Audio Research
Audio Research and Magnepan made us believe
that Minnesotans know their multichannel music. The system consisted of four
Magnepan MG3.6/R speakers ($4500/pair in cherry finish), with one pair used for
center-channel duties, and a single pair of MG1.6/QR speakers ($1675/pair) for surrounds.
Amplification and volume control were provided by two Audio Research Model 150M modular
power amplifiers ($6495 each) and the soon-to-be-available Model MP1 multichannel
preamplifier. The source was the Esoteric DV-50 universal audio/video player ($5500).
Subwoofers were hidden from view, but we found out that they were Definitive Technology
Super Cube 1s ($1195).
Talk about a panorama of sound -- this system
had it along with depth we encountered nowhere else. Such a system will require a large
room, but its overall cost is far less than that of a pair of statement speakers from
other makers.
