Before I order the Magnepan 1.7s...


Hi. My wife and I finally agreed to put a proper stereo in the big room (700 sqft or thereabouts) and I bought a massive Krell amp in preparation for the eventual Magnepan purchase because we decided that the aesthetics of those speakers (with white socks) were tolerable. 

Before I pull that trigger, though, are there any "beautiful" speakers, respected by the audiophile community, that I should consider? I've looked over SFs and Focals, and they're indeed beautiful, but not so beautiful as to sway us. 

(as an aside, really, would it kill some of these manufacturers to offer a few more finishes-- with high-resolution photos taken from modern homes? They are literally throwing money out the window with these Geocities-quality websites. I'm surely not the only suburbanite looking for an audiophile-approved speaker with nice aesthetics)

Thank you.
Ag insider logo xs@2xp_s
Since you already have a "massive" Krell amp, and were planning on getting dipole Maggie's, how about considering Martin Logan.  Their  Electromotion series may be within your budget, or perhaps you can spring for a used Masterpiece series model.  The transparent stat panel has higher WAF than Maggie's!
Are you prepared to place the Magnepans where they can display their virtues or will the be tucked into the room where they "look good."  If I could no optimize placement might well consider one of the above suggestions.  As beauty is in the eye of the beholder, might be helpful if you share what things you are looking for aesthetically.
ow about considering Martin Logan.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have no intention of ever owning any stat/panel speaker
Just thought I'd chime in about ML. The thing is the added bass modeule.
I might love ML's stat panel, but not like how the bass module sounds...
I think its paper composite, I;'ve never cared for paper composites, now that i own Magnesium cone woofers. 
This is my only caveat to adding a  ML as a  second speaker system. 
interesting

what are the dimensions of that big room?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/143051891253

they are about 1-1/2 hr from me. seller says local pickup

why not talk to a local woodworker about adding your chosen veneer to a speaker with a design you like?

pull the drivers, refinish, re-install the drivers!