Can Magnepan survive Wendell Diller?

@motzartfan,

I am not disputing that they are not a bargain, they are, but can be made much better, if you want to go through the trouble of doing that. And half of my 1.7i’s problems can be solved without changing the XO’s much, so the "upgrades" should be part of the technical evolution of the panels.

I and others like me that have encountered the Wall of Wendell when trying to contact Magnepan, become frustrated when he stops us from contacting the technical side of the company. That goes for his giving and withholding advice on setup, compatible amps, etc.

He’s not a tech person, he’s a marketing person.

Most of us die-hard Magnepan fans would go to White Bear Lake for a week and donate a work week of time to keep the company solvent. And it is only the knee jerk reactions of some reply’s on this post that entirely miss the point of that and have have taken it off track and through the mud.

Skip the chaff on this post, go back and read the criticisms and testimonials for Wendell and then you will understand the meaning of the original post; it's not about Magnepan, it’s about Wendell.

OP writes regarding the discussion on his thread: "some reply’s (sic) on this post that entirely miss the point of that and have have (sic) taken it off track and through the mud."

The only mud in this dreadful thread is that which has been flung at Mr. Diller.

For those that want data for mods of the 1.6, Danny provided before and after response data. Have anyone noticed that Danny’s modification lowered the SPL to get flatter base response?  The efficiency is already low. My 1.6QR were rebuilt by Magnepan due to some delamination.  I had upgraded the capacitors to Claricaps and Magnepan left them alone during the rebuild.  For $675 I ended up with a practically brand new 1.6QR. Selected a new color for the sock and new wood trim. A few months ago I bypassed the fuse and removed the metal panel and tied the bi-amping posts together. An audible difference for those simple changes. The speakers sit on 2” maple slabs and the nylon washers are removed to eliminate the tilt. 
My opinion is that if there are simple modes that make a difference, enjoy the process of tweaking your system. I don’t think you can find a speaker measuring tool to demonstrate an increase in clarity or an improvement in the focus or imaging.  So if it sounds better to you, go for it. 
Thank you to all who take time for these discussions. 

I wish there was someone I could take my 1.7is to within a reasonable driving distance of Chicago, who could do the crossover modifications that really bring the Magnepans to another level. I am not adept at soldering. I would rather pay someone to operate on them who is experienced. I understand that Danny Richie’s GR-Research upgrade is one such modification and switches out the ferromagnetic parts at the binding posts for ones that are not. If anyone know anybody who fits this description please let me know. Thanks. 

The one thing Magnepan could do that would not be overly expensive is to produce a solid frame like Mye stands as an option.  
Three things really opened up my 3.6 Maggies were Mye stands, room treatment (ficus plants behind speakers) and enough power (McIntosh MC501s).

Those changes (I went thru a few amps) made the amazing sound I still love today!!