Need help replacing my beloved Magnepan....

Someone actually said Maggies aren’t resolving. Takes all kinds, I guess...

No, it only takes experience with speakers of greater resolution -- not difficult to find. Audio Physic, B&W, Spendor, KEF, Revel, Rockport, ATC....

The strength of Maggies is transparency (lack of localization due to cabinet noise), which is too often confused with resolution (fine detail).

Someone actually said Maggies aren't resolving. Takes all kinds, I guess...

I just wanted to again thank all the Agon wonderful members For all the recommendations that I received. I ended up with a pair of Fyne audio F501 and they are really wonderful speakers! Obviously Different than Magnepan but they are as enjoyable with fantastic low end that I missed a lot with my previous Maggie’s. 

"Panels in no way have it all"

Some people prefer vanilla. Different people have different preferences and for those of us who like that sound there is a great appeal to (not that they all sound the same) omnis e.g. Ohm, Dipoles/bipoles, open baffles, etc.
Just my 3c (inflation).

Thank you Douglas, I auditioned the vandersteen and other ribbon tweeter speakers recommended to me by some agon members in this forum and now I will audition Fyne audio. I will post my impressions of auditioned speakers soon hopefully.

Good job; smart to audition. Enjoy! 

When you stop licking your wounds about the Maggie sound you will realize that when alternative systems are put up well, they can outperform panels in other aspects of performance. Panels in no way have it all, and you can enjoy different technological expressions. 

That from a panel, and especially ESL, lover.  :) 

I wanted to thank you all for sharing with me your recommendations and thoughts. I ended up purchasing a Scottish loudspeakers by the name of Fyne audio from a great Dealer in CA. He recommended for me to try their small floorstander model f501. I will follow up with my thoughts about the speakers in couple weeks. Thank you again and y’all stay safe!

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa1104-avalon-acoustics-arcus-full-range

This listing will expire pretty soon.

But you can still contact seller.

I had used Avalon Ascent II after using Apogee Duetta.

Avalon give very transparent and refined sound.

Tend to agree with Sunmoon upthread who says ribbons or AMTs might be in your future.  Modestly sized towers with ribbon tweets convinced me that I don't need Maggies to get most of what Maggies deliver, along with a couple of good things they're missing (dispersion in particular). 

That said, I now have three pairs of Harbeths and I'm finding them all impossibly seductive.  At some point I'll have to let a pair or two go, but I will have a devil of a time deciding which.  So I agree with Direwolf too.

Check out the new Fyne 700 series

You might try a pair of Martin Logan ESLs and a matching Martin Logan Subwoofer...  It is just a thought...  I am sure I will catch a lot of flak for the idea...  Matched with the right system, room and placed properly, they can sure sing...

A year ago I replaced my Magnepan MMGs with Tekton Impact Monitors. I wanted a more well-rounded speaker that didn't give up too much ground on what the Magnepans did amazingly well. The Tekton's don't produce the same wall of sound, but everything else is better. I've been happy with the choice.

direwolf336, Thank you very much for sharing with me your journey! 

In 1981, I brought a second hand pair of MG-1s.  Over the next 35 years I owned another 4 pairs of Magnepans.  I went from the 1s to 1Cs and then to 1.4s.   After that I owned 1.6s and finally 1.7is.  Each time I changed speakers, I would listen to other brands but I always ended up buying the Magnepans.

As my retirement approached, I realized I was going to need something that would work in a smaller space. I found a local dealer who sold Harbeths. I started by auditioning the 30.1.  Great speaker!  A couple weeks later, I went back and listened to the 7ES.   Another great speaker!!  A couple weeks later, I listened to the SHL5 Plus and I realized that was the one the checked all my boxes.

I spent the next year auditioning amplifiers and eventually settled on the Leben CS600X. With the music I enjoy, the combination is simply sublime. I don’t miss the Maggies at all. Having said that, Magnepans are wonderful speakers; they do so many things so well. It’s easy to get hooked. I enjoyed every minute I spent with them.

My point is, there are many great speakers. They are not going to have all the strengths of Maggies but they will thrill you in new and different ways. You need to take your time and audition everything you can. Find the ones that work their magic for you.

It’s a journey; enjoy it.

Legacy Audio Studio HD Monitors with a JL Audio D110 sub (if needed). Under $3K retail at list price.

I forgot to mention Underwood HiFi has LSA 10 Statement bookshelf speakers that have exceptional bass and have won a few awards

Many box-type speakers are capable of similar transparency, and many more are capable of better resolution. I love Maggies for what they do well. Yes, they sound boxless but they’re lacking in resolution.

For your budget, a pre-owned pair of Audio Physics should do the trick -- Virgo Tempo, or Avanti.

I have magneplanar mg IIIa I bought in 1987 and now perfectly working. In my mountain house I bought a pair of quad Z 1 with ribbon tweeter. They are very good and  during my listening sessions I don't regret so much the magneplnar even if the differences are going to be heard. 

I had Maggie 20.1s, ran out of room, sold them and bought Tonian Labs TL-D1s.  I was very happy with my choice.  You can get them used for about $1700.

WAIT  I'm selling my two-channel gear which includes Magenpan MMG Super, (pair of MMGs + Bass panel). I also have the Maggie Minis with 3.7 ribbon. They are listed here  https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa1j07-magnepan-mmg-super-planars . I bought them new in 2013 when I downsized. If you decide to stay with maggies, let's chat. I don't want to hijack your post so please pm me if you want to chat by phone. 

Thank you all for your recommendations. I will post the results of my quest for Maggie’s replacement soon. Thank you again and stay safe. 

Danny Richie (GRAudio) is running a steal of a special for a terrific pair of speakers. Check out his YT channel where he describes them

Hi Analoguefan,
Take a look at Tetraspeakers.com. First photo you see is Keith Richards saying “These are not just ANY pair of speakers!”. And then an amazing group of some of the world’s greatest musicians saying even more superlatives. Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, et al.
After almost 50 years of constantly upgrading my system and speakers especially, I am off the merry-go-round for good.
I currently have two systems with two pair of Tetra speakers-the $1500 entry level 120Us and the $16k Phoenix TZs. Of course, the Phoenix have a more complete and fuller sound but they both have the Tetra house sound. They sound right. They grab you with truth unlike any other speaker I have ever heard. Tetra sells direct and can fix you up with one of their bookshelves. I was absolutely convinced by the comments on their website and am, obviously, thrilled and no longer tempted by any other speaker. Other than a Tetra, I lived with Quad 57s for 10 Years. I still miss the Quads but will never listen to anything but a Tetra.

I'm not going to offer a specific recommendation, but I am going to offer a word of experience in moving in the direction of monitors.  I owned Maggies for years, starting with SMGA's, moving to 1.6 QR's, and finally to 3.7Rs.   I bought a pair of Coincident Triumph Extreme II monitors to use in a second system, and I was floored by how they stacked up against the 3.7Rs.  While the monitors couldn't match the true ribbons in the 3.7Rs, they were as good or better in most other respects, even giving better and lower bass response than the 3.7's in my room.   I've since gone to boxes in both of my systems, and at least in my main rig, I get much better imaging etc than I ever got in multiple rooms using Maggies, and I had considerable placement  latitude for optimally positioning the Maggies.  As always with speakers, audition!  If I were in your position, I'd take a hard look at what Fritz has to offer.  He has got a lot of satisfied customers. 

I really do appreciate all the great recommendations you guys are giving me. If anyone else has any other suggestion, please share with me so I can make the proper switch or stick with the Magnepan product line by next week. Stay Safe & God Bless.

+1 with @johnto and others who suggest replacing Maggies with Maggies.  No other speaker reproduces music as accurately as Maggies, IMO.

The limitations you note are evidently size.  Move them when you are not listening, or go with the smaller Maggies.

You will be glad you did in a year or so, I am sure.  Listening fatigue is NOT a pretty thing, and box speakers give you that, unfortunately.

Cheers!

What in the new space would prohibit the use of our 1.7i, is there any way you could move them against the wall when not listening. Although the LRS is touted as a great speaker will it really save that much space. I would try to stay with what I love. You'll really have to get out there and listen if a change is indeed needed.

Check into Watkins Stereo Gen 4s, the best bookshelf type speaker I've ever listen to. I think they are 2500 so it's well within your price range. 

Unfortunately, no dynamic driver in a box type speaker is going to come close, not even a Wilson or Magico. It is Apples and Oranges. Your sound stage will be smaller and you will suffer from more room interaction. In terms or transient response you might try looking at a small horn loaded speaker like the Klipsch Heresy. On the good side they are very efficient so, if you were driving the Maggies to adequate levels you will blow the roof off with the Heresy's. They also have beautiful walnut cabinets so I am sure the wife will approve. 

Maybe a pair of Tekton Impacts.
I own the double impacts and Jazz, especially horns, sound fantastic on their patented 7 tweeter array

A pair of Lii Crystal 10 (10 inch diameter) full range speakers ($1000 a pair plus shipping from China)......Make a tall foot wide cabinet and mount them towards the top.....will blow your mind.  Something like 99db sensitivity.  Do a search....everyone seems to love them.

Fritz.  I own the Carrera Be's which suit me but he has other models that may suit your preferences better.  Call him and talk.

Thiel Audio CS 2.4 loudspeaker.

Happy Listening!

Ohm for wall of sound.

+1 Fritz Carbon 7. Amazing with jazz, vocals. Articulate soundstage, fluid mids  and highs, and a taut, respectable bottom end. String bass, horns, vocals sound lively but natural. They are bookshelves and not Maggies, but I close my eyes and feel like I’m in the room. 

Find a used pair of DCM TimeFrames; higher numbered versions are better. You’ll be amazed at their transparency and expansive soundstage. 

I second above.. Maggie LRS.
Or Bruchards 400s. Good luck with your quest!

Second the Fritz Carbon 7 series. I would ask anyone here to tell me they have heard a better quality sounding bookshelf speaker for under 3 grand, made and serviced by a master craftsman.

I like the idea of getting the Maggie LRS and a couple of subwoofers. Also the Magico A1s and two subs would also be good, if you have to have small main speakers. If you can do a pair or towers that would open up a whole can of worms and other recommendations. 

My first actual audiophile system included the Magneplanar Tympany 1Bs. Loved those speakers, but had to sell due to space limitations as well. Went through a number of iterations and finally settled on the Dunlavy lineup. Some of the speakers are huge, but the Signature 1s are bookshelf size and match up well with some of the newer sub manufacturers such as SVS. Dunlavy closed shop a couple of decades ago, but the brand still enjoys a loyal following. 

Get the new Maggie LRS and sub. You'll spend less than $3500 and keep that Maggie sound.

I owned Magnepan 1.7’s I sold them and purchased a pair of PMC Twenty Five 23’s. I have been very happy with the replacement. 

Otherwise it will seem slow and not as lively as your Maggies

Your future speaker choice has to have a ribbon or AMT driver as your tweeter, Many options available including Monitor Audio Gold series, Golden Ear.....

I would take a look at a used pair of Revel Ultima Gem speakers. These were Revel's first product. I owned a pair for many years and regret selling them. They don't play super deep without a sub, but produce the clean, clear, natural sound that Revel has become famous for. Excellent imaging and soundstage. The Gems include a rear-firing tweeter that adds some of the openness that you're used to with your Maggies. There is currently a pair for sale on Ebay for $2200. 

+1 Fritz.

Also consider Martin Logans.  They won't have the tonal purity of the Fritz, but they may give you that wall of sound, especially the height.

+1 for Vandy VLR's, with the Sub 3 subwoofer, you'd have a killer system.
I heard that pair with the Belles Aria Integrated, and it really sounded great. I own the VLR's for my office and find them very enjoyable. I also like Maggies, but, like you, don't have room. So, Vandy to the rescue!
Bob

I’ve been really enjoying the Fritz Carrera BE’s lately.  Nice organic, warm sound with great detail and transparency.  They sound fabulous with Jazz!
Fritz would more than likely be happy to let you demo a pair for awhile.  Give him a call or e-mail and he’ll get back with you in a day or two.

I replaced my Quad 57’s with Bache Audio Tribeca speakers and couldn’t be happier. Those are above your budget but I believe they are going to introduce a new smaller tower. 
My Tribeca’s have a wide open sound that’s coherent and holographic and just plain fun to listen too. The combination of a wide band driver and a very simple crossover is special.

My budget is limited to $3500. Thank you!