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misterdecibel
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low-end Magnepans?

Are there any standouts or good buys among the various lower-end Magnepan speakers over the years? My brother had a pair of MG1s that seemed rather opressively dark and warm, are any of the newer or smaller models that may have a slightly more lively presentation?

I'm kind of a hifi burnout former audiophile type, just looking for something acceptably pleasing without too much fiddling and fussing. I've drifted out of touch with the current audio scene, and live in an area where the high end is not well represented at the retail level.

I have a preference for dipoles, having lived with Quad 57s for several decades. Not only do the old Quads need some major service, but I've grown tired of their severe dynamic limitations. A lot of Magnepans seem to go for bargain-basement prices on eBay, so I was hoping to find a reasonable compromise in their model line. But I could also be persuaded to go in the direction of the Spendor BC1/SP1 or similar.

Thanks for any suggestions.

JoeE SP9
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Re: low-end Magnepans?

The Maggy 1.6QR's could be the best buy in audio. The quasi-ribbon tweeter makes them much brighter and more neutral than the MG1's. Of course the 1.6's will play a lot louder than the ESL57's and have a lot more bass. The ones on ebay going for fire sale prices are usually older models without the true ribbon or quasi-ribbon tweeter. You can try a pair of MMG's direct from Magnepan and return them for a refund if you don't like them. If you do like them you can trade them in for full price on a bigger pair.

CECE
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Re: low-end Magnepans?

Having lived with quads for several DECADES?!!! you do know what a DECADE is don'tcha?....how many CENTURIES OLD are you, let alone QUAD making stuff for SEVERAL DECADES? Let's have an ENGRISH lessin....there are a couple, a few, then SEVERAL..I don't thinks ya really means SEVERAL, maybe a FEW?

Jan Vigne
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Re: low-end Magnepans?

New version of a BBC classic. Still not Klipschorn dynamic (neither were the BC1's), but they will beat a pair of 57's.

http://www.ls35a.com/

JoeE SP9
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Re: low-end Magnepans?

They are called ESL57's because they were introduced in 1957!

misterdecibel
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Re: low-end Magnepans?


Quote:
Having lived with quads for several DECADES?!!! you do know what a DECADE is don'tcha?....how many CENTURIES OLD are you, let alone QUAD making stuff for SEVERAL DECADES? Let's have an ENGRISH lessin....there are a couple, a few, then SEVERAL..I don't thinks ya really means SEVERAL, maybe a FEW?

While you're at it, maybe you could find some spelling and grammatical errors to correct? Thank you for your helpful response...

misterdecibel
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Re: low-end Magnepans?


Quote:

New version of a BBC classic. Still not Klipschorn dynamic (neither were the BC1's), but they will beat a pair of 57's.

http://www.ls35a.com/

Meh, B110s bottoming out are about as much fun as Quad panels rattling and arcing.

Jan Vigne
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Re: low-end Magnepans?

B110's are no longer available as continuing stock. Sold only as (new)old stock and no longer matched to BBC spec. The new Stirling system has switched to a ported enclosure and new drivers. It is claimed to still meet BBC spec in that any new pair can be dropped in as replacements for any other pair of LS3/5a's. There is a bit of legaleze apparently in claiming the "pairs" can drop in and not just one speaker of a pair. They still claim the BBC sound though but with better top end and power handling. I would guess more power handling would equate to broader dynamics. However, since the Spendors mentioned weren't known to handle large dynamic peaks, the next step in that lineage would be Harbeth. I don't feel the current Spendor line is actually that true to the BBC sound.

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