Can Magnepan survive Wendell Diller?


I bought my first set of Magnepans in 1976, and I currently have a pair of 1.7i's.

It is difficult for me to upgrade to the 3.7i's because their are so many things that the company can do to improve their product that they simply won't offer; upgraded crossover components, a solid wood/rigid frames and better stands are examples.

Other companies are now doing this, but Magnepan always says Wendell doesn't think that is a good idea.

Can a man who suggests using lamp cord for his speaker line really have that much control over an otherwise unique technological approach to speaker design? I must be missing something obvious when a product is hand assembled in MN and any of these upgrades would, in my mind, warrant factory upgrades. Who wouldn't spend an extra $1k for a 1.7i with a hardwood frame and an upgraded x-over? Adding a ribbon tweeter to the 1.7i would warrant an additional $1k, still bringing them in $2k under the 3.7i.

Is it common for one person to hold an entire company back in high end audio? 
128x128william53b

Showing 1 response by johnspain

I was an early Magnepan user in the late 70's and early 80's.  Somehow I moved away looking for better audiophile sound.  I moved up over the years to a full Meridian top of the line system.  Last year I chucked it all in and bought a big Classe amp and a pair of 1.7s.  After working with them for about a month, I had great sound.  This year I bought a pair of 3.7i's with Mye stands.  I just about have them dialed in.  I have only put in better jumpers and have replaced the fuses with copper tubing.  I love the sound.  I do not see any other speaker in my future.  Most speakers are flawed in some way.  I can joyfully live with the flaws of the Magnepans