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Differences in 3 series models?

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What are the differences in 3 series Maggie models (particularly interested in the differences between the IIIa's & the 3.5/3.6s)? Are the differences in different models primarily crossover components or are there significant changes in the panels? Do these changes significantly alter the sound?

There's no "older models" page on the Magnepan site & it's difficult to figure out how the different models in the 3 series changed over time.

Follow Ups:

RE: Differences in 3 series models? - andyr 23:19:48 09/29/10 (5)
My understanding is the following:

* The IIIa has the same bass/mid panel as the 3.3 & the 3.5.

* However, the ribbon was changed to the narrower 3 ohm model with the 3.3 - ie. the 3.3, 3.5 & 3.6 share the same ribbon.

* There are XO slope & rolloff frequency changes across the IIIa & 3.X models.

* The 3.6 has a differernt bass/mid driver to the preceeding 3-ways. The bass driver is smaller & the mid driver larger - to give the same mylar area overall.

* There was also a "panel flip" with the 3.6 - I think both the earlier 3.X models had the metal frontwards, as did the IIIa.

There is less difference in sound between the IIIa/3.3/3.5 than between these and the 3.6. And if you used a 3.5 internal & external XO on a IIIa, the sound would be little different to a 3.5.

Regards,

Andy
- Thanks Andy! - Scottson 18:15:52 09/30/10 (4)
  That's super helpful. But, inevitably, it raises a few more questions ...
  
  How marked is the difference in SQ between the IIIa/3.3/3.5s and the 3.6s? Specifically, I'm wondering whether - if one was considering building their own custom X/O's - whether it's worth going for the 3.6s (& paying the additional $'s) or whether the panels from one of the IIIa/3.3/3.5 would be better value?
  - Valid Qs ... but difficult to answer!! :-)) ... - andyr 18:34:37 09/30/10 (3)
    OK, you asked: " How marked is the difference in SQ between the IIIa/3.3/3.5s and the 3.6s? Specifically, I'm wondering whether - if one was considering building their own custom XOs - whether it's worth going for the 3.6s (& paying the additional $s) or whether the panels from one of the IIIa/3.3/3.5 would be better value ?"
    
    Let me respond in this way:
    
    * yes the IIIa/3.3/3.5s will be better value - they're older, so they should cost less. But, as they're older, they may have more delamination problems than some 3.6s - but this depends where they were used.
    
    * but in terms of "value", if you are going to build your own custom replacements for both the internal and external XOs, be aware you might be up for an expenditure of up to $1K for good quality parts! Can you afford this as well as the extra cost of some 3.6s?
    
    * IMO, the difference in the relative size of the 3.6's bass & mid panels is a key issue. I've never heard them side-by-side but I would suspect the mid range on the 3.6 is better ... but its bass is not as good as the IIIa/3.3/3.5! :-)) Which do you like best?
    
    Good luck,
    
    Andy
    - But you did well! - Scottson 18:49:03 09/30/10 (2)
      If I'm reading you correctly, the key SQ difference would seem to lie in the difference between the potentially better bass in the IIIa/3.3/3.5's and the likely better mid-range in the 3.6's. I wonder if anyone is able to offer a comparative evaluation of the SQ between these two?
      In terms of price - replacement components would cost about the same for all models - older models have a cheaper entry price but greater risk of additional problems with delamination, etc. Assuming I can reach a decision on the SQ trade-off(!), the benefits of going for an older model is dependent on getting a pair in good condition!
      
      Edits: 09/30/10
      - Basically ... yes!! :-)) ... - andyr 19:05:13 09/30/10 (1)
        
        In Reply to: RE: But you did well! posted by Scottson on September 30, 2010 at 18:49:03
        
        Can I suggest you make another post specifically requesting comments from inmates who have compared 3.6s and the prior models.
        
        In terms of " the benefits of going for an older model is dependent on getting a pair in good condition " ... I would suggest this is better put as:
        
        The benefit of going for an older model depends on:
        a) getting a pair in good condition (requiring little or no refurbishment by Magnepan) which are a reasonable price
        or
        b) getting a pair in worse condition very cheaply, which can be refurbished by the factory for a similar overall price (to a) ).
        
        Of course, whether it's IIIa, 3.3, 3.5 or 3.6, your own preference determines whether you place them:
        * ribbons in or ribbons out.
        * mylar front or metal front. (Stock, IIIas and 3.3s - and maybe 3.5s - come with metal front, whereas the 3.6 is mylar front.)
        
        Good luck,
        
        Andy
        
        Yes ... - Scottson 19:20:09 09/30/10 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Basically ... yes!! :-)) ... posted by andyr on September 30, 2010 at 19:05:13
        
        I do appreciate the gist of your rephrase. Many thanks for your helpful responses Andy.

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