After listening to several speakers, I've decided I really like Magnepan's line since I like the sound and- more importantly- I don't own a cat. I'm thinking I'd go with four MG12s, one CC3 center, and two MC1's for the rear surround. My second choice is B&W's 703-based system which sounds great as well, but goes for over double the cost for a similar setup (7 matched speakers.)

I've got an Outlaw 950/7100 setup to drive the Maggies (at 4 ohm) along with the Outlaw LFM-1 sub, which I found is a requirement for the 12s as there's almost no bass to speak of.

Question: does this mimic anyone else on this forum? I found a three-year-old thread about Maggies, but I thought I'd freshen it up a bit and start a new one. I'm interested in any opinions regarding Outlaw's stuff and Maggies.

I also listened to the 1.6s, and to be honest, I found the MG12s actually had much better sound. The 1.6s I demoed were quite harsh in the high end compared to the 12s. I used the same exact electronics, CDs, and room too. Just the speaker cables moved. Any theories as to why the cheaper MG12s sounded better than the bigger brother 1.6s would be welcome too. Both are well within my budget so if I can get a benefit by going to the 1.6s I may. Note that I'm set to hear them again, but with the capactor enabled on the 1.6s to cut the treble down a tad.

Thanks!

Sounds like you're going about it the right way. Audition and decide. I've found that just because something costs more, doesn't mean it sounds better to my ears. I don't have any first hand experience with Maggies, but I would suggest doing exactly what you are doing, then pick the ones that sound the best to you and ignore the price tag (assuming it falls within your budget, of course ). Remember, you're the one who's going to listen to it more than anybody else, so get what sounds best to you.

just keep doing the demo thing,not really familiar with the maggies either but if you like them,cool!i'm a b& w fan myself.

I've got Maggies as my front left and right speakers... they're slightly modified MG-I's (about 25 years old) and they sound awesome.. they've both got their own M-200 sitting on little stands behind the speaker..

I'm very happy with my Outlaw / Magnepan setup

You should be very satisfied with an Outlaw/Maganapan system. I have had this setup since the 950 was introduced. Crystal clear, great for music, but still handles the Action and Adventure very well.

Main System in the upstairs bounus room:
Outlaw 950 Preamp
Adcom GFA-7500 (5-channel main Amp)
Adcom GFA-5400 (2-channel rear center amp)
4 MMG (Main L/R, surround L/R)
MMG-C (center)
JBL HLS610's (center rear surrounds)
Velodyne CHT-12 Sub 1
Velodyne VA-1210 Sub 2
Room apporox. 16' wide x 25' deep.

I have Magnepan 1.6QR fronts, a CC3 center and MMG rears with a Hsu Research VTF-3 sub. All are being driven by my Outlaw 950/7500 and it is wonderful. Just be sure to position the Maggie's carefully and plop yourself in the sweet spot.

Strongly recommended

Both my system and two neighbors' systems are Outlaw gear driving Maggies: a pair of 2.5R and a sub, a pair of 1.6QR without a sub, an a 5.1 system with wall-mounted Maggies and a sub. Positioning is the big thing as ctakim mentions; picking a sub that is fleet enough to keep up with the planar speakers is also crucial.

morning all.1st time here.Just got the 990 and the 7500 lfm plus. Looks great but can't really listen to it yet.I have a pair of old pioneer HPM-150's but 1 tweeter and 2 mids are shot. Finally found new replacements on on web and ordered them.Thinking of buying axiom theater or building 2 more HPMs for rears and building a center but need the specs for the speakers. The amp and pre-amp are big so im finishing a new entertainment center for all the toys. Will send a few pictures when i'm done.

The maggies will sound great! I run four mini mags for front and back, mmc center and lfm sub. Only problem is I keep blowing rear surround speakers, could use some help on picking some power hungry/hardy wall mount speakers. thanks