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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
william53b's avatar
william53b OP
211 posts
 
And this is Wendell dissing other manufacturers for using less expensive parts in their product. 
"A good receiver might produce 30-40% more power at 4 ohms. Most receiver manufacturers don't want to talk about 4 ohm ratings because they have cut the "guts" out of their products to keep the cost down."
So I must be missing something completely, right?
johnto
972 posts
 
I don't think DMW bass panels were ever marketed as subwoofers but rather to reinforce the bass of existing Maggie's which go to about 30 or 35 hz.
If Maggie's sound could be greatly improved at a very reasonable price I'm sure they would be, or someone would be offering it as a service or a diy kit.
If you feel better buying a different speaker you think offers you more at the same price buy them.
I think Maggie's continue to be a terrific bargain in today's world for us who enjoy the sound after all every speaker is a compromise.

jkf011
268 posts
 
As far as the race car comparison, that's nonsense. Passenger car and SUV engines are getting smaller and smaller. And, for production racing (by far the most common form) the size of the motors corresponds mostly to the size of the production car motor. Even true with retrograde NASCAR   With F1, it's completely at the mercy of the marketing and political whims of the FIA. And Motorcycle racing hasn't messed with the engine categories in over 20yrs. So it had NOTHING to do with audio, whatsoever. 
redwoodaudio
413 posts
 
The guy sounds lazy.  Rather than cheap and greedy, like klipsch, as a corporate strategy.  But it’s working for him.  Until it doesn’t.  Fortunately there’s a lot of innovation going on with parts and designs for those of us who care.  Magnepan doesn’t owe anybody anything, so file your grievance and make the most of your own ingenuity.
johnspain
42 posts
 
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
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