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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 3 responses by mschott

mschott's avatar
mschott
136 posts
 

Funny that geniuses here know more about (in this case) Magnepan’s business plan than Magnepan. Reminds me of the sports forum about my alma mater where the members think they know more than the hall of fame basketball coach. 
 

Of course Magnepan could use better quality components. That would compromise the value part of the product. Not all of their target market is audiophiles. 

mschott's avatar
mschott
136 posts
 
Wendell is the public face of Magnepan. He is their marketing philosophy. The make great speakers that have room for improvement at extremely competitive prices. Many hifi components benefit from upgrades such as capacitors and wiring. 
One poster commented that the 30.7’s are a failure. A few years ago I met Wendell and his comment to paraphrase, was they are basically an engineering exercise as the ultimate extension of the Magnepan design. They are massive and few have rooms big enough to house them. The large room at the dealer where they were demoed could barely contain them. 
mschott's avatar
mschott
136 posts
 

I’m sorry but those comparisons are stupid. Companies fail all the time but Magnepan has a niche and is very successful. There’s no real competition and their prices are very competitive. The fact that you think you know better than they do is IMO laughable. 

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