It's been a few years since I've posted here, but if anyone remembers my past ramblings and scattered thoughts, I have another nitpicky first-world issue that normal people probably wouldn't care about, but for some reason we all do.
So my current setup is as follows:
- Tympani IVa mains powered by SonicCraft Opus monoblocks, Straightwire interconnects and speaker cable (don't remember which model cable)
- dual PSI Audio 18" subwoofers mounted in Dayton boxes powered by Crown XLC2800 stereo amp (normally Sunfire Signature 600, in the shop), generic 6 gauge car speaker cable
- Marantz SR 6012 receiver (2 channel rig doubles as home theater, do not have space nor funds for a separate 2 channel preamp that I feel would make a significant difference, not saying it doesn't exist)
- MGCC2+DWM center channel and MMG side and rear surrounds powered by Adcom GFA5500 (normally Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature, currently at my Daughter's powering Carver Amazings)
Anyway, The Tympani IVa are great and what I thought at one point were "endgame" speakers. However, I am in a slightly smaller listening room now (post-divorce) 14'Lx14'Wx12'H and the Tympani are quite the presence in this small area. Also, we all know that Magnepan has moved far beyond the old wire on mylar and old crossover designs to all quasi-ribbon and series crossovers, etc. So I'm using outdated tech.
Of course I would like to upgrade to 30.7 or even 20.7. I would also like 10 million dollars and to never work again, but I can dream... So I've narrowed my choices to the 3.7i and the Martin Logan Odyssey. I have located a pair of each within my budget, and the ML is half the cost of the 3.7i which is why I am considering this model. Problem is I can't readily audition either, and there are a hundred other factors that befuddle auditions anyway.
So has anyone listened to these 3 particular models and can offer some input? Points I have heard in general (not direct comparison) is the ML absolute top end transparency but poor cohesion with bass, 3.7i being more coherent and musical, neither having the bass of the Tympani, etc. But I can't find direct comparisons.
Keep in mind I currently run my Tympani full range but also cross the subs at 80hz. Even with the Tympani, I need to add that low bass slam, so losing a bit of that to move to a better top end in a smaller form factor may be acceptable.
Thanks,
Marty
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Topic - Tympani IVa vs 3.7i vs ML Odyssey - methylmarty 11:11:54 06/10/21 (40)
- RE: Tympani IVa vs 3.7i vs ML Odyssey - methylmarty 09:11:17 07/08/21 (1)
- RE: Tympani IVa vs 3.7i vs ML Odyssey - methylmarty 09:22:49 07/08/21 (0)
- RE: Tympani IVa vs 3.7i vs ML Odyssey - methylmarty 09:01:15 07/08/21 (3)
- RE: Tympani IVa vs 3.7i vs ML Odyssey - methylmarty 20:24:48 07/08/21 (1)
- RE: Tympani IVa vs 3.7i vs ML Odyssey - timm 21:03:32 07/08/21 (0)
- RE: Tympani IVa vs 3.7i vs ML Odyssey - timm 16:42:32 07/08/21 (0)
- the Odyssey is no slouch - Green Lantern 10:31:08 06/12/21 (2)
- RE: Tympani IVa vs 3.7i vs ML Odyssey - louie3 07:37:21 06/11/21 (2)
- RE: Tympani IVa vs 3.7i vs ML Odyssey - methylmarty 10:38:14 06/11/21 (1)
- RE: Tympani IVa vs 3.7i vs ML Odyssey - louie3 11:06:32 06/11/21 (0)
- RE: Tympani IVa vs 3.7i vs ML Odyssey - tortjohn@yahoo.com 19:56:49 06/10/21 (0)
- My two cents - E-Stat 13:34:46 06/10/21 (8)
- RE: My two cents - methylmarty 13:45:59 06/10/21 (5)
- go for 3.7i - DrChaos 19:42:13 06/10/21 (2)
- RE: go for 3.7i - methylmarty 10:42:28 06/11/21 (1)
- probably not as good - DrChaos 13:05:59 06/12/21 (0)
- RE: My two cents - E-Stat 13:58:06 06/10/21 (1)
- RE: My two cents - methylmarty 10:40:39 06/11/21 (0)
- RE: My two cents - pictureguy 13:40:28 06/10/21 (1)
- Observational vs subjective - E-Stat 10:15:17 06/13/21 (0)
- I have the ML Ascent i's - jimbill 13:01:16 06/10/21 (10)
- RE: I have the ML Ascent i's - methylmarty 13:06:50 06/10/21 (9)
- RE: I have the ML Ascent i's - jimbill 23:12:26 06/10/21 (8)
- RE: I have the ML Ascent i's - methylmarty 10:49:22 06/11/21 (7)
- RE: I have the ML Ascent i's - timm 19:33:38 06/14/21 (4)
- RE: I have the ML Ascent i's - methylmarty 08:55:51 07/08/21 (3)
- RE: I have the ML Ascent i's - timm 15:27:49 07/08/21 (2)
- RE: I have the ML Ascent i's - methylmarty 20:07:34 07/08/21 (1)
- RE: I have the ML Ascent i's - timm 20:51:00 07/08/21 (0)
- Even though I haven't heard them... - jimbill 13:54:15 06/14/21 (1)
- RE: Even though I haven't heard them... - methylmarty 08:51:50 07/08/21 (0)
- RE: Tympani IVa vs 3.7i vs ML Odyssey - MWE 12:11:20 06/10/21 (4)
- +1 - GreatSound 13:08:23 06/10/21 (1)
- The biamping capability is an important and worthwhile thing. - MWE 13:25:31 06/10/21 (0)
- RE: Tympani IVa vs 3.7i vs ML Odyssey - methylmarty 13:05:08 06/10/21 (1)
- That's quite the cool dad! Mine was born in 1916 and was content with a table radio. - MWE 13:12:09 06/10/21 (0)
- RE: Tympani IVa vs 3.7i vs ML Odyssey - Mike K 11:58:52 06/10/21 (1)
- RE: Tympani IVa vs 3.7i vs ML Odyssey - methylmarty 12:49:23 06/10/21 (0)