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Maggie Disappointment

Not trying to bash my local rep, so I won't list where I live. Just wondering anyone's thoughts/experiences with Magnepan.

I listened to MG's about 12 years ago and was smitten, but the wife said no (small house). Now, bigger house, older kids, better pay...I'm thinking it is finally time. I listened to the 1.7 at our dealer; awesome. I even upgraded my amp to 250Watts a month ago thinking I would be moving to Maggies, and know they have a need for power.

But when I asked for a home demo from my rep(need to insure they work in my room, insure the wife is OK with them), I was told no.

Called Magnepan, as they have a deal to let people try them for 30days in areas without dealers. They'll even give you $100 to try them. But since I live in an area with a dealer, I was told no. Even talked to the marketing manager...still no.

I now just have a bad feeling about these. Very disappointed.

Thoughts? Suggestions on alternatives?
lisaandjon
maplegrovemusic's avatar
maplegrovemusic
1,113 posts
 
If you like panel sound maybe try Martin Logan , Sanders Sound , Kings Audio , Or any other panel speakers .They will all have the huge soundstage the maggies do .
erikminer
433 posts
 
I don't understand.. The 1.7 are relatively cheap at $1995.00 a pair list price. You listened to them at the dealer and loved them. As long as you can set them up correctly in your home ( room behind them etc) why not just buy them? Worst thing that can happen is you don't like them and you sell them.. Not like you'd lose more than a few bucks if you did..
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"Speaking of...any suggestions on a "something else"."

Out of curiosity, a bought a 1.7's to see what they sound like. I was never able to hear a good demo of Magnepan speakers. I had them for about a year and put them next to my Vandersteen Model 2's, and swapped them back and forth for comparison. I tried them with a verity of electronics, as well. The Vandersteens beat them in just about any way I could think of. I was kind of surprised because I was expecting the Magnepan's to be better in some areas, and the Vandersteen's would have its strengths. I had several friends listen to both pairs also, any they all came to the same conclusion that I did. The 1.7's were very disappointing. You may want to consider other options.
raymonda
855 posts
 
Maggies offer in home when there is no dealer so you can hear them. That is a generous offer and a way for you to get to hear them when otherwise you would not be able to. No one wants to buy a product blind.

In your case there is a local dealer where you can audition them until your heart's content and therefore get a good idea how they sound.

Requesting that your dealer loan you a pair, imo, is not reasonable on a low ticket item. First, if he gave you his floor model he would not have any in store for others to hear. Secondly, if he gave you a new pair he would the have a used pair on his hands and loose money. Finally, his profit margin is most likely so low on this that going to your home and helping you set them up, etc., would, again mean that he looses money.

I don't think you are thinking this through very well and understand why magnepan has their in home policy. If you did you wouldn't feel victimized.
lisaandjon OP
17 posts
 
There is only one component I've every purchased that I didn't demo at home first (cd player). Perhaps I've simply been very lucky with my dealers up to now.

I would never expect a dealer to lose money lending me a component. The speakers I wanted to borrow were demos. I said I'd borrow them during their shut-down days. I said I could transport myself. And obviously I'd leave a CC# as collateral.

As I said, apparently I've been lucky. But my purchasing preferences are greatly slanted to customer-service oriented suppliers. I spend more to insure I have no worries if something goes wrong.
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