Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Magnepan Magneplanar MMG Speakers by Bacchman

Model:	Magneplanar MMG
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$500
Description:	Planar Magnetic Loudspeaker
Manufacturer URL:	Magnepan
Model Picture:	View

Review by Bacchman ( A ) on November 09, 2004 at 22:50:33
IP Address: 65.6.177.119

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for the Magneplanar MMG

Ok. I have owned a lot of speakers. The most expensive of which retailed for $11k a pair. Most have been in the $4k-$6k range. For $550 these are stupid good and a no brainer for anyone considering anything up to $1000. Bought mine used for $400. Now that I have heard them, I would have to say that as long as space is not an issue, and your musical tastes aren't primarily rap or metal, you're a fu--ing idiot if you buy anything else.
After you buy these, immediately go to this link:
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue4/toc4.htm
look for the Magnepan Tweeks articles, and do everthing he says (I did). I had Madisound build my crossovers ($150 the pair, I had mine built for biwire) and ordered stands from Myesound ($220 delivered). Now, for a total investment of under $800, I have a pair of speakers that are overall the best I have ever owned and except for ultimate bass slam and sheer volume, compare very favorably to the $11,000 speakers I owned.
I am driving them quite easily with a 50wpc tube amp (albeit very high current). Everyone who hears them is floored and I see no reason to upgarde to bigger Maggies. I highly recommend Nordost cables. At some point I will add a high pass filter cutting them off at 50hz or so and also add a REL sub. However, as modified, they do not NEED a sub; it's just a tweek.
Woohoo!

Product Weakness: bass a little boomy, but to talk about weaknesses at this price when you consider the value is stupid!
Product Strengths: Incredible coherence, not fussy with program material, insane value for your $$$, easy to move around, easily upgraded with no need to buy more expensive speakers; I can tell the uninitiated they cost $5000 and they believe it!

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	GRAAF GM 50/50
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Rega Corsa
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Jukebox/ Bel Cnto DAC1
Speakers:	MMG
Cables/Interconnects:	Nordost Blue Heaven
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	all
Room Size (LxWxH):	30 x 20 x 10
Time Period/Length of Audition:	One Month
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	bass a little boomy, but to talk about weaknesses at this price when you consider the value is stupid!
Product Strengths:	Incredible coherence, not fussy with program material, insane value for your $$$, easy to move around, easily upgraded with no need to buy more expensive speakers; I can tell the uninitiated they cost $5000 and they believe it!