Magnepan 20.1 Haven

by gmorris on Done For Now

Description

My relatively modest system was carefully assembled over many years (I have been in the so-called high-end for over 30 years). I am a tweaker who works at optimizing the performance of each component. I do not believe that spending MEGA$$ is necessary for creating a musical sounding system. To wit: I have listened to some super expensive systems that were great in Hi-Fi sound reproduction but missed the mark in terms of musical satisfaction. Careful selection and matching of components can optimize the synergy and performance of the total system. My system has wideband response from about 16Hz up to beyond the upper limits of my hearing capability. The sound is very smooth, robust, balanced and detailed with a see-through huge soundstage. Bass is very defined and tuneful. The overall sound is very musical and engaging. My dedicated listening room is 26x16x8.5 (ft)

Recently, I replaced my Magenpan 3.5s with the magnificent 20.1s, my last speaker purchase. These are massive compared to the 3.x series, and required 2 persons for the installation. The 20.1s are a music lover’s dream. They are musical, smooth, dynamic and very revealing coupled with panoramic sound staging. The bass is full and fast.

I am actively bi-amping the 20.1s, as I did the 3.5s, using the Marchand XM-126s with ARC VT100 MKII for the treble/midrange and Kenwood L07M mono-blocks on the bass of my 20.1s. The xover points replicates the crossover settings utilized by Magnepan for the 20.1 internal xover: Low pass 18dB/Octave @ 108hz (Buterworth) and High pass 6dB/Octave @330hz. I am also using a stereo pair of Sunfire Signature subwoofers that are driven directly from my ARC LS25 preamp. Setting up of the system still required much experimentation, although it was made easier due to my previous experience with the 3.5s. But the final results are very satisfying as the integration and blending of the system is now virtually seamless.
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Room Details

Dimensions: 26’ × 16’  Large
Ceiling: 9’

Components Toggle details

    • Sony SCD-1
    Modified with Audiocom Superclock3/PSU3. Improvements due to the new clock and PSU are dramatic. Much more detail and transparency, more liguid analog-like presentation
    • Oppo Digital BDP-105D Universal Player
    Excellent performance from a budget unit. Out-performs my Sony SCD-1
    • Harman Kardon Citation 14
    FM only tuner. had for about 30 years. Very warm smooth analog sound with big sound stage
    • Oracle Audio Technologies Delphi MKV SE
    Special Granite Base and Turbo power supply. Sits on a granite shelf. This is a very underrated table. Great transparency, excellent bass control. Very quiet mechanically.
    • Graham Engineering Phantom B44 Picture
    Incredible sounding arm. Super dyanmics, control and transparency: Black with chrome and Custom mount. It excels in all musical categories. With the upgraded bearing the perfromance goes up a notch:The overall presentation is less mechanical, smoother, and noticeably more relaxed with greater musical flow, coherence and refinement. In particular, voices, strings and piano are more natural sounding.
    • Lyra Kleos
    Kleos rerplaces my Helikon, which it surpasses with improved performance across the audio spectrum
    • Lyra Helikon
    High output version. This is a versatile cartridge which merges technical prowess (speed, detail, etc) with a creamy musical midrange
    • Audio Research PH-2
    Internal damping devices on PS and curcuit board and ERS cloth below PS. This is the sleeper ARC component. It kills the PH3SE. It is very neutral, dynamic and transparent. I have no urge to replace it any time soon. Performance stepped up to another level after installing an IEC connector and using a Revelation Audio Labs Precept II Power Cord. Soundstage is transparent, panoramic and 3D. Musical textures are rich and inviting with 100 ohm loading. Repalced coupling caps with Dynamicaps, and the input 100 ohm resistors and loading resistors with low noise TX2575 resistors. Improvement in transparency, soundstaging, robustness and dynamics
    • Audio Research LS-25
    MKI version with NOS 6H23 6922 tubes. With the NOS tubes it equals the LS25 MKII in dynamics and bass articulation, but exceeds the MKII in terms of liquidity and musicality. Recently replaced 6H23 with Quartets of Mulllad E88CC and Telefunken E88CC vintage tubes. Elevated sonics to another level
    • Marchand Electronic Tube X-over XM-126s
    Balanced XLR I/O option with stepped attenuators for level control. Replaced 7 stock 12AX7 with Mullards (1960) 2 12AT7 with Mullard M8162 CV4024 (1983). The Marchand is very transparent and introduces no easily detectable grain or electronic artifacts. It is dead quiet with the noisy fan turned off. This is an excellent crossover and has brought me much closer to the music. Replaced the factory FM modules with sets comprising Rel Caps RT capacitors and TX 2575 low noise resistors: tremendous improvements across the audio spectrum, with increased resolution and dynamics
    • Audio Research VT-100 mkII
    With NOS 6H23 6922 input tubes. The VT100 MKII is a classic amp. It is one of best sounding amps ever made by ARC irrespective of price. It is a keeper. Replaced the SV 6550Cs with Tung-Sol KT120s. Major improvement in all categories, especially the feeling of ease due to the greater headroom. More control and power in the bass, bigger, better soundstaging, better dynamics, smoother more extended highs.
    • Kenwood L0-7M
    L07M monoblocks for powering bass panels of MG 3.5. Modified connectors and PC. The Kenwood amps are very smooth and musical, in spite of their solid-state character, which helps in facilitating blending with the ARC VT100 MKII. Additionally, the L07Ms have great bass control and definition.I had this amp in my closet for about 20 years before using for biamping my MG3.5
    • Magnepan MG-20.1
    Cherry with Natural white
    • Magnepan MG-3.5r
    Modified: Internal wiring with Discovery hook-up cable by magnepan. Caps also replaced with PPMF. Also bypassed tweeter attenuators and fuses. Approximates the performance of the expensive fullrange speakers when biamped and used with stereo subwoofers
    • Sunfire Sunfire Signature
    Stereo pair of Sunfire Signatures on Auralex bass stands. These when properly placed and configured produces fast, tight and musical bass (no boomy bass here)
    • Revelation Audio Labs Paradise Cryo-Silver™ Reference
    With XLR connectors. Improved resolution, refinement, dynamics, excised grit and bloat. Excellent cable
    • Transparent Ultra XL
    Balanced interconnect from Marchand x-over to VT100 MKII (15 ft)
    • Analysis Plus Oval Crystal 8 (Balanced)
    Three pairs (3): with XLR - 1M from SCD-1 to LS25, 1M from LS25 to Marchand, 0.5 meter from PH2 to LS25. These cables are neutral, detailed and transparent with a robust midrange
    • Mogami Neglex 2534
    XLR to RCA terminations (20 ft) from Marchand to Kenwood monoblocks
    • Monster MSeries M35I SW HT
    Subwoofer interconnects from LS25 to Sunfire Signatures (25 ft)> Sleeper sub cable. Very clean and tight bass control
    • XLO Signature Type 2
    0.5 M from Tuner to LS25
    • Analysis Plus Crystal Oval 8
    Two pairs (2) both T1 spade to Big BFA connectors. These are very neutral, detailed, extended and musical cables. They provide very good bass control and definition
    • Elrod EPS 3
    From RGPC to VT100. Similar to EPS3 Signature but with less bass entension and midrange robustness.
    • Elrod EPS 3 Signature
    From wall outlet to RGPC. Excellent performer across the board: very open, dynamic with excellent bass control and transparency
    • NBS Master III
    Two (2). From Hydra to LS25, from Hydra to Marchand
    • NBS Monitor II
    Supplies power to SCD-1. Synergy with player. Excellent all round performance
    • Shunyata Python Helix Alpha
    From wall to Hydra (6ft, 20 Amp). Replaced a Shunyata Taipan Alpha, providing better all round performance
    • Revelation Audio Precept II
    From Triplite to Oracle turbo PS. These are very coherent musical and dynamic cables. Now using another set with the ARC PH2. Providing a very nice improvement in performance
    • Shunyata Sidewinder
    Two (2): connects 2 RGPC to main RGP
    • Shunyata Hydra 8
    Used for front end components
    • Triplite LC-1800
    Provides power to Oracle turbo PS. It is plugged in my Hydra 8. The extra filtering improves the performance of the Oracle without any negative effects (Oracle tubo PS only draws about 0.25 peak amps)
    • Finite Element Ceraball
    Three sets of four. Under VT100, Marchand XM126s, LS25. these work as advertised. Helped in cleaning up the presentation, especially in the mid-bass. Also noticed improved transparency and smoothness
    • Finite Element Ceraball Universal
    Used under SCD-1. Improved soundstaging, transparency and refinement compared to the replaced BDR cones
    • Richard Grey 400S
    Three (3) RGPC in parallel provide power for amp
    • Corcom EMI/RFI Filter
    Heavy duty filter used with subwoofers
    • BDR Cones
    Three sets of 3. Used under PH2, SCD-1 and Tuner
    • Shakti Stones
    Used under power transformer of VT100 and Triplite
    • Walker Extreme SST
    Used on all connections. Increased the purity, resolution and energy of the system
    • Craig Survival Kit
    Contains, Power booster, Progold, and Preservit
    • Research Labs LP9
    Stylus treatment
    • Research Labs Record cleaner
    Cleaning fluid
    • VPI 16.5
    Record cleaning Machine
    • Target Amp Stand
    Used under kenwoodLO-7M
    • Soundesign Amp Stand
    large amp stand for VT100
    • Target AER5t
    Main Eqiptment rack
    • Target 3r
    SCD-1 Stand
    • Echo Busters Bass Busters
    pair 4 ft corner bass busters in rear corners
    • Echo Busters Absorption Panels
    Pair in both sides of front half of room
    • Room Tunes Half Round
    Pair of 5 ft half round on first third of room on both sides
    • Auralex Venus Bass Traps
    Pair on front wall
    • Auralex Mega Lnards Bass traps
    Pair in front corner of room. Helped in ameliorating a very boomy bass heavy room
    • Auralex Corner Cubes
    Two 1ftx1ft on top of Mega Lnards in front corner.
    • Auralex Corner Rectangles
    1ft squarex 2 ft absorption rectangels in rear of room
    • Auralex Gramma
    Pair of Isolation bases for Sunfire subwoofers. Helped in ameliorating bass boom
    • Hickok Tube Tester 6000A
    Vintage Tube tester in excellent condition
    • Mullard NOS 12AT7 M8162 CV4024 (1983)
    Military Spec 12AT7 (2 tubes for Marchand)
    • Mullard Tubes 12AX7 (1960’s)
    7 tubes for Marchand vintage used tested very strong with excellent balance
    • VPI DB-5
    magic Bricks (2)
    • Townsend 2HD
    Isolation Platfrom for Sony SCD-1
    • Ceramic Cable Elevators
    Glazed
    • Radio Shack Tape Eraser
    Used to demagnetize CDs
    • Hi-Fi Tuning Fuses Supreme
    Used on VT100 MKII. It is indeed directional. it replaced a Classic gold Hi-Fi Tuning fuse. Improved overall resolution. Recently added to the LS25 and the Marchand XM126. Overall system musicality and transparency stepped up a notch
    • Hi-Fi Tuning Silverstar
    Replaced standard fuses in Kenwood L07Ms and Sunfire subwoofers.
    • Hi-Fi Tuning Classic Gold
    Replaced stock fuses in Magnepan 20.1; Sony SCD1; Marchand XM126; ARC PH2, ARC LS25

Comments 82

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Very nice system. From turntable, to cartridge to tonearm. Active crossover on the speakers. Must have taken forever to setup. Maggies as any dipole has been a no go for me for years. Needed a perfectly symmetrical room which I finally achieved. For a 2nd system I would consider them. I wanted an Oracle TT for years when I was younger. And yes, the ARC amps do have magic compared to the newer amps which I find to be less musical. You obviously listen. I have had great luck w. the Elrod PCs but not w. the Walker SST, finding it to make my sound in my system more homogeneous.

dgad

Very nice system, from another who worships at Maggie's altar

tympani

Owner
I just installed a Shunyata Python Helix Alpha PC on my Shunyata Hydra 8. It replaces a Taipan Alpha. I still need to put on at least 200hrs before critical listening. However, so far I seem to be getting better definition overall. I have all my font-end equipment connected to the Hydra 8.

gmorris

Owner
Baggs2:

Thanks for the kind words.
The granite base was actually made by Oracle as an option for the Delphi MK5. You can order the upgrade directly from the company or via a dealer.

gmorris

George: 'D' Man!!!!! Hey......Diggin' U'r System man. I agree with the way U put it.........U don't have to spend BooooCooooo Bucks to arrive at the University of Musicality. Curiously who did the Granite base on U'r Oracle? Where can I get one from for my Blue Note Stibbert, CBP?......Id like to holler at U one day about the hobby. Regards.....J.C.

baggs1

Owner
Lapierre:

My 3.5 are about 13 years old. They were modified. Magnepan rewired the speaker with discovery wire and replaced caps with supplied capacitors. Also bypassed fuses and tweeter attenuators

gmorris


Provides that extra 15% of detail from AB testing.

In the coming weeks new configuration may require longer IC.

How old are your 3.5s?

lapierre

Owner
Thanks for your kind words.

How do you like the Analysis Plus Gold cables?

George

gmorris

Owner
Tshulba:

I left a comment on your thread with the URL to Dr Splaskins' review of the Revelation vs the Graham tonearm cable. Revelation Audio has taken a hit in terms of its reported customer service problems (my experiences were all positive). However, its interconnect cables and power cords, are all stellar performers. In terms of sheer performance the phono cable is highly recommended.

gmorris

Well done!!

Great combination and selection of components.

Even better the two conga drums on the side. Priceless.

lapierre

I have a simlar system to yours except a little larger , using modified Tympani's.
I was considering purchasing a Revelation Paradise Cryo-Silver™ Reference Phono/Tone Arm Interconnect cable. I have the same turntable and tonearm as you do however my whole system is wired with silver cable. This includes internal speaker wire and all inductors inside the speaker crossover and even speaker cables and rca connectors.
So this is why i am interested in the Revelation tonearm wire. Also i found a used cable for $400 .
Did you have a chance to compare it to other cables besides the Graham?
I can't find much on this cable when i do a search , doesn't seem to be very popular. I think your post is probably the most detailed.
Todd

tshulba

Owner
Hello Mitch4t:

I guess "better late than never". I have not visited this site for some time. In my system, the ARC VT100 MKII drives the tweeter/midrange of the Maggies. The Kenwoods drive the bass panels. I am using a Marchand XM-126 tube electronic x-over as per my summary above. I am running the Maggies full range. The subs are self-powered.

gmorris

Gmorris,

I see you have Kenwood monoblocks, a pair of Sunfire Signature stereo amps and an Audio Research 2-channel amp. How are your amps configured into your system? What speaker does each amp power?

mitch

mitch4t

Hi, your enthusiasm has helped fuel my choice of an Oracle V. I will put in an order in the next week or so. Just wondering how much sonically one loses with the acrylice vs the granite base-any sense? Thanks, Mike

mranfft

BTw,George just wanted to reinforce what a great/well thought out set-up you have.Seems carefully considered.
I am going to eat some crow,and take your word on the 2.2 vs Phantom issue(though I have experience with it at a friend's home).I regard your opinions very highly,as I feel you are quite down to earth and sensible.
Best of luck....Mark

sirspeedy

Owner
Recently I added a fourth RGPC to the parallel set powering the amps and subwoofers. There is noticeable improvement especially in the tightening up of the mid-bass. Additionally, the background is quieter and more inner details have emerged. I am very pleased with the overall gain in resolution, which has increased the perception of a larger soundstage with more spatial cues.

gmorris

George, the Ref3 and PH5 with Sumiko Celebration cartridge works quite nicely with gain to spare. I haven't had any issues with gain.

Man, if your home theater room is laid out like your 2-channel setup, it must really be something. I appreciate setups with good equipment, but I really think it is something special when you can get the room aesthetics right also. You've achieved that....again you have a beautiful room.

mitch4t

Owner
Hello Mitch4t:

I have a home theatre system in another room (23x13x8.5). I am using a Panasonic 50" HD plasma monitor with a universal/upsampling player. I prefer keeping my stereo system separate. Thanks for the suggestion.

How is your ARC REF3 with your PH5? Do you have enough gain? I am looking at the REF3 but 12dB gain is not enough for my Helikon.

Take care

George

gmorris

...any thoughts of integratign a home theater into your system? A screen that rolls up into a soffit and a coffee table projector that you could remove when not in use would preserve your room aesthetics.

...just a thought.

mitch4t

Owner
Thanks Mitch4t:

I appreciate your kind words.

gmorris

Wow! What a well thought out room and system. Congrats on your achievement and a job well done.

mitch4t

Owner
Hi Jtori

Thanks.

I left a comment on your system site. Bi-amping takes the MG 3.x speakers to another level of performance. Dynamaics, base articulation improve significantly. Additonally, all other performance parameters improve. I had my MG 3.5 with stereo subs for about 3 years before biamping. I was surprised at the level of improvement. I had the Kenwood L07s in my closet for over 20 years before trying. the only downside to biamping is the additonal cost of the active x-over and the difficulty involved in getting the right blend. a lot of experimentation is needed.

gmorris

Really like your system. I especially like the fact you have bi-amped. I considered doing this, using my old Krell KMA-160s to drive the woofers and VT200 to drive the mid/tweets.

jtori

Owner
The performance of the ARC PH2 phono preamp stepped up to another level after I installed an IEC connector and started using a Revelation Audio Labs Precept II Power Cord. The soundstage is more transparent, panoramic and 3D. Musical textures are richer with more inner detail. Additionally, bass articulation, definition and extension are markedly improved with the new cable.

gmorris

Thanks for your comments. You just reinforced the direction I expect to take.

Thanks Again
Happy Listening!!

Dave

boycephoto

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