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Magnepan MG 20 help and recommendations

I will appologize in advance for being a bit long winded, but should give some background to my questions. Recently purchased two pair of Magnepan speakers from a charitible orginatization that received them and other audio gear from the estate of a local audiophile. They are model MG 20 (not 20.1) and model 1.4 Both sets of speakers were in their original boxes with packing, but due to circumstances and price I bought them untested and was unsure all parts were present. After a bit of delay, I was able to set up the 1.4 set and they sound wonderful. I appears the stands got seperated and are not present. An audit of contents of the MG 20 show all parts are here as well except the stands. I have not tested these as yet. My questions:

The MG 20 came in several boxes with the tweeters encased in a long well protected tube. They appear to plug into a socket on each speaker but I was looking for advise to avoid "screwing up" during the installation - anything I should be aware of during installation of the tweeters?

Second question: I can call Magnepan to see if stands are still available from the factory, but if cost is prohibitive (Due to Size, I will likely sell one or both of these pairs) do any readers have experience making there own stands and if so, any advise here? (materials, layout, what angle should these set the speakers, etc.)

I know it sounds strange buying these unaware of their completeness but the price was too good - also included a Bryston power amp, Rotel preamp, Denon CD player, and a box full of high end Music Link interconnects and speaker wire so I figured worst case scenario was I would part them out. Anyway, the first set sounded great so I am hoping the larger ones sound great as well.

Let me know if you have any thoughts before I begin the process of hooking up the MG 20s and please forward suggestions as to how to handle the stand situation on both sets. Thanks.
Ag insider logo xs@2xwhyland
martykl
3,578 posts
 
Whyland,

CR Lowdon was politely asking what you paid. I was wondering the same thing so, I'll ask more directly. If, for any reason, you prefer not to share, we'll all just have to write you off as a tease.

Marty
magfan
1,583 posts
 
You will have to experiment a little with any new panels.
Vertical? I like 'em that way, but the tilt back / forward is also an option.

As for the 1.4s? I think Magnepan still intended you to listen to the pole piece side at the time these were made. Try rotating the panels and listen to the 'wrong' side. You may have a preference there, TOO.
Current Magnepan below the 20 series is configured to listen to the Mylar side..
You can keep track of sides by the speaker plate. Peek thru the grill cloth. If you see vertical wire and some shine, that is the Mylar. The side where you can't see much is the pole piece side.

As a long-time panel owner, I have my 1.6s rotated in place and listen the 'old' way, to the pole piece.

20 series is push/pull and the same on both sides.

The OTHER choice? Tweeters in or out.

Happy experiments.
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whyland OP
16 posts
 
Thanks for all the advise. I will order the factory stands for the 1.4 and attempt to manufacture stands similar to the Mye stands (based on my observation) I should say I will have my brother manufacture these as he has a complete metal fabrication shop. Know they won't be the same, but maybe close. Unless there is something very unusual about their construction that I cannot see, I'm hoping they are within his considerable talents. The web site for these states they can be filled with shot or sand and I am not sure how to rig this.

I don't mind sharing my "buy" story - just hard to place a value on each piece - was a lot purchase - all untested at time of purchase - of Bryston 4B-NRB power amp, Rotel preamp/tuner, Denon CD player, pair of Maggie 1.4 in box, pair of Maggie 20.1 in box, audio alchemy DAC, box full of Music Link interconnects, pair of Music Link terminated 8' speaker wires. All worked well (have not yet tested the MG 20 as tweeters were boxed seperately and need to be installed - as I mention earlier - don't want to rush this and have been in contact with the company for their advise ) Price paid for the lot: $1,000

Let me know if anyone has any suggestions about making the stands. Thanks, Jon.
bbro
191 posts
 
You might be able to find a 20R owner who bought the Mye stands and would be willing to part with the original stands from Magnepan that he no longer uses. Or at least lend (rent?) them to you so you can audition your great find to make sure that they are working. Just a thought...
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whyland OP
16 posts
 
That is a great idea - anybody out there with a pair of stands for this speaker that would like to part with them? The stands are still currently available from Magnepan for $82 plus $20 shipping but if I could find a pair for a price that would save me a bit of money, I would be interested. I'm fairly confident now I can test the speakers to make sure they work. I have to install the tweeters, which were in a shipping tube and box from factory, but after talking to service department at Magnepan, all appears to be here. Just need to take my time and reinstall. If there is anyone out there willing to sell their stands for this speaker, let me know - and thanks for the idea of asking.
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