Speaker Decisions: Considering 3 different speakers
 

Hi all,

I’m putting together a new system and I value the opinions of everyone who’s heard the speakers/components I’m considering. I’m building my system (and I’ve solicited some opinions, but have things more narrowed down now). Here’s what I have/buying and what I’m considering:

Amp: McIntosh MA6500 (purchasing this week)

Turntable: Clearaudio Concept (black) with satisfy tone arm and maestro v2 MM cartridge (own it)

Cables/power: None yet. My room requires a run of 20ft for my speaker cables so that’s a consideration for both the cables and maybe the speakers? I am likely getting a loom from Ivan of WW whatever I decide. Probably the oasis SC since I need such a long run.

Speakers: here is what I’m considering:

- B&W 805 Signature (2004 model)
- Vandersteen 2CE Sig II (new from AD)
- Magnepan 1.7i (new from AD)

I’ve heard them all, but not together and not A/B with the equipment I’m purchasing. The B&W and 1.7i are about the same price. The 2CE is about $600 more.

My room is 16x30 and my listening couch is 17’ from the front wall. Speakers can be up to 10’ apart and 4’ from the side and front wall. Audio rack needs to be in the corner behind one of the speakers. I have a large fireplace/hearth in the middle so rack can’t be there, hence the 20ft speaker run.

All opinions/ ideas welcome and a massive thanks in advance for your time.

-Adam

Scratch the other 2 speakers off your list and go straight for magnepan. :smoking: Yes, direct experience.

Contrary to Serge I recommend the Vandersteen especially since you have the room flexibility to set them up correctly. I ran a pair of 2CE Sigs for over seven years and enjoyed every minute. And as Mc integrated amps are among the few that have pre outs and amp ins you can add Vandersteen or other subs at a later date if needed.

x2........ but with one reservation, ok , maybe a couple. Given your room size the 1.7's will require at least one sub (preferably two). I'm not familiar with the mac amp so be sure it's got the 'balls' (current) to do them justice.

option #2 is save your pennies and go further up the Maggie chain....... 3.7i's !
heck, with the size of your room you go all the way to the new 30's !!

Although all three you list are good, I'd stick with the newer models as speakers have evolved nicely since 2000. I own both Maggie and Vandersteen. If you want a bit more bass extension I'd get the latter.

Not one of those speakers on the list will develop significant bass response in a a room that size. The Vanderstein 2CE do not compare to Magnepan 1.7 in any significant way, I’ve had a pair of 2CE in my house before. But a room that size will let the Magnepan breathe and create a much bigger soundstage with much bigger scale imaging. A sub can always be added. The B&W 805 will sound very thin and lean in a room that big.

My dedicated 2ch/theater room was 16x30, same dimensions. Bass gets lost in a room that size. I had to bring the balance back in with a JL Audio Fathom F212 sub which you can see in the video of my room.

https://youtu.be/a3i_DETaCg0

Thanks for the responses everyone.

Wow, that is a nice theater/listening space, Serge!

Mikado, I wish I had the funds for the 30’s. I’ll look at the 3.7 and see how that upgrade might look financially.

3.7, now you are talking. :yes: Do it right, do it once. :smoking:

The 3.7's are just a wee bit out of my price range for the moment. I am thinking i'll add a Rel sub or something like that when funds allow my next upgrade.