MG 20.1 or Wisdom audio m-75

They do sound good out of the box, but not in the first-rank of speakers. Modified they do. Whether they must be biamped, as Essentialaudio suggests, is another question. A rebuilt, single crossover with biwire running solely into the bass, probably comes as close to full sonic bliss as one is likely to obtain with the 20.1s. A more powerful amp than the JC-1s, however, is required for the Magnepans.

I am curious.When I worked at Salon 1 Audio,we were delivered a pair of updated Sound Labs that belonged to a customer.These were delivered to the store ,wrapped in burlap.The transformer covers could not be closed {stood ajar} and I wondered to myself who would perform a modification to their product in this fashion,and still again-ship without adequate shipping containers.Another issueis the SL Ultimates.I saw that they had gone to a metal support structure.A friend was practically electrocuted,due to the fact that the electrostatic panel was arching to the metal frames.
I certainly hope all these issues have been addressed.It might come as a potential "shock" to the customer.

Tpsonic, Sound Lab builds proper crates for all of their products, as they don't care to have them come back broken. Their backplates are designed to fit into the rear frames or enclosures without charged components being exposed - it is something they cannot risk. Likewise, there would not be a risk of shock even with the Ultimates which employ tubular steel frames for increased rigidity when the backplates are installed per factory instructions. As for arcing panels, although this rarely occurs, I don't see why this would be a factor, as they are not electrically attached to the frames...I should know, I am a Sound Lab dealer and own Ultimate-1s. You might discuss such concerns with the good folks at Sound Lab before making such statements, as they really do care and always try to do the right thing. Sound Lab has been successfully making their electrostatic loudspeakers for twenty five years and has diligently dealt with all aspects of their products, and they continue to service virtually every model made. Since the mid 80s they have made evolutionary updates to their full range electrostatics, conservatively employing new technologies and materials only after exhaustive in house testing. The results speak for themselves.

Brian

Tireguy:

Do you own 20.1s, and have you compared a modified vs unmodified version?

I do not own the speakers but have listened to them stock more then a few times. Gladstone has the 20.1's with a very similar system to mine and has upgraded them- his comparison of the speaker stock vs. modified was EXACTLY what I have experienced with my modified 3.6's. In fact my modified 3.6's outperform the 20.1's I've heard in every area, the only thing that is close is dynamics in the lower octaves and that very easily could have been the room or more then likely the push pull driver on the bass.