What are some of the downsides of owning a Magneplanar .7 or 1.7i ?


Thinking of moving up speaker wise, and so am considering  the fabled Magneplanar speakers, that is, either the  the .7, or supposedly new 1.7i.   (BTW, I am not sure the Maggie .7 is necessarily an upgrade, and has less bass than my current box speakers...see below)

Besides "Maggies" having outdated speaker terminals that might be a struggle with banana plugs,, and they are generally power hungry, I am curious if anyone can honestly tell me of any other downsides of this design.  For the last 30 years, I have owned several traditional box design speakers. 

I currently have a pair of Golden Ear Technology model 7's....which I like and generally sound good However, I  would like to confirm what a planar design brings to the table in sound quality. I have read many times about the box-less sound  provided by this design, and its wide sound staging and low distortion. 

I think I have enough power with BAT VK-200 amp (100RMS) to drive the .7, but not sure that is enough to drive the MG1.7i. to higher volumes The pre-amp is a Conrad Johnson PV-14SE. 

The listening room area 12 X15ft, but opens into kitchen/dining area divided by a medium size couch. The rest of the space is approximately 12X18ft behind the sofa with a stupid counter island ( so I cannot move the sofa back any further.. The ceiling is 8 to 9 ft feet high ( not a cathedral ceiling, praise the Lord) . It is a bit of haul to the dealer I bought the Golden Ear T's from who also carries Magneplanar line.  All advice welcomed.    Thanks, SJ   

sunnyjim

Showing 5 responses by gdnrbob

@johnnyb53 
I agree, you have a keeper (for a wife).
Despite being a Vandersteen Fanboy, I also respect the Maggie's. If I had more room, I would get a pair, too.
 
Bob

Maggies are like Porsche 911s or Lotus Super 7sEnter your text ...

i.e. toys for very limited usage on clear and flat roads.

 
That's why I got an Audi. Quattro is a 'good thing'.
@bdp24 
Great manufacturers take care of their customers.
Maggie, Vandy, Ayre, and McCormack(via SMc) are some that do the right thing.
B
@schubert 
That is good info.
I still remember Maggies from years past. I never thought they were lacking in dynamic range, but if newer models can plumb greater depths, then I owe it to myself to have another listen.
B