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Maggie Disappointment

Not trying to bash my local rep, so I won't list where I live. Just wondering anyone's thoughts/experiences with Magnepan.

I listened to MG's about 12 years ago and was smitten, but the wife said no (small house). Now, bigger house, older kids, better pay...I'm thinking it is finally time. I listened to the 1.7 at our dealer; awesome. I even upgraded my amp to 250Watts a month ago thinking I would be moving to Maggies, and know they have a need for power.

But when I asked for a home demo from my rep(need to insure they work in my room, insure the wife is OK with them), I was told no.

Called Magnepan, as they have a deal to let people try them for 30days in areas without dealers. They'll even give you $100 to try them. But since I live in an area with a dealer, I was told no. Even talked to the marketing manager...still no.

I now just have a bad feeling about these. Very disappointed.

Thoughts? Suggestions on alternatives?
lisaandjon

Showing 6 responses by lisaandjon

lisaandjon OP
17 posts
 
used: this is my preference, yes. But most are local pickup only.

I suppose I could pay new and hope the dealer will refund if I want to return. I'll ask about this.

Thanks all.

IMO, I wouldn't consider Meadowlark's to be an upgrade. Frankly, I think my Joseph RM22's are better than those.
lisaandjon OP
17 posts
 
i don't live around Chicago, though I used to. Thanks anyway.

I did call Magnepan. intact, I told them i didn't want their $100 offer. I only wanted to try the Maggies in my home.

Oh well. Looks like it'll be used or something else.

Speaking of...any suggestions on a "something else". I'll spend as much as $4K on a new set to replace my Joseph's, but only if it's a very noticeable upgrade.

thanks again.
lisaandjon OP
17 posts
 
There is only one component I've every purchased that I didn't demo at home first (cd player). Perhaps I've simply been very lucky with my dealers up to now.

I would never expect a dealer to lose money lending me a component. The speakers I wanted to borrow were demos. I said I'd borrow them during their shut-down days. I said I could transport myself. And obviously I'd leave a CC# as collateral.

As I said, apparently I've been lucky. But my purchasing preferences are greatly slanted to customer-service oriented suppliers. I spend more to insure I have no worries if something goes wrong.
lisaandjon OP
17 posts
 
Clio - I've heard great things about Quad's, of course, though never listened to them.

I can go to $4K. I have Joseph Audio Rm22si, which I think are great. I back it up with a Rel Strata iii sub, which may be overkill, but it's fun to hear the very deep bass, when it's in recordings. I auditioned Coincident Total Eclipse's at $4.5K and didn't think they were noticeably better than my Joseph's.

I'd like the best midrange I can get...as realistic vocals/acoustics as possible. No need for full range as the added sub seems to work for me. I love the huge soundstage of the Maggies, and presumably all Planars.

Thoughts? Maybe Quad is the way to go? Concerned about their exit from the US market (where I'm at).
lisaandjon OP
17 posts
 
Thank you, Zd, I understand. I'm using McIntosh MC2255, Mc Pre, and a mac mini. I THINK the Joseph's are the weak link, at this point. It's debatable, as with anything, but it's what I'm focusing on for now.
lisaandjon OP
17 posts
 
Guess what!? My favorite local used shop just got a set of 1.7's. I'm getting them. Some things are just meant to be.

Thanks for the advice, all.
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