802D2 vs 803D3 - back to back audition

[Rod#S]

Probably the explanation of the difference is as simple as location in the room. Try moving them, like an inch or so at a time in different directions. For example first try moving them farther from the back wall, if that doesn't do anything try closer to it. You can also try moving them both closer together then further apart. Since they are not going to perform the same as the old speakers, plus their differing size it makes sense that they may not work where the other speakers were located.

[djohnson013]

I would initially buy that explanation, but Magnolia set them up to begin with and all was good for the first 100 hours as I stated. Couldn't have been happier with my upgrade from my original 804's.

I have moved the speakers no less than 100 times in the last month or two. I have tried every combination possible. You wouldn't believe all the tape I have had on the carpet marking the spots and making notes as well. Nothing else with the equipment or the room has changed since I first got them or with the other speakers as well.

At first I used to listen to them with the grills off, but since have put them back on and that has helped some.

David

[4music]

Originally Posted by djohnson013

I would initially buy that explanation, but Magnolia set them up to begin with and all was good for the first 100 hours as I stated. Couldn't have been happier with my upgrade from my original 804's.

I have moved the speakers no less than 100 times in the last month or two. I have tried every combination possible. You wouldn't believe all the tape I have had on the carpet marking the spots and making notes as well. Nothing else with the equipment or the room has changed since I first got them or with the other speakers as well.

At first I used to listen to them with the grills off, but since have put them back on and that has helped some.

David

They might seem obvious, but may I suggest the following things:
Check speaker cable polarity
Check or replace jumpers if used
Place speaker cables on 8 ohm tab
MA 7900 has tone controls. Are they all set to zero position?
Check sources. Does it sound the same on all sources?
At the end...check the amplifier.
Let us know how it turned out
Cheers

[djohnson013]

I have already done all of that.
I also have a MA6600, it's was swapped out in place of the MA7900 as well.
I rarely use tone controls, but the 7900 is set to EQ Bypass. The 6600 doesn't have tone controls.

Next?

[djohnson013]

As far as jumpers go, I have removed the taps on the back of the 7900 and replaced them with a high dollar set of Audioquest cables.
I did this a few years ago before my speaker problem.
Everything I read said I would hear a big difference. Well I didn't, and returned the original taps.

[4music]

Originally Posted by djohnson013

As far as jumpers go, I have removed the taps on the back of the 7900 and replaced them with a high dollar set of Audioquest cables.
I did this a few years ago before my speaker problem.
Everything I read said I would hear a big difference. Well I didn't, and returned the original taps.

Regarding jumpers, I meant on the loudspeakers. Do you use the original jumper supplied or you biwire? I have the same speaker and biwire with Yter cables with great results. Can you send pics of the connections on the amp and the speaker side?

[djohnson013]

The Audioquest Oaks are biwire, connections have been checked 10 times. However, it is a little confusing on the taps without looking at the manual. All connections on the whole system have been checked numerous times!

Remember this was originally set up by Magnolia, and for the first few months I had musical nirvana!

I think I have just had a stroke and my hearing changed over night! Lol!

Like I said, there was nothing wrong with my 804's, and I could have lived with them the rest of my life, but I just couldn't leave it alone.

I will eventually look into several speakers.
Vandersteen 5ACarbon
Monitor Audio PL 300II
Magicos
Focals

My local dealer has tried to sell me on the Vandersteen's several times, but couldn't warm up to them. Especially in that price range.

[SMC23]

I found the 8ohm taps to be ideal with mcintosh.

Also, I think you need much more hours on the speakers, and not normal listening level hours. You got to unwind the speakers with volume I think to set those drivers in well. I let my 802d3 on for breakin at over 100db peaks for 5-6hrs a day for a week while I am at work. The highs on my speakers are not harsh at all. I think you got to break these speakers in really well.

[djohnson013]

I have never tried the 4ohm taps before. That's the only thing I haven't done.
I'm thinking that you are right about more hours.
And as far as loudness, there has been an abundance of that!

[joey_v]

Originally Posted by djohnson013

I have never tried the 4ohm taps before. That's the only thing I haven't done.
I'm thinking that you are right about more hours.
And as far as loudness, there has been an abundance of that!

Try the 4ohm taps.