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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
william53b's avatar
william53b OP
211 posts
 
Oh, and PS.

Magnepan became successful because it was based on a patented design, and then another. Those were extended and the last will soon be coming to it's endpoint soon.
 
They were an IP company, and soon won’t be, and I find fault with that as well. 
secretguy
1,697 posts
 
LMAO!
william53b's avatar
william53b OP
211 posts
 
@secretguy 

We'll see who laughs their ass off when I post my final video on YT. 

Just because some people are full of it, doesn’t mean all are. I've screen grabbed your reply so I can hang it on my studio wall with my other trophy’s. 😉
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,501 posts
 
"...Magnepan became successful because it was based on a patented design..."

A patent means nothing if the product doesn't sell. Magnepan became successful because the Tympany was a very good sounding loudspeaker. 
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
2,871 posts
 
OP, you stated this: "and they can buy these back from me". Interesting comment! Have you somehow approached Wendell, or anyone at Magnepan, and they have turned down your offer to "improve' their product-- at a price! This would explain a lot of where you are coming from, inquiring minds and all that...hmmm.
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