2. speakers
  3. 166401-159831

Can Magnepan survive Wendell Diller?

I bought my first set of Magnepans in 1976, and I currently have a pair of 1.7i's.

It is difficult for me to upgrade to the 3.7i's because their are so many things that the company can do to improve their product that they simply won't offer; upgraded crossover components, a solid wood/rigid frames and better stands are examples.

Other companies are now doing this, but Magnepan always says Wendell doesn't think that is a good idea.

Can a man who suggests using lamp cord for his speaker line really have that much control over an otherwise unique technological approach to speaker design? I must be missing something obvious when a product is hand assembled in MN and any of these upgrades would, in my mind, warrant factory upgrades. Who wouldn't spend an extra $1k for a 1.7i with a hardwood frame and an upgraded x-over? Adding a ribbon tweeter to the 1.7i would warrant an additional $1k, still bringing them in $2k under the 3.7i.

Is it common for one person to hold an entire company back in high end audio? 
128x128william53b
testpilot
929 posts
 
If there is truly a demand for tweaked out Magnepan speakers, why hasn’t a third party company seized the opportunity?  
Post removed 
jc4659
550 posts
 
Long time happy maggie owner here. I still have my MG1-c and MG2.6R speakers though they are not my primary ones. They are, however, set up and ready to be moved into their listening positions at any time (white gloves not needed!). I enjoy them for what they are- great values and still impressive to this day. I may even buy another new pair some day since they are still affordable even on my limited income (retired).



Ag insider logo xs@2x
kingbarbuda
514 posts
 
@testpilot There are companies that help take Maggies to the next level! I replaced my fuses and jumpers with the Mike Powell Ag upgrade. I replaced the stock stands with MyeStands from Grant vanderMye. Lastly, I added a pair of REL T/9i subs which finished them off and revolutionized the sound. These companies are part of the audiophile economy. Complaining about how Maggies don’t have this or that is like complaining about how your DAC doesn’t include an SR fuse or an SR ground block. 
ironlung
65 posts
 
Of course you can bitch about whatever you want. It just looks ridiculous on the face of it, bitching about Wendell not offering mods or whatever when the guy is a saint compared to just about any other sleaze ball sales douchebag in this industry. I think personally attacking someone like Wendell over something so inherently mentally ill, says a lot about your perception of what people should be doing to somehow make you happy.
More to discover