I don’t agree that Magnepan doesn’t work to improve their speakers… they just don’t turn over new models every year or two as some speaker companies do. I’ve owned several of their speakers over the last 35 years, including every “1” series since then (1C, 1.4, 1.5qr, 1.6qr, 1.7qr, and 1.7i), as well as the 3.3r, and 3.5r. Each revision was a clear improvement over the outgoing model. I’ve also had other brands/types of speakers in other systems while the Maggies were in house, so I was able to swap them out, using various amps, and rooms. I’ve fallen in love with other speakers briefly, only to eventually return to Magneplanars. They just present music in a way that I find very appealing, and “real-sounding”. While I agree that they can be improved (all speakers at all price points can), I can say that, for Me, in stock form they handily outdo other speakers I’ve spent time with that are multiples of the respective retail prices of the Maggies I’ve had at the time.
Regarding the notion that the company should offer “upgrades”, I also disagree. I’ve considered this in the past.. eg: a modern version of a 2.5/2.6, which were in the market for several years.. a bridge model between 1.x and 3.x.. but realize that if these were a hot models, they would’ve continued in the line. They just didn’t sell well. So customers “told” Magnepan with their wallets that they didn’t need a bridge model. Something those of you throwing “upgrade numbers” around are not considering this: The cost to the end user would be MUCH higher than the cost of the upgraded parts (frames, xovers, wiring, etc.). Why? Because there is (and should be) a Process to this. Beyond the design and engineering phase, there would be the making of prototypes, testing, listening, adjusting, retesting, re-listening, etc..etc.. In addition to that, machines would have to be built to make new frames (and exist alongside the current machines), and employees would need to be trained in incorporating these new parts (These speakers are hand-built by real people, not by robots)… All these things have their own cost components, which would drive the retail prices to a point beyond reasonable value. And, for what? A small incremental “difference”? As some others have pointed out, if an owner WANTS to tinker.. have at it. Magnepan is providing an excellent platform to build off of! Have a blast! Or just listen to them as they are, which is great, and know that every single speaker out there will have strengths and weaknesses that can be nit picked. Find the compromises that you’re willing to live with and be happy 😊.
As for “surviving Wendell”, the original posted question…. I would answer “They have, and they are”! And quite well. With or without your approval! There are definitely people who share your dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the company, but there are many times more people who Love their Maggies, and will continue to support the company into the future. You have to remember that Wendell has been in this game a very long time, and has heard it ALL! If you think you’re the first to suggest they change “this or that” to make their speakers better, I’ll tell you, you’re not. He’s human, so may not respond to your suggestions with the enthusiasm you expect. He knows most customers love their speakers, and he’s likely sick of hearing uneducated (in planar speaker design) suggestions after 40 years. I would be. He’s worked tirelessly FOR Magnepan all these years, and it would be more appropriate to say that they’ve survived so long, in part, BECAUSE of him. So take it easy on the guy.
One more point, from a long time owner of this brand: Set up, and amplifier choice are extremely important to successfully getting the best from these speakers.. that goes for most speakers, but especially these. IMO, more important than which capacitors are used in the crossover, or using a “better” frame. All things will make some kind of a difference, but positioning, and amp choice are tops. I’ve used over a dozen amplifiers over the years. How you listen will determine which amp works for you. Also, time spent adjusting the position of these speakers will reward you with amazing sound quality. Again, all speakers benefit from this exercise, but it has a major influence on the sound of planars. As always, this is only my experience. Ymmv.
