Magnepan Bass Problems?

bryanambrogio

New Member
Nov 30, 2017
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0
0
I had the MG12's years ago. I loved the sound however I had issues with the speakers "bottoming out" at high volume levels or even at moderate volume levels depending on the recording. When a bass note would hit there would be a "slapping" sound that would distort the entire panel and rip through the vocals as well. I have read several posts about this and others experience the same issue. What I don't understand is this due to the fact that I am over demanding of the Magnepan's or is this due from a lack of power from the amplifier? I know these speakers need power, everyone says this however, does this problem disappear or minimize with a powerful amplifier? I have hear recommendations to use a 300W or 500W Emotiva amplifier to power these.

I would like to purchase the new .7's or 1.7's but am hesitant due to this past experience.

Could anyone enlighten me on this issue?

Thank you
Bryan
 

Bruce B

WBF Founding Member, Pro Audio Production Member
Apr 25, 2010
7,006
512
1,740
Snohomish, WA
www.pugetsoundstudios.com
I have never heard the "bottoming out" of my 1.7i speakers. I HAVE heard it with a pair of MMG and 1.5 speakers that I had, but they both were powered "or underpowered" by a Classe' 70 and YBA Integre'. My 1.7i's are powered by a Parasound Integrated, 270 w/p/c @ 4ohms.

Probably the best I've heard Maggie's are with big Bryston, or Pass Labs amps.
 

Joto

New Member
Apr 21, 2019
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0
1
72
I have never heard the "bottoming out" of my 1.7i speakers. I HAVE heard it with a pair of MMG and 1.5 speakers that I had, but they both were powered "or underpowered" by a Classe' 70 and YBA Integre'. My 1.7i's are powered by a Parasound Integrated, 270 w/p/c @ 4ohms.

Probably the best I've heard Maggie's are with big Bryston, or Pass Labs amps.
 

Gregadd

WBF Founding Member
Apr 20, 2010
10,517
1,774
1,850
Metro DC
Perhaps you are pushing to hard. I owned he Maggies and The CLS both of which are rumored to have "panel slap." I drove them pretty hard with organ and synthesizer bass. It never happened. Perhaps a "true" sub would solve your problem.
 

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