Magnepan cost vs. sound quality is off the charts, sure they could build them to the 9th degree and charge considerably more for them, but they know who their buyer is and their niche in pricing that contributes to sales in an ever-swinking marketplace. I think they know who they are as a company, and if you want a better built higher price speaker they are out there for your consideration but say they build as good as Sanders Electrostatics, Quads, and other panel speakers, Spatial Audio OB speakers are well built, but not overbuilt and they also offer sound quality off the charts at a reasonable price. My view is to enjoy what they all do right and accept they build quality to their price points, but sound-wise for most us normal people they offer a huge amount of music enjoyment.
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?
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?