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That is Andy Kaufman in the "Lew Johnson" photo.
Magnepan was introducing the new .7 loudspeaker ($1400/pair), which is a scaled down version of the popular 1.7. I have always found Magnepan's entry-level offerings, the Magnepan MMG ($600/pair) and the earlier SMGa, to be among the highest value, best looking loudspeakers of choice for the budding audio enthusiast. Many times I have recommended these small, made in Minnesota, flat-panel speakers to friends. But now, it seems I will have to encourage my buddies to save up a little more and try the elegant (and more exciting) .7s.
Here in Vegas, the brand new Magnepan .7s were being driven by 135W Conrad Johnson MF2275 amps and I would describe the sound of this combo as rich, elegant, and doing great justice to the detailed inner workings of the soundstage. This appears to be a speaker that will play my Satie and Stockhausen with understated finesse. Speaking of finesse, the .7s were accompanied by their optional little "Bass Panel" ($800) partner that adds more surface area, weight and drive to the lower frequencies.
Like the Magnepan company, I am from the Mid-West and many of my New York friends would describe me as a sort of gullible guy. However, as I was leaving this room Mr. Lew Johnson (above) stopped me and asked me to take his picture. He told me there were rumors circulating that he had died. I was like, "What?" But he insisted it was true and made me promise to publish his photo, with an "I am alive!" caption. Hey everybody, sing "Hallelujah!"
That is Andy Kaufman in the "Lew Johnson" photo.
Is there a review coming anytime soon?
When you're a cadaver. The pounds just fall off.