Can Magnepan survive Wendell Diller?

I don’t agree that Magnepan doesn’t work to improve their speakers… they just don’t turn over new models every year or two as some speaker companies do. I’ve owned several of their speakers over the last 35 years, including every “1” series since then (1C, 1.4, 1.5qr, 1.6qr, 1.7qr, and 1.7i), as well as the 3.3r, and 3.5r. Each revision was a clear improvement over the outgoing model. I’ve also had other brands/types of speakers in other systems while the Maggies were in house, so I was able to swap them out, using various amps, and rooms. I’ve fallen in love with other speakers briefly, only to eventually return to Magneplanars. They just present music in a way that I find very appealing, and “real-sounding”. While I agree that they can be improved (all speakers at all price points can), I can say that, for Me, in stock form they handily outdo other speakers I’ve spent time with that are multiples of the respective retail prices of the Maggies I’ve had at the time. 
Regarding the notion that the company should offer “upgrades”, I also disagree. I’ve considered this in the past.. eg: a modern version of a 2.5/2.6, which were in the market for several years.. a bridge model between 1.x and 3.x.. but realize that if these were a hot models, they would’ve continued in the line. They just didn’t sell well. So customers “told” Magnepan with their wallets that they didn’t need a bridge model. Something those of you throwing “upgrade numbers” around are not considering this: The cost to the end user would be MUCH higher than the cost of the upgraded parts (frames, xovers, wiring, etc.). Why? Because there is (and should be) a Process to this. Beyond the design and engineering phase, there would be the making of prototypes, testing, listening, adjusting, retesting, re-listening, etc..etc.. In addition to that, machines would have to be built to make new frames (and exist alongside the current machines), and employees would need to be trained in incorporating these new parts (These speakers are hand-built by real people, not by robots)… All these things have their own cost components, which would drive the retail prices to a point beyond reasonable value. And, for what? A small incremental “difference”? As some others have pointed out, if an owner WANTS to tinker.. have at it. Magnepan is providing an excellent platform to build off of! Have a blast! Or just listen to them as they are, which is great, and know that every single speaker out there will have strengths and weaknesses that can be nit picked. Find the compromises that you’re willing to live with and be happy 😊. 
As for “surviving Wendell”, the original posted question…. I would answer “They have, and they are”! And quite well. With or without your approval! There are definitely people who share your dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the company, but there are many times more people who Love their Maggies, and will continue to support the company into the future. You have to remember that Wendell has been in this game a very long time, and has heard it ALL! If you think you’re the first to suggest they change “this or that” to make their speakers better, I’ll tell you, you’re not. He’s human, so may not respond to your suggestions with the enthusiasm you expect. He knows most customers love their speakers, and he’s likely sick of hearing uneducated (in planar speaker design) suggestions after 40 years. I would be. He’s worked tirelessly FOR Magnepan all these years, and it would be more appropriate to say that they’ve survived so long, in part, BECAUSE of him. So take it easy on the guy. 
One more point, from a long time owner of this brand: Set up, and amplifier choice are extremely important to successfully getting the best from these speakers.. that goes for most speakers, but especially these. IMO, more important than which capacitors are used in the crossover, or using a “better” frame. All things will make some kind of a difference, but positioning, and amp choice are tops. I’ve used over a dozen amplifiers over the years. How you listen will determine which amp works for you. Also, time spent adjusting the position of these speakers will reward you with amazing sound quality. Again, all speakers benefit from this exercise, but it has a major influence on the sound of planars. As always, this is only my experience. Ymmv. 

Sorry, I meant to say that you being put off by them saying they can’t keep up with all the amps doesn’t make sense. I should’ve proofread my post before I sent it. Lol

To OP: I was simply relaying my own experience, which is one that differs with yours, so I was offering “possible” reasons for the disparity. I have no experience with your amp, which I’ve read is nice, so I have no constructive comment to make there, other than to say it may not be a great match, but who knows..? Frankly, I don’t understand why you just don’t sell your speakers to someone who will appreciate them, and move on. I respect the fact that Magnepen will openly admit that they can’t keep up with every new amp that comes out, and that they entrust their dealers with offering customers the opportunity to audition associated equipment, with their owns ears, so they can make a decision based on that audition. There’s too much BS in this industry, and some of it comes from manufacturers. That said, your point that they say the speakers need the right amp to sound their best doesn’t seem to make sense. It’s true of most speakers. It’s a synergy. That is not to say that the speakers won’t make sound with any amp.. they will (of course)! Just like they’ll make sound with any speaker cable. Better cables, better sound, but that doesn’t mean the sound will be “bad” with simple 14 awg wire. Recommending simple cable, for most people, isn’t the same as saying one cannot hear the difference, it just means it’s an acceptable place to start. The bigger point here is this: This company HAS stayed in business! For FIFTY YEARS! And without your help. Imagine that! One more thing I disagree with you about… I, personally, would NOT want a company, or anyone else for that matter, PRETEND to listen to me when their not! I’m a big boy, and if you don’t agree with me, or don’t want to take my advice, I’ll be just fine. I don’t really want to argue with people on this forum, but I felt compelled to do so in this case for whatever reason. I can agree to disagree, so it seems that’s where we are. No problem. I’m listening to my Maggies right now, and they sound amazing. I guess I just got lucky 😉

@william53b… I get what you’re saying. I’ve had some great experiences with some audio manufacturers, and there have been some where I came away feeling annoyed. I’ve had to call Magnepan a handful of times over the years, and I’ve always been treated very well. I felt each time as if they valued me as a customer. But everyone has their own individual experiences. Honestly, I haven’t spoken to Wendell for many years, but when I had, I found him direct, somewhat short, but never demeaning in any way. Just sort of confident in his product, and in his experience, and not one to sugar coat. This can be a bit off-putting in the wrong situation, I’ll give you that. Quick story… I bought a pair of 1.7s in 2011. In 2016, I noticed a ripple in the quasi-ribbon driver. It sounded fine, but I wanted to have it corrected. The speakers were out of warranty, so I was prepared to pay for the repair. Magnepan evaluated the issue, determined it was a defect, and shipped me a pair of the new at the time 1.7i’s off the assembly line. They asked if I’d agree to pay for the labor and return shipping. I said sure… so they gave me a labor bill for $45.00. Forty Five Dollars!! (Plus shipping) I was super happy, and I felt very appreciated as a customer. This is why I defend their customer service practices.