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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 4 responses by pat_from_indy

pat_from_indy
4 posts
 

I know the OP started this thread about issues with Wendell Diller.   Well, those issues go beyond Wendell Diller.   I am looking for a CCR center speaker, and filled out the Magnepan customer "Contact Us" online form.  Got a very quick email response from Eric Norgaarden, apparently in their marketing dept. 

Eric let me know that the lead time for a CCR was "approx 20 weeks".  I asked on why so long, and he stated they needed production personnel.  I responded that maybe Magnepan should re-locate to another state where there are many people who would be thrilled to go to work tomorrow for an American manufacturing company.

Well, Eric did not like that suggestion.   He bad mouthed his own dealer in the city where I live, stated that I was a right-wing f**king moron, and that I should take my business elsewhere.

And so I shall.  Anyone got a suggestion on replacing a Magnepan MMG C with an upgrade?  

pat_from_indy
4 posts
 

@Jaymark: I too have a pair of 1.7s. Would you please let me know what mods you did? I am interested in modding my pair for use as surround speakers. Thanks.

pat_from_indy
4 posts
 

@William53b:  Thank you for the suggestions and advice.  I will check them out.

pat_from_indy
4 posts
 

@Secretguy: No, I am fully aware of the current labor market. Yes, there is an overall shortage of workers. But much of the problem is that employees are quitting their jobs when they have any issue at all with fellow workers or management to go take an almost identical job at slightly higher pay or perceived more friendly environment. But nearly all of such jobs are entry level service industry jobs.

But Magnepan has what appear to be very long-term manufacturing jobs in at a company that historically can’t make enough product. Therefore, those jobs would be much more highly prized than working at Walmart or McDonalds, assuming that pay and benefits are as good or better. Having worked in an American manufacturing company, I know that the employees who manufactured our products very much appreciated the work they were doing, and the people they were working with. They felt like they had a real career with interesting work and opportunities.

IMHO, a company like Magnapan has labor shortages today either because they are located away from a suitable labor pool, or the pay / benefits are substandard. Oh yeah, it might also be because management is caustic. I only say that because if an exec has no issue with cussing out a customer, I can only imagine how that exec treats the people around him / her. Have a nice day.

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