RSX-1055 driving Magnepan MMG-Ws

[jk@home]

I plan on trying some Magnepan MMGs (as mains) and MMG-Ws (as surrounds) in my HT system. An external amp will drive the MMGs, using the Rotel’s pre-outs.

Is there a problem using the Rotel receiver's amps for the Maggie surrounds? The speakers are rated at 100Hz-16kHz, 88dB, and 5 ohms. Any one know what the 1055's 4 ohm rating is?

Also a side question. I don't have the room for a bigger Magnepan model for the surrounds. I thinking of later trying to integrate a couple of small bass units (not necessarily true subwoofers) placed in the corners underneath the MMG-Ws. This would be to get a more full range response, mainly for SACD playback. Just an idea I playing around with, kinda like the Bose sat/sub systems.

What would happen if I used the L/R converted to Center rear amps of the receiver to drive these subs (presumably using their built-in low pass filters), how would I configure the surround menu? I would think if the subs got the combined center rear signal, it may still sound ok with most material. If using powered subs, I would just use the Rotel's surround pre-outs, no problem there.

Thanks John

[Andrew Pratt]

The 1056 should be fine with a 5 ohm rating esp if you are planning on have an external amp to power some of the speakers.

Getting those passive subs to integrate properly would be difficult if not impossible if your fronts are also set to large in the setup menu of the Rotel. There is ways of doing it but it likely isn't going to be cheap or easy.

[jk@home]

Hey Andrew, thanks for the response

I have the 1055, not the 1056, if it matters. The front MMGs will be driven by an Aragon 8008BB, and will be complemented by an HSU 12" sub. Also using an external amp for the center. I don't know whether I will try them full range or not until I get them in my room, they roll off at about 50Hz.

The passive subs would be underneath the surrounds, integrating with their signal. What really would be clean looking would be some in-wall bass speakers that could extend the response down to 40Hz or so. In any case, I will be mounting the surrounds first, then go from there.

[Andrew Pratt]

I have the 1055, not the 1056, if it matters.

No not at all.

The front MMGs will be driven by an Aragon 8008BB

Very nice amp :T

I don't know whether I will try them full range or not until I get them in my room, they roll off at about 50Hz.

I'd keep them all set to small. Its pretty easy to get those panels to bottom out with bass...even on the larger 1.6's etc.

The passive subs would be underneath the surrounds, integrating with their signal. What really would be clean looking would be some in-wall bass speakers that could extend the response down to 40Hz or so. In any case, I will be mounting the surrounds first, then go from there.

That might work but it would likely be easier to just add two regular subs and use a speaker level connection though it. Though for that to work you'd have to set your mains as large as well so you'd also need subs on the front two speakers in a similar setup. There's some nice DIY subs that would mate well with the maggies (adire's DPL12 in a 75 liter box) so the costs wouldn't have to be too high. Still I'd try setting them all to small and building/buying a quality single sub to start with.