Incredibly detailed and smooth.
Great transition with the crossovers. Never once thought I missed a step up and down the register.
Has the potential to make one an audio couch potato.

Can't think of any right now. Granted I've only had them for a few hours.
OOOOOOHHH but what an enjoyable few hours.

Just got these speakers set up tonight. Bought the demo pair that the dealer had.
So fortunately they've had at least 300 hours on them. So I will not comment on how they sound right out of the box. But let me tell you, if they sound even half as good as they do right now, your in for the biggest treat in your life. Those that say they don't have bass are worng (Roger Waters - Radio KAOS). Those that say they can't do percussion are wrong (Rush - The Spirit of the Radio "Greatest Hits"). Those that say they don't have a very wide or deep soundstage are wrong (Paul Simon - Graceland "Homeless"). Those that say they get muddy in heavy transient passages are wrong (Holsts - The Planets - "Uranus The Magican").

I am writing this review on the very same night I bought these speakers, if that says anything (After 4 hours of non-stop listening mind you).

If you have any question about whether or not to buy these speakers, first ask yourself. "Have I really heard all the details of the music that I listen to?" If the answer is no, then these are a must.

Now this, mind you, is coming from a person that has grown up on woofered speakers. This was not an easy decision for me. Sure I demoed them in the store, but always wondered would they really be like that when I got them home.
Took me two years to make this descision. And boy am I sure glad I did.

Couple of things:
1) Use these reviews on this sight to help in determining your power(amp) and source (cd player, record player, etc.) I myself am using the McIntosh MCD 201 as a source and the MC 352 (350 watts per channel) as my amp. Thanks to the many other reviews I came to these conclusions, the maggies love good clean power and if you don't have a solid source component, they'll let you know it.

2) If you are using them straight out of the box, be patient and allow them to break in. Whatever that time may be, it'll be definitely worth it.

3) If you are used to the woofer sound and are demoing a pair or are on the fence, realize that what you will get from these speakers is an accurate picture of
music (whether it was recorded live or in the studio). Unlike, most woofered speakers that give you there take on whats really happening.

4) Bi-wire them if you can.

5) And finally, buy these from a dealer who is knowledgable about these speakers. Mine even took the time to bring them to my house and help me set them up. When he was finished and left, I sat right down in the sweet spot and only moved to pop a new cd in.

TO ANYONE BUYING THESE SPEAKERS, ENJOY.

Customer Service

N/A

Similar Products Used:

Any Definitive Technology speaker you can think of. I've probably had it.
Great speaker by the way. Have demoed Wilsons, Thiels, B&W's, Vandersteens,
Focal JM Labs, McIntosh (great electronics), Paradigm and Aerial Acoustics.

Possess all the attributes that Magneplanars are renowned for: speed, transparency, sound staging, etc.

Voiced a bit too high in the mid/treble region for my liking. Somewhat thinner sounding bass when compared to other Maggies.

First, let me state for the record that I am a Magnepan user. I have owned numerous models, off and on, for over 20-years. So, it is with great pain that I write the following comments: My intention is not to discredit, only to educate, and perhaps save someone the trouble I have gone through when selecting this model.

I'll cut right to the chase; I did not like this loudspeaker. I found it to be voiced much further up in the mid/treble region than any previous Magnepan model I have used (MG-2.7, MG-12, MMG, MG-1, MG-IIB), and for me, this is a cardinal sin.

On the plus side, the MG-1.6 is a highly transparent transducer, capable of presenting a huge and deep soundstage ( as will most Magneplanars). However, the fact that it does this while erring on the yin side of neutral, left the music sounding cold and thin, to me. The bass, too, did not seem to plumb the depths that even the smaller MG-12's, and indeed, the older MG-IIB’s, are capable of. Again, probably on account of the higher range voicing.

Lest you think it was just a mismatch of electronics, my ancillaries comprised a Classe’ CA-300 amplifier, Classe’ CP-50 preamplifier, Rega Jupiter 2000 CD player, and PS Audio Reference Resolution cables, all of which err on the yang side of neutral. Classe’ components may be accused of many things, being cold and thin is not one of them.

The same system played through a pair of MG-IIB's was dynamic, warm, and full bodied, the soundstage rich with detail and bass that could be felt as well as heard; everything one expects in a pair of Magneplanars. I simply did not experience the same results when using the MG-1.6's, which is a shame, because I was really expecting them to be the "be all, end all" loudspeaker for me.

This is not to say they are not great loudspeakers, because they are. They just do it with an elevated voicing that I did not care for. If perspective buyers can live happily while listening in this region, then they will love this loudspeaker. Sadly, I cannot.

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(See review)

over all a great speaker from the tight base to the crisp highs. The way the fill a room with sound is unbelevable.

NONE Just my opinion

I just purchased my magneplaners and would like to take some time to clue you in.
Ok my equiptment list is not so impresive parasound and adcom based,do the 1.6's bring out all the weakness of my equiptment NO! They only make things sound better. are my speakers unable to reproduce base NO! Before buying these speakers I took the time to go to a good showroom and listen and fell in love. I had heard alot about the pros and cons of them and must say most of the cons are not true.They are not a good rock and roll speaker, only because the dont drive like a cone speaker. I listen to mostly jazz but i am an old rocker at heart and they do play rock music just fine maybe not as loud but all in all the sound is great. What I am saying is if you love music these speakers do a great job of reproducing music.

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b&w, definitive not realy similar

Fantastic soundstage (as good as my Grados), realism (on good CDs like being there live), ability to pick out even background information (voices and instruments)

Bass cuts off below 40-50 hz. Don't let cats or kittens near them (look like very nice cat trees).

This was my first foray into the realm of ribbon/planar/electrostatic speakers, and it already has not been my last. The 1.6QR Maggies are undoubtedly the best speakers I have purchased (until perhaps getting a pair of used IICs). They replace a fine set of Forte's by Klipsch and easily outperform them in many ways. Voices are especially clear, and many minor instrumental nuances are revealed for the first time when listening to the Maggies.

I have to admit that I heard and really wanted to purchase a pair of Carver ribbon speakers in the early 90s. When the opportunity to upgrade came along, I discovered that the Maggies have a much stronger following than Carvers or Martin-Logans, both of which I feel are also great speakers. I took a chance with the Maggies and am not disappointed at all! Very tight but not booming bass, incredible mids and highs, pinpoint soundstage, realism beyond belief. Add a sub if you must but make sure it doesn't crossover into the range provided by the Mags.

Also, check out the Maggies website for their factory-only center and smaller ribbon HT versions. I bought the center channel model to replace a Bose and mate up with the IICs. Excellent choice when combined with a higher power amp like the Yamaha DSP A1.

Customer Service

Great support available from Magnepan.

Similar Products Used:

Only mid to high-end cone speakers (Eososne, Klipsch, NHT, Bose, etc.)

transparent, no source for sound in the room, easy listening

power, power, and .....time.
you need time and compare

coming from SMG i was going to some other speakers then back to Magneplanar.
I'm using some other but every time i'm back to the 1.6q to hear all the instruments.
1.6 are not as first impact easy, but if you use others you will be back as natural choice.

Customer Service

no idea (luky now)

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smg/c

Great imaging and sound stage
Warrmer sound compaired to the Martin Logans and MG12's
Sound excellent at low volume as well as high volume
Larger sweet spot
Very tight base

Size
4ohm
needs lots of power

I just purchased a pair off Magnepan Q1.6 speakers 2 weeks ago after owning a pair of the MMG's for 7 years. I compaired them to Martin Logans, NHT's, Mg12's and several other high end speakers. There is nothing under $5,000 dollars that compares to them. Even it's little brother the MG12's don't compare. The 1.6's have a much fuller and warmer sound then the MG12's. The base is much deeper, so much so that you don't need a subwoofer unless you're a base fanatic and like that boomy base. The imaging and sound stage are superb and the speakers fill my 17'x17' room with 9' ceilings full of sound where ever you sit. They have a much larger sweet spot than the MMG and MG12's. Much has been said about Magnepan's not sounding good at low volumes, but the 1.6's sound excellent at low volume levels. If your looking at buying the MG 12's and you can afford the extra $700 and have the space, then go for the Q1'6's.

Equipment
Adcom GFR-700 AV receiver 220wpc RMS at 4ohms
Denon DVD/CD player
Z4 monster cable speaker wire
M1000i interconnects
velodyne 8" sub
B&W center channel

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MMG's
B&W's

Very warm and transparant sound stage. Will work with even modest amps. Look great, very thin and modern style. Sound better than other speakers costing two or three times as much. A great value - new or used. Also from what I have seen, retain their value quite well.

Can't blast 'em like a good rock and roll speaker. But not really a true weakness and they are not a rock and roll speaker.

I just purchased the 1.6 speakers from a private owner. Set them up and all I can say is WOW! The sound is very impressive. Very warm and transparent sound. Completely fills the room. My system is moderate including a 100 watt McIntosh receiver, Pioneer direct drive turntable and CAL tube CD player. They require the volume knob to be cranked up significantly higher thaqn with my former Klipch Chorus speakers for the approximate same listening level. Great sound and value. Highly recommended.

Customer Service

Excellent. I called the company for advice on placement, etc. Very knowledgable and helpful. Also offered to send me at no charge the original documents that came with the speakers as the original owner had misplaced them.

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Klipsch Chorus II

Clear, lifelike, transparent, especially on acoustic music & vocals

Limited bass extension & volume, size, demanding on amplification.

Started off with the smaller MMGs which, although they sounded nice, were limited in the bass and in volume. The replacement 1.6s seem to play much louder, that is I've never run out of headroom whether on music or movies. The Magneplanar sound is such that, once you've had it, you'll never go back to box speakers. The box colouration is totally absent, and instruments & singers sound big and remarkably lifelike, almost like they're in the room. The Maggies have a reputation for being a bit energetic in the treble, but with my tube pre-amp and Adcom power amp, they have the very unusual combination of being clear & detailed and yet totally unfatiguing. They thrive on acoustic & vocals, try Eric Clapton Unplugged and all I can say is wow! The above comments for music apply equally well for surround, I use a subwoofer to take some pressure off the Maggies in the bass and the resulting sound with Maggies on all 4 channels is amazing. A Maggie centre is available but you don't really need one.

musicians are in the room

They can be imposing

After being in the busines back during the 70's, I don't like to pay retail. I've been impressed by the bigger M'pans but never had the chance to buy right (I'm cheap). These are the best buy on the market. The imaging and cocohesiveness is outstanding

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Dalquist, Rectilinear, Advent, Polk, Paradign, NHT, Infinity, Vandersteen

Transparency,imaging,tonality,speed,soundstaging,naturalness of bass,dynamic graduations,Coherence with a capital C!

Their tall,but elegant.If not properly placed they can sound from overly fuzzy and warm to thin and bright.

I've been in Audio for about 30 years and I must say I've heard a lot of speakers in my life time.I won't repeat what has already been said about the magnepan 1.6qr.All I want to say is that for the price I don't know of any other speakers in the world that gets it all together the way this speaker does.The transparency is breathtaking.The liquidity of the sound , total absence of grain at the price is a miracle to behold,if properly match with the electronics.The soundstage is colosal.Proper placement is an important issue because if not,you just won't get what she is capable of.They can sound bright and fuzzy, no sound stage depth,bass can became from thin to overblown.The size of the panels might cause havok with your spouse, and if you have pets buying a pet repelent is a must.Apart from these issue,there just isnt much else to say that hasn't already been said about them.Oh yeah,they are power hungry if you like your sound loud.Word of caution!Their sound is addictive.Not because of eufonic colorations but because their performance merits your undivded atention because of its unnerving musicality.

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Spica TC-50,ProAc studio 100,Magnepan smg a , Magnepan 1.4,thiel 1.2