maggies would probably be better than five as the one provision from Lynda is "I don't want speakers everywhere"!
I guess that she knows me pretty well.
So, what sort of a processor can I get that won't drive me insane and will sound halfway as good as my 2 channel systems?
My needs are pretty straightforward: simple to set up, simple to use and good sound. I can always raise the cash if I want something bad enough but less expensive is better than more expensive in this case.
For FM, I'll be using a tubed unit from the 60s and I plan on running the Oppo through a tube buffer as well if that gives you any indication as to what sort of sound I'm after.
Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.
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Steve: Have you considered a multi-channel analog preamp and just letting the Oppo do the processing? I spent a TON of time trying to find the right pre/pro for me a while back when I was ready to upgrade, when someone told me about these t hings. I ended up getting rid of my Outlaw pre/pro and picking up a preowned McCormack MAP-1. I absolutely love it.
http://www.audioreview.com/cat/amplification/a-v-preamplifier/mccormack/map-1/PRD_133684_2719crx.aspx
http://www.stereophile.com/content/music-round-2
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That looks like exactly what I want - thanks.
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I haven't heard the other products that are in this category, but the MAP is built like a tank, gives me a much broader and more cohesive sound stage than my Outlaw pre/pro did, and it mates tremendously well with the Maggies. I typically research the ever lovin' bejeezus out of things, and I went so far as to actually track down Steve McCormack himself to talk about this piece before I bought it. He sold McCormack audio to Conrad Johnson a while ago, but he designed this piece and I wanted to get his input before I purchased a preowned one. He was a really cool guy to talk to, and even though he had nothing to gain from me buying this piece, he was gracious enough to talk to me about the design and my system goals. The 2-channel preamp that the MAP is based on (RLD something or other) was very highly regarded at its price point, and the MAP-1 basically two of those in the same chassis. The build quality is ridiculous, and this thing will be the foundation of my HT for at least the next five years.
When you consider what a company like Oppo is doing with their BD/universal players, it makes a piece like this all the more exciting. The new Oppo player coming out in the spring is going to be a dream match for a MC analog preamp. The internal DACs they are using in that player are supposed to be fantastic, and from what I've heard they're even going to have greater flexibility with bass mgmt on board. I'll hook that baby up to the MAP and be in HT bliss for the foreseeable future
They come up on Audiogon from time to time...this one seems to be in excellent condition:
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatran&1296749542&/McCormack-Map-1-Six-Channel-Pr
EDIT: Here is the preamp the MAP was based on, if it's of any interest to ya:
http://www.audioreview.com/mfr/mccormack/preamplifiers/rld-1/PRD_125280_1591crx.aspx
http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/mccormack_rld1.htm
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Glad to be aboard, I own Magnepan 3.6's upfront, 10.1's for surround duty. Tweaks and mods are only two, Mye stands and wings for the 3.6's. I live in Mishawka IN 90 miles east of Chicago. I also hang out at the MUG and The Audio Annex Forum.
Troy
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I started off with 10.1s (modded with Obligatto caps, Alphacore inductors and Kimber wire) in a two-channel setup (with a Vandersteen 2WQ sub) and moved up to the 1.6s with the intention of using the 10.1s for rear channel duty. Got all the goods for four-channel plus subs (sold the Vandy and moved to a pair of ACI Force), but only played multi-channel a bit at first and as of now it hasn't even been hooked up for the past year or two (the 10.1s are just decoration behind the sofa).
MC setup includes:
- Denon DVD-2900 universal player
- Audio Refinement Pre2DSP pre-pro
- W4S 200S for rear channels (good match for the PS Audio GCC-100 up front)
Maggies are impressive for HT, but for whatever reason going multi-channel has never really floated my boat with any speaker system. Too many settings and variables to get right, room issues, etc. - oh, and I don't have a large display. That said, I keep telling myself I'll get it setup again soon to give it another try.
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Using floor standing Maggies, how small a room is too small for a 5.1 home theater setup?
Assuming the edge of each Maggie should be 3 feet away from any wall, doesn't that dictate that you will lose 6 feet from the length and width of any room? Is there a minimum recommended distance between the front L+R speakers and the front and rear speakers?
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Using floor standing Maggies, how small a room is too small for a 5.1 home theater setup?
Assuming the edge of each Maggie should be 3 feet away from any wall, doesn't that dictate that you will lose 6 feet from the length and width of any room? Is there a minimum recommended distance between the front L+R speakers and the front and rear speakers?
Modern A/V receivers automatically correct for timing, so angle matters more than distance, look on the Dolby site if you want to see the specs. For a room of limited size, check out the on-wall speakers, they're really very good, I've been told that people like them as much as the floorstanders in blind tests. I'd use the on-walls for surrounds and then you can put a pair of floorstanders in front, and a center channel if you want it, though that's really only necessary if you're doing theater style seating -- the center image will be just fine if you're sitting in the sweet spot.
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For those of you with better than movie theater sound in your homes, this would be the place to share your insights.
Just that my 1-D's made the best theater sound ever! I was working in the movie industry when I got them and even with the damnable buzz the movie sound I heard at the mixing desk didn't hold a candle to what I heard at home off VHS hi fi. As ajzepp mentioned, the transparency and verisimilitude of the Maggies adds immeasurably to the film experience and the slam, bass extension, and image size of the Tympanis made the experience overwhelming.
Last time I mentioned this online, Wendell emailed to point out that the larger speakers in their current lineup could do the same thing so I guess I should add that I mentioned the 1-D's merely because that's where my experience lies.
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Can someone be good enough to answer this one?
My question is about single center channel speaker placement (CC5 or CCR if budget permits): I planned to put the main speakers (MG3.7 on Mye stands) about 1.70m (5.58ft) from the front wall. Since I'm more serious with 2-channel than HT, I've been advised to install the center speaker (about 1.07m or 3.5ft above the top edge of my plasma screen) on the soffit/coffering with 3.15m (10.33ft) height and about 1.1m (3.61ft) into the room. Therefore, the center speaker will be about 60cm or 2 feet behind the main spakers, and about 1.3m (4.27ft) above top edge of the 3.7's. Is the placement too high / too far from both tv screen and main speakers for believable dialogue? Or it's quite ok to adjust the angle of the center speaker for acceptable result with this setup?
The new room I'm about to build has planned dimensions of 5.95m (19.52ft) wide; 8.40m (27.56ft) long; 3.65m (11.97ft) high. I'll be sitting about 3.9m (12.8ft) from the main speakers.
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Steve,
I have the bottom of my MMGC aligned with the top of my plasma screen as seen from the seating position. It is about two feet away from the wall (Magnepan says a foot is the minimum) and tilted down towards the viewers. By itself, the MMGC sometimes does not provide the illusion of sound coming from the center of the screen. Based on my experience, I would say that placing the center channel 3.5 feet above the top of your plasma is not a good idea. You can't hang it close to the top edge of your plasma? I use one of those TV mounts with a folding arm. They can support a lot of weight and they can extend out to 3 feet, perhaps more if you shop around.
A few months ago I added a DWM woofer to my center channel. It is located below my plasma, about 9 inches off the floor and tilted up towards the viewers. The illusion of sound coming from the center of the TV is much better! I highly recommend you use your DWM woofer for this purpose (I know you have one!).
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Steve,
If you have patience and are very careful setting them up, you can do it. Some of the problems will be time delays and getting the correct angles of the center speakers (as you stated). I am assuming that your equipment will allow you to compensate for time delay. You will need assistance to get the centers angled correctly. I have seen something similar and the owner stated that the "professionals" took almost eight hours to get it right.
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Thanks, guys. The question actually came from me. I posted the question for Wendell, but Steve is so kind to put here in HT section so that the members can help while Wendell is not available. Input from all of you is very much appreciated. :thumb:
BTW, I plan to hang plasma on the front wall. The center speaker, if installed on the soffit, will also be 3.6 feet in front of (and 3.5 feet above) the TV screen , while 2 feet behind the main speakers.
Can someone be good enough to answer this one?
My question is about single center channel speaker placement (CC5 or CCR if budget permits): I planned to put the main speakers (MG3.7 on Mye stands) about 1.70m (5.58ft) from the front wall. Since I'm more serious with 2-channel than HT, I've been advised to install the center speaker (about 1.07m or 3.5ft above the top edge of my plasma screen) on the soffit/coffering with 3.15m (10.33ft) height and about 1.1m (3.61ft) into the room. Therefore, the center speaker will be about 60cm or 2 feet behind the main spakers, and about 1.3m (4.27ft) above top edge of the 3.7's. Is the placement too high / too far from both tv screen and main speakers for believable dialogue? Or it's quite ok to adjust the angle of the center speaker for acceptable result with this setup?
The new room I'm about to build has planned dimensions of 5.95m (19.52ft) wide; 8.40m (27.56ft) long; 3.65m (11.97ft) high. I'll be sitting about 3.9m (12.8ft) from the main speakers.
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And the woofer was a loaner which is going back to whence it came.
They wanted me to see what I thought and I think that it works best for oddly shaped rooms (like the upstairs here which is a converted attic) where it helps ameliorate some bass weirdness and I'm sure that it would work great as the lower section of a center channel.
It certainly produced good results when plunked down (up in the air, actually) with a set of MMGs flanking it.
I'll have to run down to my local dealer's and see how it works as part of a Mini Maggie system.
I should mention that people talk about subs being "musical". While the DMW isn't a subwoofer, "musical" is a good description for it. I went back to using an NHT sub which has roughly the same specs as the DMW and that thing just thumps along and sounds like a ridiculous piece of junk when compared to the DMW.
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Hey folks - getting a bit fatigued w/ the Krell Showcase 7 amp I'm using to power Magnepan 1.7's w/ MMG-C, regular MMGs for side surrounds + MMG-W's for rear surrounds. The Krell is just a bit too bright / brittle / "Hi-Fi" in the negative sense. Using a Marantz AV7005 processor that I got a few months back - so don't want to trade that in. Currently listening is 80% home theater, 20% music. But hoping with the right amp that ratio could change to more music.
Considering a Parasound Halo A52 5 channel amp (maybe w/ an A21 added for front two channels if A52 is insufficient). Local dealer has a decent deal on traded-in A52.
If any of you folks run maggies for HT - or have experience w/ such - amp recommendations would be appreciated, particularly multi-channel solid state. I've got an old Conrad Johnson MV75A1 to mess around with for 2 channel audio for MG 1.7's, so really looking for something solid state for home theater with some guts & detail, but more smoothness / warmth etc than Krell. Also considering Anthem (used).
Thanks!
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Hey folks - getting a bit fatigued w/ the Krell Showcase 7 amp I'm using to power Magnepan 1.7's w/ MMG-C, regular MMGs for side surrounds + MMG-W's for rear surrounds. The Krell is just a bit too bright / brittle / "Hi-Fi" in the negative sense. Using a Marantz AV7005 processor that I got a few months back - so don't want to trade that in. Currently listening is 80% home theater, 20% music. But hoping with the right amp that ratio could change to more music.
Considering a Parasound Halo A52 5 channel amp (maybe w/ an A21 added for front two channels if A52 is insufficient). Local deal has a decent deal on traded-in A52.
If any of you folks run maggies for HT - or have experience w/ such - amp recommendations would be appreciated, particularly multi-channel solid state. I've got an old Conrad Johnson MV75A1 to mess around with for 2 channel audio for MG 1.7's, so really looking for something solid state for home theater with some guts & detail, but more smoothness / warmth etc than Krell. Also considering Anthem (used).
Thanks!
I don't know specifically about the A51, but several guys on the Asylum use the A21 with Maggies and speak very highly of the combination. With John Curl, how can you go wrong? Not to mention FET's.
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Hey folks - getting a bit fatigued w/ the Krell Showcase 7 amp I'm using to power Magnepan 1.7's w/ MMG-C, regular MMGs for side surrounds + MMG-W's for rear surrounds. The Krell is just a bit too bright / brittle / "Hi-Fi" in the negative sense. Using a Marantz AV7005 processor that I got a few months back - so don't want to trade that in. Currently listening is 80% home theater, 20% music. But hoping with the right amp that ratio could change to more music.
Considering a Parasound Halo A52 5 channel amp (maybe w/ an A21 added for front two channels if A52 is insufficient). Local dealer has a decent deal on traded-in A52.
If any of you folks run maggies for HT - or have experience w/ such - amp recommendations would be appreciated, particularly multi-channel solid state. I've got an old Conrad Johnson MV75A1 to mess around with for 2 channel audio for MG 1.7's, so really looking for something solid state for home theater with some guts & detail, but more smoothness / warmth etc than Krell. Also considering Anthem (used).
Thanks!
I am happy with the NewClear NC 1000 and the 1.7s (3.7s as well when I had them)
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Maggie HT
MG2.7s front
horizontal MGLR1s rear
stacked MGCC1s center
Velodne subs
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My home theater system is improving over time. My first Maggie purchase was my MMG-C.
I had been interested in planars since hearing my first Magnepans back in the late '70s (as a teenager), but had no money for them. Later years they were on and off my radar, but I usually had higher-priority things on which to spend money.
Well, six months ago I finally broke the ice with my MMG-C purchase. I was planning to follow that up with some MMGs, but came across some 0.5s on ebay. A little research showed they were the precursor to the MG12, so I bid on them. I ended up getting them for less than a pair of MMGs, so I was happy.
Next step will be either MMG-Ws or MGMC1s for surrounds.
My amp is an older Sony STR-DA3000ES that I had lying around. I had previously bought a newer Sony receiver, but it wasn't rated for 4-ohm speakers, so I dragged the 3000ES out of the closet once I got the Maggie 0.5s.
I'll eventually upgrade my sub (currently a Sony SA-WM250) to something better.
Tim
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I'm using Sunfire Theater Grand IV with a Sunfire Cinemas Grans Signature amp (400x7). Actively i-amping a custom modded pair of Carver AL-III mains with 4 of the 7 channels, the center is driving a Sunfire CRS-3C & a pair of Sunfire CRS-3 bring up the rear. Sub is a Klipsch RT-12D 12" w/800 watts on tap. Don't have the Sunfire center speaker in the video below.
Click pic below for a video:
(http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg286/TNRabbit/Audio/th_20121018153703.jpg) (http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg286/TNRabbit/Audio/20121018153703.mp4)
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Yeah, I've got (center) sound better than the local!
Since I installed Magnepan 3.6s, a pair, as my center, behind a sound transparent screen. Defines 'transparent'. About 2 feet apart, tweeters inside edge, lots of tow in, 3 ft from damped rear wall. Wide sound stage too, all across the couch.
Previously had back there all sorts of stuff, including Stereophile class A (dynamic) speakers.
Before that, tried speakers above and below a non-transparent screen. Nothing satisfied.
This is the most important channel in home theater sound. These Maggies have me at rest.
I think that, in addition to many other positive attributes, they are tall (a vertical array of sound). But perhaps it's just luck...room acoustics match, etc...
Anyway, i'm in heaven....
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omg Paul...you are a genius and a bastard.
Pics?
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Yeah, we like pictures!
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=129053)
Here's the pic, forgive the mess (working on it!).
Maggie 3.6's center.
And the rest...
Marantz 8801 Pre/Pro
NHT XDS L/R.
NHT XD L/R front wide
JBL Front Height
JBL surround (3 per side)
JBL rear
Subwoofing, 2 X 15 and 2 X 18, all long-throw, infinite baffle (back wave outside)
Thousands of real watts
Radioshack cable throughout...
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I'm updating my photograph, without mess, and with new arrangement: 3.6s, tweeters outside, towed out.
Magnepan says, tweeters outside edge best for wide soundstage (I AGREE), and they also state. tow those speakers in (see their diagram)! This is a CONTRADICTION. If tweeters are outside edge, they are closer to the listener when towed in.
Well, confused by this, I experimented, and like this, tweeters outside edge, towed out, for a center channel arrangement.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=130703)
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Looking good, Paul!!!
When are we all stopping over for a movie?
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Anytime, Ajzepp, when you are in Augusta, Ga.
What I am amazed by is how good these two Maggies are as center channels.
Would one be as good...I should try this...but I doubt it, across my 12 foot wide listening area.
And I am surprised at how much 'play' there is in their arrangement.
The present one I can't imagine bettering, but that is what i thought when I first set them up, tweeters inside, towed in.
I'm sure I'll try others, but not soon...
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Magnepan suggests, as their highest level of home theater center channel, the Tri-Center. Three of their bipolar speakers are mounted on the wall, one above and two on the sides of a wall mounted TV monitor (what happens to the back-waves?). I haven't heard this 'tri-center', but can't imagine that it compares to two standard Maggies, 1.6/1.7s, or even better 3.6/3.7s, operating, as intended, some feet away from the rear (and side) walls. That's what I've got going (two 3.6s), operating in mono, behind a sound transparent screen, each three feet from the rear and side walls. I guess this arrangement is too esoteric to promote, but it is incredible. I've spent many years trying to perfect my center channel, the most important in cinema sound: I've even tried two conventional speakers (Stereophile class A), vertically mounted one above and one below the screen, and also as a pair behind a sound transparent screen. But nothing compares to my present maggies (3.6) located behind a sound transparent screen with room on all sides. I can't explain why they work so well, I think I just got lucky experimenting.
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I'm updating my photograph, without mess, and with new arrangement: 3.6s, tweeters outside, towed out.
Magnepan says, tweeters outside edge best for wide soundstage (I AGREE), and they also state. tow those speakers in (see their diagram)! This is a CONTRADICTION. If tweeters are outside edge, they are closer to the listener when towed in.
Well, confused by this, I experimented, and like this, tweeters outside edge, towed out, for a center channel arrangement.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=130703)
Great idea, Paul. I'm sure it's very impressive.
Due to the nature of how sound sources couple, you really ought to try the tweeters inside, as close together as possible and then toe them back out to get enough coverage. In theory, this will result in far less comb filtering between BOTH the ribbons and the mids. Center to center distance is important to keep as small as possible. This ought to give you a smoother frequency response with less HF cancellation and roll-off. You can always play some pink noise with the setup as is. Walk side to side and listen for a sweeping of phasey sound. Move them close together and you ought to notice much less phasiness and a more consistent sound quality to the pink noise as you walk side to side.
Greg
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Thanks, Greg, for this suggestion, I will give this a try and report back...if it is even better!
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I have a sound transparent screen, like that in commercial theaters, and the pros have got it right, this is of paramount importance. (I tried above and below, and, both above and below. None of this is convincing, the source must be behind the screen.)
Then, at one point, I tried two Maggies (3.6) behind the screen and that was better (truthfully, my first impression was bliss).
But recently, I got rid of one of the pair, and this was better as several correspondents at this site and others suggested might be the case.
And then, latest evolution (as I've said elsewhere in the 'planar circle') "I recently tried bl-aming one of my 3.6 Maggies with a Crown XLS 2500, using the passive crossover connections supplied on the box containing the crossover. Not much improvement, and not surprising.
Then I bi-passed that box, and used the electronic crossover built into this Crown amp, at 2600 Hzt, after removing the box and all of that passive stuff..
Amazing transformation. Transparency reigns. Center channel voicing is now crystal clear.
The only quibble was that now I could rattle the panel with low bass input. I now have the cross-over set at 80 Htz, and no more rattle.
That passive cross-over is worth getting rid of, in my opinion."
Here's the other thing. I placed the other Maggie 3.6 in the rear of the room (with plenty of distance from rear and side walls), and turned back on the rear channel sound. Wow, now this rear channel adds, and does not muddy the front sound (which is why I shut off my two rear channels some time ago). How to explain this?
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=165068)
Just thought I'd through my Home Theater / Primary listening system in here.
Unusual: MMG toed in 45 degrees - allows all three seats LCR "Stressless" Ekornes Chairs to have a solid center image without a center channel.
MMG W Side Channels
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=165069)
Left and right wall subwoofers - set at the Speaker "Null" points give a great smooth bottom end.
Equipment: Crown Amps - BiAmping the MMG's & with DSP EQ optimized for the room. Older HK AVR520 Receiver Oppo 103 source/Technics SL10 TT in the picture. A few other amps there for outdoor and house speakers. An Acoustat RP2A pre and a Behringer mixer help to distribute the signals and provide Phono gain
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I always love seeing tv/movie set ups with Maggies, especially the MMGs. I've said this before on here many times, but I almost didn't bother with Maggies for HT at first, because so many on the forums back in 2004 said they weren't great for that. But as we all know, life can be ironic. And not only did I absolutely fall in love with the MMGs for HT, I just could not imagine NOT having Maggies for HT ever again. The realism and detail they offer just brings the movie to life in a manner Ive become addicted to.
In fact, if anyone is ever up in Northeast Georgia and wants to stop out to give a listen, just let me know. :thumb:
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I have three different set ups in my home and one of them is a dedicated theater. I am getting my Maggie LRS's VERY soon and might give them a try in my home theater.
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My way of thinking is that whatever is good for Hi Fi is good for HT. I do not use rear or center channels because there is no need to. If all you do is watch super hero and Sci Fi movies that send sounds all over the place for fun then knock yourself out. I like those movies also but I would always prefer spending the money on improving my 2 channel performance then adding amplifiers and more speakers. I guess I care more about music than movies and I suspect by virtue that we are all planar fans everyone here is much the same. Having said that I have infinite line source ESLs and an elaborate subwoofer system. Between the ESLs is a 113" Steward screen. Any disaster movie will lift the house 2 feet off its foundation. Big Fun:)
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(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=195828)
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=165068)
Just thought I'd through my Home Theater / Primary listening system in here.
Unusual: MMG toed in 45 degrees - allows all three seats LCR "Stressless" Ekornes Chairs to have a solid center image without a center channel.
MMG W Side Channels
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=165069)
Left and right wall subwoofers - set at the Speaker "Null" points give a great smooth bottom end.
Equipment: Crown Amps - BiAmping the MMG's & with DSP EQ optimized for the room. Older HK AVR520 Receiver Oppo 103 source/Technics SL10 TT in the picture. A few other amps there for outdoor and house speakers. An Acoustat RP2A pre and a Behringer mixer help to distribute the signals and provide Phono gain
Well....... I have my Maggie LRS's in my home theater room now. I tried them in the two channel room with new electronics I bought, but it just wasn't a good match. So I am going to give them a go in the theater room. I got a good center image as well. I am only using the amps in the Pioneer AVR but in the near future, am going to have real power going to the Maggies in the form of Outlaw Audio 2200 monoblocks that put out 300watts per channel into 4ohms.
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I don't have mine toed in nearly as much, but maybe I should try that. I ran auto calibration on my Pioneer Elite, made some adjustments from there and changed the distance setting on the right speaker until I got a good center image. Seems to be working out pretty good. Dialogue is crystal clear.
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(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=195828)
That's SPECTACULAR! Those planars are so big it makes a 113 inch screen look small. LOL :D
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Magnepan suggests, as their highest level of home theater center channel, the Tri-Center. Three of their bipolar speakers are mounted on the wall, one above and two on the sides of a wall mounted TV monitor (what happens to the back-waves?). I haven't heard this 'tri-center', but can't imagine that it compares to two standard Maggies, 1.6/1.7s, or even better 3.6/3.7s, operating, as intended, some feet away from the rear (and side) walls. That's what I've got going (two 3.6s), operating in mono, behind a sound transparent screen, each three feet from the rear and side walls. I guess this arrangement is too esoteric to promote, but it is incredible. I've spent many years trying to perfect my center channel, the most important in cinema sound: I've even tried two conventional speakers (Stereophile class A), vertically mounted one above and one below the screen, and also as a pair behind a sound transparent screen. But nothing compares to my present maggies (3.6) located behind a sound transparent screen with room on all sides. I can't explain why they work so well, I think I just got lucky experimenting.
I wish I had enough room to put some Maggie's behind a transparent screen. But I do not. I am considering trying another pair of LRS's and mounting them on the wall with some extreme toe in. Wendell at Magnepan suggested that. And forgive me if you have already covered this, but how exactly are you running the wiring and have the speakers set up? Do you have left speaker channel hookup for center going to left speaker and right channel speaker hook up for center going to the right speaker?
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I’ve moved my beloved Maggies, 3.6 and 1.7, from the USA to Poland, without damage!
Here I have a really great audio space, an old German school room, plus 4 subwoofers (two SVS PC13 and two NHT Xd: all sealed mode except for one of the PC13s, which operates in the 17hz mode, crossed over to the other PC13, operating in sealed mode, which gives ample and articulate bass below 20hz in my very large room). The 3.6s, my front left and rights, are 1m from the front wall, 2m from side walls and 2m from the listening positions in a 7m x 15m x 3.5 room.
The 3.6s are powered and crossed over by Crown XLS 2500s. The preamp/processor is a Marantz AVR 8805 and I use it to for Audyssey XT32equalization. I cross the 3.6s over at 80hz.
The center channel is handled by two NHT XDS speakers, these and the 3.6s behind a sound transparent screen, the only way to go if you can...
The 1.7s are used as surrounds in a 5.4.2 system. 4 Marin Logins are used as height speakers.
The sound is to die for, in my opinion...
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I’ve moved my beloved Maggies, 3.6 and 1.7, from the USA to Poland, without damage!
Here I have a really great audio space, an old German school room, plus 4 subwoofers (two SVS PC13 and two NHT Xd: all sealed mode except for one of the PC13s, which operates in the 17hz mode, crossed over to the other PC13, operating in sealed mode, which gives ample and articulate bass below 20hz in my very large room). The 3.6s, my front left and rights, are 1m from the front wall, 2m from side walls and 2m from the listening positions in a 7m x 15m x 3.5 room.
The 3.6s are powered and crossed over by Crown XLS 2500s. The preamp/processor is a Marantz AVR 8805 and I use it to for Audyssey XT32equalization. I cross the 3.6s over at 80hz.
The center channel is handled by two NHT XDS speakers, these and the 3.6s behind a sound transparent screen, the only way to go if you can...
I am a little lost here. You are using 4 speakers to make a center channel image?
The 1.7s are used as surrounds in a 5.4.2 system. 4 Marin Logins are used as height speakers.
The sound is to die for, in my opinion...
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I’ve moved my beloved Maggies, 3.6 and 1.7, from the USA to Poland, without damage!
Here I have a really great audio space, an old German school room, plus 4 subwoofers (two SVS PC13 and two NHT Xd: all sealed mode except for one of the PC13s, which operates in the 17hz mode, crossed over to the other PC13, operating in sealed mode, which gives ample and articulate bass below 20hz in my very large room). The 3.6s, my front left and rights, are 1m from the front wall, 2m from side walls and 2m from the listening positions in a 7m x 15m x 3.5 room.
The 3.6s are powered and crossed over by Crown XLS 2500s. The preamp/processor is a Marantz AVR 8805 and I use it to for Audyssey XT32equalization. I cross the 3.6s over at 80hz.
The center channel is handled by two NHT XDS speakers, these and the 3.6s behind a sound transparent screen, the only way to go if you can...
The 1.7s are used as surrounds in a 5.4.2 system. 4 Marin Logins are used as height speakers.
The sound is to die for, in my opinion...
4 Speakers for the center channel?
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Congrats on moving such large speakers Paul. Glad that you’re able to enjoy the Maggie’s overseas!
4 Speakers for the center channel?
”The center channel is handled by two NHT XDS speakers”
I use 3 Maggie’s for my center channel. A pair of MG10QR’s are wired in series and a single CC3 is in the middle. A ModWright KWA150SE running in stereo is powering the speakers. There’s a Velodyne DD12 center channel sub as well.
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Congrats on moving such large speakers Paul. Glad that you’re able to enjoy the Maggie’s overseas!
”The center channel is handled by two NHT XDS speakers”
I use 3 Maggie’s for my center channel. A pair of MG10QR’s are wired in series and a single CC3 is in the middle. A ModWright KWA150SE running in stereo is powering the speakers. There’s a Velodyne DD12 center channel sub as well.
Can you explain that? Wired in series? What exactly does that mean? Based upon common sense, is it the red speaker wire going from the red speaker output on the amp to the red speaker connection on each speaker then the same for the black one?
And then I am assuming since you have a center channel specific sub, you have that hooked up via speaker level connection?
And ironically, I have been reading about that today. Theaters using more than one speaker for the center. Steve Guttenbergs YouTube video for today even mentions that. His friends HT uses 3 centers.
So in my situation. My screen is mounted where there is no room to put a center above or below the screen, so I have been using my LRS's as the center but as a stero pair. I just set my AVR to no center so it's throwing that phantom center image right now, which I do say, it sounds pretty good. But I am looking at buying another pair of LRS's and mounting them on the wall on each side of the screen and toeing them in significantly to actually have a real center. Do you think that would work good?
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Can you explain that? Wired in series? What exactly does that mean? Based upon common sense, is it the red speaker wire going from the red speaker output on the amp to the red speaker connection on each speaker then the same for the black one?
And then I am assuming since you have a center channel specific sub, you have that hooked up via speaker level connection?
And ironically, I have been reading about that today. Theaters using more than one speaker for the center. Steve Guttenbergs YouTube video for today even mentions that. His friends HT uses 3 centers.
So in my situation. My screen is mounted where there is no room to put a center above or below the screen, so I have been using my LRS's as the center but as a stero pair. I just set my AVR to no center so it's throwing that phantom center image right now, which I do say, it sounds pretty good. But I am looking at buying another pair of LRS's and mounting them on the wall on each side of the screen and toeing them in significantly to actually have a real center. Do you think that would work good?
Yes, the MG10's are wired as follows. + left to + of amp. - of left speaker going to + of right speaker. - of right speaker back to amp - yielding an impedance of 8 ohms for the pair. The amp has both inputs connected by a Wireworld Oasis 7 Y-cable from the center output of myTheta.
Yes, the center channel sub is using the speaker output from the center channel amp crossed over at 80Hz.
Honestly, I'm not sure I'd mount LRS Maggies to a wall. I think the Maggie Tri center concept using the MGCC 2's may be an alternative. I've found that the taller the Maggie for a center channel, the easier it is to integrate and complement with the main Maggie's. Just my $0.02
https://www.magnepan.com/tri-center
Oh btw, your scenario of having the positive from the amp to the positives of both speakers gives you a parallel configuration. This presents a lower impedance to the amp which may not be good.
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Congrats on moving such large speakers Paul. Glad that you’re able to enjoy the Maggie’s overseas!
”The center channel is handled by two NHT XDS speakers”
I use 3 Maggie’s for my center channel. A pair of MG10QR’s are wired in series and a single CC3 is in the middle. A ModWright KWA150SE running in stereo is powering the speakers. There’s a Velodyne DD12 center channel sub as well.
This is the Magnepan-suggested tri-speaker center?...sounds awesome!
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This is the Magnepan-suggested tri-speaker center?...sounds awesome!
Yup, it sure is. I’ve been running it since it was introduced over on the Asylum over a decade ago. I posted my impressions at that time. I wonder if they still have this setup in the Mandalay Bay. :P
Addendum:
https://db.audioasylum.com/mhtml/m.html?forum=mug&n=141501&highlight=Tricenter&search_url=%2Fcgi%2Fsearch.mpl
Geez, my electronics have changed a bit since then, but the speakers haven’t. :lol:
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Thanks for all the info. I have looked at the tri-center package before and it looks sweet! But in my situation, it's not going to work. I have no room for the center above or below the screen. So the ONLY option I have is the dual approach and that would be mounting them on each side of the screen.
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A different kind of planar setup than most on here (hybrid) but I'm having great success with the BG Radia 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos setup in our master bedroom. Shame they went out of business.
(https://i.ibb.co/7KbQfM9/IMG-20190315-141808-01.jpg)
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Great product for HT to bad they are gone. I like car audio speakers for that purpose. Works quite well. In the wall and out of the way.
charles
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Home theater is way to enjoy cinema feature in home and it is crowd less.For this point You set up is awesome and very useful..
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Hi Everyone ... new to this forum. I've been experimenting with speaker positions and home theater configurations in my system and recently added Dolby Atmos top speakers. Here are two configurations that I've tried so far.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=214505)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=214506)
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Somehow or other I find myself with a pair of MGMC1s headed my way to replace my ancient MMGs that are up on hinges.
I'm looking forward to hearing these.
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The MC1s worked out well, now the sound is consistent going from the CC3 center channel to the MMG-W to the MC1.
The MMGs really needed a bright sounding amp to perk up and it wasn't meant to be hung up on hinges close to a wall.