Thanks

Tommy,

I have used the LRS with a REL subwoofer and ultimately decided to disconnect it. I knew about the limitations because this was not my first rodeo with Maggies and having owned 5 pairs of electrostatic loudspeakers since 1989 — you really need a properly integrated woofer or it sounds like the bass is trailing the rest of the sound.

Still love the LRS and LRS+ for what they do.

Best,

Ian White

https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/magnepan-lrs/

Needless to say, if you want to hear the bass in your music, either get a sub or another pair of towers.

John,

The LRS work well with any class AB amplifier that can truly double their output into 4 ohms…with the exception of AVRs that fail rather miserably at that task.

Bryston, NAD, Schiit, Emotiva, and Cambridge Audio — and Rotel…are all good options.

Older Bryston amplifiers are a good match. The Schiit Audio Ragnarok 2 is a good match from a tonal balance perspective, but it does run out of steam.

The NAD digital amplifiers (outside of the Masters Series) are not a good match.

Best,

Ian White

Hi Ian,
I really enjoyed your discussion with the British Audiophile regarding the LRS speakers. I own a pair and really enjoy them. Right now I have them set up with the Rotel RB-1582 and the Rotel RC-1590 preamp.Im pleased with it. But after listening to you mention other power amps that match well with the LRS,which NAD, Schitt or Emotivia works best with them or…am I ok power wise with the Rotels I currently have? Much appreciate any thoughts or suggestions you offer! Oh…I feel you on the college tour thing, been there, done that twice.
Best,
John

You were obviously lucky not to have someone close to you die alone in hospital due to covid.

Tony,

Driving the LRS with the Cambridge Audio Edge A that is Class A/Class A/B and almost 300 watts/4 ohms.

I can barely get to 11 on the dial before I have to turn it back. The Schiit Ragnarok 2 was another story. I had to run all the way to 3 on the dial before the sound came alive.

I also like Bryston will Maggies.

The new AE1 are fantastic. Need a tube preamp to calm them down a tad.

Best,
Ian White

Stuff that can suck current from the wall and somehow turn it into motive EMF.

I got two pairs of Maggies… 12 and 1.7s. They need big beefy power supplies. Usually, the price of the amplifier (and the heft) is much more than the speakers themselves.

So, in your choice of amp, I demurr. In my case, when I built the system for my son’s Maggie 12 based set up, I went with a used Conrad Johnson MF2100 (a true and solid 200 watts into 4 ohms). I don’t care what Schitt and others claim, but no Class AB amp is gonna drive those speakers unless you have some huge power supplies.

Of course, you could do a Class D amp, but be careful, as my ICE amps just didn’t like the Maggies so well. Excellent bass but closed in treble.

The entry level for Maggies is considered something like a Nakamichi PA7 MkI or beefy class AB amps. Recently, the stuff from NCore and Purify are hitting the shelves.

The CLS is price point deceiving, it needs a big amp. BTW, I run my 1.7s quite well with custom Aleph 5 monoblocks.

Oh. Acoustic Energy AE1s. Yep, I got a pair of the original Reference units. They sound fantastics with an Audio Research D70 MkII. Imaging to kill for. I have not heard the actives though.

Tim,

I’m rather similar. I drive my cars into the ground (Ford Explorer and Prius), and have zero need for any boats or $400 Broadway shows.

I’ve simplified my wardrobe during the pandemic. I don’t work in an office anymore and spend my wardrobe budget differently.

I would rather own a JVC 8K projector than a Range Rover.

Ian

Hi Ian, another great read. Like you say, value is relative. For some, a $60,000 pickup for basically going to the supermarket is a worthwhile purchase. I’d rather have a high end system and an electric bicycle. I’m not interested in boats, Jet Skis, skiing in Colorado, or paying $400 for a Broadway show ticket. But I consider the Q Acoustics Concept 500 to be a steal at $6500. Doesn’t mean i can afford them, but….T