Maggies and bass

[BillK]

I've heard a variety of Maggies over the years and for the most part they all seem to be lacking, some severely, in bass.

This doesn't seem to correspond with their rated frequency response, but it's just not there.

I know it's not a planar issue, as I'm a long-term Apogee fan and they had wonderful bass.

Even the larger models seem to need help from a sub (which of course never blends perfectly) except for a large pair of 1970s-era models I've heard.

[audio bill]

I have to wonder if the Maggies you've heard were current models and properly setup. Their larger models have improved their bass response in recent years, but their positioning and particularly their distance from the wall can significantly affect their bass output. Of course they still don't provide subwoofer level low frequency extension, but it is very high quality bass reproduction down to 35 or 40 Hz with their larger panels.

[cma29]

My impression with the 20.7s is that these panels can reproduce bass in a realistic and powerful manner if the recording has properly encoded bass information. I've felt my room rattle from well recorded bass drum thwacks.

Maggies are just realistic transducers that will not exaggerate anything that is not in a recording.

[Jbauza]

I have to agree with Audio Bill regarding the set up of the speakers. I have the 3.7 and pulled them away from the wall about 4 feet and they have great bass.

[wildcat82]

Originally Posted by BillK

I've heard a variety of Maggies over the years and for the most part they all seem to be lacking, some severely, in bass.

This doesn't seem to correspond with their rated frequency response, but it's just not there.

I know it's not a planar issue, as I'm a long-term Apogee fan and they had wonderful bass.

Even the larger models seem to need help from a sub (which of course never blends perfectly) except for a large pair of 1970s-era models I've heard.

Maggie's need a good, powerful (very good power supply) amp, with this 20.7s will provide very satisfying, realistic base. I learned this first hand when I replaced my MC452 with a Sanders Magtech, the difference in base (among other things) was amazing and the subs (JLf100's) were turned off.

Brett

[klao]

In my room and to my ears, the 20.7's with around 1,800 Wpch@4Ohms from Bryston amps give ample bass on acoustic music I mostly listen to. : )

Smaller Maggies models could benefit from sub(s). Setup and matching would be quite tricky, though.

[ehoove]

I run a pair of NHT W2 cabinets for bass from 46hz down with great success on my modified MGIIIa's. I do not use them for chamber or acoustic music though as the Maggie's in hardwood frames sound great on that type of music.
Regards,
Jim

[CGabriel]

Originally Posted by BillK

I've heard a variety of Maggies over the years and for the most part they all seem to be lacking, some severely, in bass. This doesn't seem to correspond with their rated frequency response, but it's just not there. I know it's not a planar issue, as I'm a long-term Apogee fan and they had wonderful bass. Even the larger models seem to need help from a sub (which of course never blends perfectly) except for a large pair of 1970s-era models I've heard.

Which models have you tried? You may have room acoustics that do not favor a dipole speaker? Do you know that they make a sub panel for bass augmentation.

[AlienViolet]

Originally Posted by BillK

I've heard a variety of Maggies over the years and for the most part they all seem to be lacking, some severely, in bass.

This doesn't seem to correspond with their rated frequency response, but it's just not there.

I know it's not a planar issue, as I'm a long-term Apogee fan and they had wonderful bass.

Even the larger models seem to need help from a sub (which of course never blends perfectly) except for a large pair of 1970s-era models I've heard.

In my room (13 x 22 x 10) the MG12/QRs are ruler flat down to 50 Hz and then start to roll off. I find that Maggie's can have good bass if the setup is optimized and the amp has the 'balls' but they don't have the visceral slam in the low end like a good box speaker playing Techno or Industrial.

But for bass from acoustic instruments like grand piano and acoustic bass, they are very nice.

[CGabriel]

Originally Posted by AlienViolet

In my room (13 x 22 x 10) the MG12/QRs are ruler flat down to 50 Hz and then start to roll off. I find that Maggie's can have good bass if the setup is optimized and the amp has the 'balls' but they don't have the visceral slam in the low end like a good box speaker plating Techno or Industrial. But for bass from acoustic instruments like grand piano and acoustic bass, they are very nice.

Maggie's do not have a closed cabinet and the associated enclosure resonance and secondary re-radiations. They also tend to avoid a strong floor bounce null. For those accustomed to conventional speakers this can seem to be a lack of bass response.

While they cannot compete with the best dynamic speakers in bass volume and extension the bass they do have is clean and coherent without bass bloat or overhang. Definitely not a head-banger's speaker.