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New Magnepan Convert

209.94.139.80
Posted on March 8, 2021 at 07:05:04
VidPro
Audiophile

Posts: 51
Location: Boston
Joined: March 3, 2021



I've been lurking here for a few months that started when the LRS found their way into my YouTube feed. It put a bug in my ear to give these speakers a listen, so before Christmas I auditioned the .7s at my local dealer and ordered them on the spot. I'm kind of a Klipsch freak and was ready to buy one of their heritage line speakers but felt like a change.

Anyway I have the .7s with the MC1s as my rears and I've been enjoying my Magnepan speakers quite a bit. Two channel listening, even not set up as suggested, is still providing me with hours of joy.

I am using an MMGW as my center which is now mounted on my wooden TV console. It is off the wall about five to six inches now and sounds much better than on the wall angled away from the wall. I think it sounds fine, but feeling like a better speaker in their line will sound even better. The question I have is do you think upgrading to an MC1 for the center (considering I believe the MMGW is doing a good job even though most say it will not work) will be worth the extra cost?

The pic shows the grill cloth stuck to the Mylar before I got the courage to use tape to pull it away.

 

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Welcome to the fraternity, posted on March 8, 2021 at 08:08:06
Mike K
Audiophile

Posts: 13975
Location: 97701
Joined: September 23, 1999
 A word of advice: Do NOT listen to larger Maggies, as instant lust will
set in, along with instant dissatisfaction for your smaller ones.

I too moved from Klipsch to Magnepans several decades back, and still like
Klipsch product

Lack of skill dictates economy of style. - Joey Ramone

 

Welcome to the club! BTW,, posted on March 8, 2021 at 08:08:37
DustyC
Audiophile

Posts: 963
Joined: November 4, 2000
 is that a vintage console? Looks great! I'm a mid-century design guy at heart.

 

RE: Welcome to the fraternity, posted on March 8, 2021 at 08:16:25
VidPro
Audiophile

Posts: 51
Location: Boston
Joined: March 3, 2021
 LOL!

As I was finishing up at the dealer he told me about the upgrade program. I told him I'd see him in six months. :)

The stand caught my eye while looking on Overstock $350 and made out of real wood. It's distressed oak which makes nicks and scratches less infuriating for me and my OCD tendencies.

Thanks for the welcome!

 

RE: New Magnepan Convert, posted on March 8, 2021 at 09:02:37
SteveJewels
Audiophile

Posts: 244
Location: OH
Joined: August 11, 2018
 Very nice!

Welcome!

 

RE: New Magnepan Convert, posted on March 8, 2021 at 09:41:35
VidPro
Audiophile

Posts: 51
Location: Boston
Joined: March 3, 2021



Thank you!

Current equipment: Denon X4300H - Carver M500t Amp - Cambridge Audio 851N - UTurn Turntable - Oppo 203

 

RE: New Magnepan Convert, posted on March 8, 2021 at 11:55:23
shumi
Audiophile

Posts: 155
Location: Virginia
Joined: January 11, 2020
 Welcome....I am also a newly maggie convert. I keep on kicking myself for having wasted so much of my audiophile life listening to other speakers than maggies.

 

RE: New Magnepan Convert, posted on March 8, 2021 at 12:41:32
VidPro
Audiophile

Posts: 51
Location: Boston
Joined: March 3, 2021
 Thanks!

I'm glad I gave them a shot. To be honest I had no idea how they would sound in my current room especially after reading a lot of definitive comments around the net like "If you don't pull them out at least three feet from the front wall don't bother." or "Without an insanely powerful amp look elsewhere." I'm still futzing with them but for a quick hit of some music I don't bother pulling them out and they still sound wonderful to me. The Rythmik F12 I just bought helps a lot too. :)

 

Brother, posted on March 8, 2021 at 17:23:06
G Squared
Audiophile

Posts: 8489
Location: Washington, DC Metro Area
Joined: November 16, 2004
Contributor
  Since: May 23, 2023
 LRS with Rythmic F15 here.
Gsquared

 

RE: New Magnepan Convert, posted on March 9, 2021 at 18:31:02
timm
Audiophile

Posts: 780
Location: Ann Arbor Mi
Joined: January 15, 2008
 Whoa. The m500t. Did you have it upgraded etc?? If so - where and what did it do to the sound of it. I have one as well.

 

RE: New Magnepan Convert, posted on March 9, 2021 at 22:02:50
VidPro
Audiophile

Posts: 51
Location: Boston
Joined: March 3, 2021






I've had the 500 since I bought it new in the 80's. Some point in the 90's it developed a problem with one of the channels cutting in and out so I wrapped it up in a towel and put it away until about a year ago when I sent it to https://www.carveraudiorepair.com. Rolland is the person who worked on it and did what they call a chassis refresh to it.

"Chassis Refresh" This is our signature service and includes replacing 100% of the electrolytic capacitors throughout the amplifier including all power supply capacitors, updating resistors in all critical areas for guaranteed performance and reliability, calibrated to factory specifications. Baring misuse or abuse this service will give you on average 30 years of service

M-500t Chassis Refresh
Repair all issues
Touchup all poor solder
Install all factory updates
Replace 100% of the electrolytic capacitors throughout the entire chassis
Upgrade High Rail capacitors to 8K4UF 100V per rail
Calibrate to factory specifications
One year parts and labor on the entire chassis
Modification for sonic improvements to the midrange and high frequency performance
Polypropylene bypass capacitors in the signal path
Low noise High Slew rate opamps

They did a great job. I can't tell you what the difference in sound might be because it's been years since it was in use until now. All I can say is it sounds and works great and I'm very happy with the work.

I also replaced the faceplate. The unit was mint but for a small nick in the faceplate (Have I mentioned I'm "OCD" with equipment?) A seller on eBay sells brand new faceplates and other parts for Carver amps. The stuff he sells is amazing in terms of quality.

I'm glad I kept it. It's those damn meters, I love meters. LOL!

 

RE: New Magnepan Convert, posted on March 9, 2021 at 22:07:25
VidPro
Audiophile

Posts: 51
Location: Boston
Joined: March 3, 2021



 

RE: New Magnepan Convert, posted on March 10, 2021 at 07:40:59
owkone
Audiophile

Posts: 53
Joined: April 9, 2015
 Welcome to the rabbit hole!

 

RE: New Magnepan Convert, posted on March 10, 2021 at 14:04:15
VidPro
Audiophile

Posts: 51
Location: Boston
Joined: March 3, 2021
 Wouldn't be the first time for me. :D

 

RE: New Magnepan Convert, posted on March 10, 2021 at 19:30:37
timm
Audiophile

Posts: 780
Location: Ann Arbor Mi
Joined: January 15, 2008
 I love it!! I too have one since the early 80s. My son is using it now with mmgs - along with the carver pre (a c1 I believe??).

 

RE: New Magnepan Convert, posted on March 10, 2021 at 22:02:10
VidPro
Audiophile

Posts: 51
Location: Boston
Joined: March 3, 2021



I had the C2. No clue where it ended up. Hmm...



 

Well, I don't currently own any , I left years ago but..., posted on March 13, 2021 at 08:26:25
ABliss
Audiophile

Posts: 1482
Joined: March 16, 2001
Contributor
  Since: August 3, 2002
 Never left this forum, so welcome anyway. I had MMGs and MG12s that I modded but eventually sold and ended up with the Tannoys that I have now. But beleave me, I have been seriously fighting the urge to get the .7 or 1.7i.

I totally agree with you that a lot misinformation out there only serve to keep more people from trying Maggies. I never kept mine 3 feet from the wall, or had any monster amps, and they sounded great. I mainly left to try other brands.

Anyway, did you listen to the 1.7i? How did it compare if you did. I am leaning towards them, but the wife won't go for the height, at least not yet :)

 

RE: Well, I don't currently own any , I left years ago but..., posted on March 13, 2021 at 11:10:17
VidPro
Audiophile

Posts: 51
Location: Boston
Joined: March 3, 2021
 Thanks for the welcome. I'm glad I took a shot at them. I was initially going to buy the LRS's, but when I called Magnepan the conversation turned to .7s. I was a bit confused about something that I can't remember now, but it was most likely because their website is shall we say, lacking? :)

Anyway, the local dealer near me had a number of Maggies to audition and the .7s were all ready to go since it was an appointment. I looked at the 1.7s, but like you I thought about the boss and how they may not fly...yet.

The .7s instantly impressed me. Since they've been breaking in I'm definitely hear them change for the better. I listened to them the other night without the sub and I have to say that I was surprised of the bass I was hearing from them. I'm not selling my sub but it was interesting to hear.

 

RE: Well, I don't currently own any , I left years ago but..., posted on March 13, 2021 at 15:18:22
ABliss
Audiophile

Posts: 1482
Joined: March 16, 2001
Contributor
  Since: August 3, 2002
 The nearest dealer to me is about 30 miles. I plan on taking the trip one of these days.

 

RE: Well, I don't currently own any , I left years ago but..., posted on March 15, 2021 at 06:53:14
VidPro
Audiophile

Posts: 51
Location: Boston
Joined: March 3, 2021






Here's how I finally set up the center speaker (MMGW) on my console. I'm still thinking of upgrading it to an MC1 but I don't believe Magnepan will make only one.

 

RE: Well, I don't currently own any , I left years ago but..., posted on March 15, 2021 at 07:59:54
ABliss
Audiophile

Posts: 1482
Joined: March 16, 2001
Contributor
  Since: August 3, 2002
 Very nice, I like that gray color. Are the .7s gray also, could not really tell from the pictures.

 

RE: Well, I don't currently own any , I left years ago but..., posted on March 15, 2021 at 08:02:45
VidPro
Audiophile

Posts: 51
Location: Boston
Joined: March 3, 2021
 I ordered them all in dark grey and natural oak. The MMG sounds very nice now that I have it on the console instead of pivoting off the wall with the stock brackets.

 

And you're done, posted on March 15, 2021 at 14:25:27
farfetched
Audiophile

Posts: 963
Location: Cleveland!
Joined: October 13, 2010
 Do not listen to the people telling you there are better maggies calling your name. They are a bunch of sassy pants who are always up to no good.

Don't run with that crowd. They ain't done nothing except cause people to consider knocking down walls to maybe get a bigger listening room? Just a suggestion. Those .7's should breathe a bit more. You need at least 4 feet behind 'em.

I got the bug.



/ optimally proportioned triangles are our friends


 

RE: And you're done, posted on March 15, 2021 at 15:01:53
VidPro
Audiophile

Posts: 51
Location: Boston
Joined: March 3, 2021
 I've decided they sound best when no one is in the room including me. I now play them remotely and imagine how good they're sounding. It's quite satisfying.

 

RE: And you're done, posted on March 25, 2021 at 15:34:37
VidPro
Audiophile

Posts: 51
Location: Boston
Joined: March 3, 2021



I just switched over the .7s to the Magna Risers MK 7 stands. The stands are quality built. The powder coated black paint is also top notch. they also come nicely packed in their shipping box. Everything screams quality.

I only had a quick listen, but I have to say they do sound different being straight and not leaning back like they do on their OEM stands. To me the highs are more pronounced and they seem to have better low end. I'm actually surprised at the amount of bass the .7s are producing. Maybe they're breaking in?

 

RE: And you're done, posted on March 25, 2021 at 15:51:49
VidPro
Audiophile

Posts: 51
Location: Boston
Joined: March 3, 2021



 

RE: And you're done, posted on March 26, 2021 at 15:30:45
MBerry6
Audiophile

Posts: 8
Location: KS
Joined: March 19, 2021
 Just breaking in my LRS / REL T/5i setup, I also have them on Magna Riser MK7's. The stands are impressive and the setup sounds fantastic.

 

RE: And you're done, posted on May 3, 2021 at 05:39:01
PSK
Audiophile

Posts: 35
Location: Jaipur, India
Joined: September 15, 2008
 After some 30 years of this and that, I bought my first Maggie last month. The 1.7i is the best speaker I have ever had and I am simply delighted. The amp is my three year old Xindak A600E integrated monster and a metrum jade dac. At 160 watts @ 8 ohms and 320 @ 4 ohms, with 30 watts in class A, I have little to complain. Have them 4 feet from the front Wall and 8 feet from my chair. I only wish I had done this many decades ago! No way I go back to a box speaker. Thought I would share my experience. Thanks for reading.
PSK

 

RE: And you're done, posted on May 5, 2021 at 09:21:13
shumi
Audiophile

Posts: 155
Location: Virginia
Joined: January 11, 2020
 PSK, I have been there also. My quest for a good two channel system started in my 20s as soon as I started earning enough money. 35 years later I finally found the Magnepans. Sure, I thought I was close at times with box speakers, I remember some smiles, and a momentary halt to the obsessive tweaks but I was never satisfied.
Everything changed when I purchased a set of used 3.6s which I had Magnepan refurbish.
A lot of work went into my present system with patient guidance from members of this site and especially emailtim. I am lucky to have a good dedicated room. I can do whatever I want in there. I had to learn how to use REW, rePhase to generate filters, I added two subs, biamped with an electronic crossover, treated rom with diffusers and absorbers, etc...-
No more tweaking for me as of a month ago. It took 1 year from the time I purchased the speakers. Now I have ear to ear smiles and tears of joy when I get to enjoy albums which changed my life early on.





 

RE: And you're done, posted on May 11, 2021 at 04:54:15
PSK
Audiophile

Posts: 35
Location: Jaipur, India
Joined: September 15, 2008
 Shumi,
Thanks for sharing your path of development. Your set up is simply mouthwatering and the attention to detail amazing. Was trying to figure out the amplification you are using. I am quite happy with what I have, but monoblocks someday maybe, so just curious.
Once again great to see your set up.


PSK

 

RE: And you're done, posted on May 11, 2021 at 07:45:56
dougsat
Audiophile

Posts: 55
Location: Colorado
Joined: June 4, 2019
 Shumi-

What happened to the socks on your Maggie's are they off intentionally?
Just wondering - glad to hear you're enjoying the sound.

Doug

 

RE: And you're done, posted on May 11, 2021 at 12:04:55
shumi
Audiophile

Posts: 155
Location: Virginia
Joined: January 11, 2020
 Monoblocks are Bryston 7BSTs. Kept the socks off after I sent the frames to be refurbished by Magnepan. Gives me a chance to monitor for wrinkles, delamination, etc... Plus I think they may sound better that way, but not sure. Magnepan development lab keeps theirs with socks off.



 

RE: And you're done, posted on May 11, 2021 at 13:48:00
dougsat
Audiophile

Posts: 55
Location: Colorado
Joined: June 4, 2019
 Shumi-

What happened to the socks on your Maggie's are they off intentionally?
Just wondering - glad to hear you're enjoying the sound.

Doug

 

RE: New Magnepan Convert, posted on June 23, 2021 at 13:49:58
VidPro
Audiophile

Posts: 51
Location: Boston
Joined: March 3, 2021



My puppy barrier. Oak three sided in ebony. Looks like a half ass Martin Logan, but for peace of mind when they're idol I think they look pretty good.

 

RE: New Magnepan Convert, posted on June 24, 2021 at 14:31:05
owkone
Audiophile

Posts: 53
Joined: April 9, 2015
 Circa 1998 I was considering preowned KEF 107.2s. Then a colleague introduced me to the Maggie 1.6's. Instant love affair! Bought a two year old pair few hundred less than dealer from a (wealthy) foreign student going home. I still have them. Prior to the KEFs I was a LaScala fan. Last time heard the LaScalas they sounded harsh probably more suited for jazz club than a home.

 

RE: New Magnepan Convert, posted on November 18, 2021 at 11:05:30
VidPro
Audiophile

Posts: 51
Location: Boston
Joined: March 3, 2021
 Finally swapped the MMGW as my center with an MC1 and it's a big improvement. A far better match with the .7s.

 

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