Help me choose, used but excellent cond Maggies - Maggie MG12's or SMGb's

I would recommend just getting a new pair of the LRS. Older Maggies can suffer from dis-bonding of the wire on the panel. Magnepan is not doing repairs or supplying parts at this time. The LRS is a good product or you could find a used 1.7 if you have the room. SMGs and MG12s are starting to show their age. 

OK fair enough. I did see some great accounts of the LRS when trying to find out more about the other pair - obviously in the States you have the privilege of paying such a small amount of money for these.
The MG12s are 2002 - so is that old enough to "show their age"?
I suppose with the new LRS there should be no need to consider a second hand Maggie anymore if they are good as the reviews state.
Any other opinions?

As an aside - how to do much older Maggies like the MG-1 full ribbon speakers sound in comparison to these newer models?

A pair in good shape of course!

"...The MG12s are 2002 - so is that old enough to "show their age"?..."

Well that’s 20 years now. A lot depends on the environment they are in. High humidity is the worse environment for the old glue system. Newer Maggies have improved that issue.

"...As an aside - how to do much older Maggies like the MG-1 full ribbon speakers sound in comparison to these newer models?..."

OK, let me get my terminology defined. Old Magnepan loudspeakers are Planer-magnetic with wires bonded to a Mylar substrate. Newer Maggies have a flat circuit pattern bonded to a Mylar substrate. The large models have a true ribbon tweeter, an element without a substrate backing. Except for the tweeters, new Magnepans are quasi-ribbons and of the planer-magnetic design. Some single pull and some double pull.
A fully restored older Magnepans still sound good but they did get incrementally better over time. The main issue at this time is getting service if you have a problem. Best to start off with a fresh pair.

You will be well served with a pair of 1.7s
Example.....
https://selecthifi.co.uk/used-audiophile-hifi-equipment/magneplanar-magnepan-1-7-speakers/?refsource...

That was a good price! Hence why it is already sold !
Thanks for the pointer though - I think the consensus here generally speaking is don't bother with older used models especially with the LRS kicking around as a NEW bargain - and of course rare deals like the 1.7s if you can bag one quick enough.
I will leave older models alone completely - obviously there is no point whatsoever from what you are all saying.

OK going back to my original question... if you only had a choice between the MG12's or SMGb's, £650 and £500 respectively - which one would you choose?
I would guess the MG12's seeing as they are newer - but someone here may surprise me.
They are both in excellent condition!

 

Do you have the amplifier to support them? You are going to need some nice 200W

I had the MG12 go for them

When it comes to ampification - looking on Magnepans FAQ - there is no advice on wattage - just the amps ability to drive speakers down to 2 Ohm - and the simple and low cost NAD amps can do this (I have a NAD 325bee which falls into that category easily).

In addition to the low priced but competently designed NAD (no amp exotica needed here), I also own the Yamaha AS801 and a Croft 7 power amp. The latter Croft does not seem to fall in line being a lower powered amp, but the Croft has been designed to work well with Quad 57s and it did drive a pair of MG-1s I tried many years back very well.

And thanks for recommending the MG12.

Many amplifiers can "drive" them and no it is not only the low impedance, it is the fact that they have very low sensitivity and you need fast current for them. If you really want them to sing, give them real power.