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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? 
william53b

Showing 1 response by erikt

erikt
269 posts
 
I’ve heard Magnepan speakers at audio shows here on the left coast and was generally impressed with their sound.

But, both times, I will say the demos were some of the most bizarrely conducted I’ve ever been to.

Strict sign up slots, then ushered into a dimly lit room with the speakers hidden behind a curtain so you can’t see the set up, quietly seated while the demo of sound effects and musical excerpts are shuffled into a CD player by an assistant. Then ushered out of the room with no Q&A for the next group.
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