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Opinions on Magnepans sales/marketing approach to

Is anyone else somewhat frustrated at the inability to audition the 20.7s except at a very very few locations in the country? The fly to MN to hear does not really appeal to me either because let's be real, an hour listening to decide on 14K speakers in a strange system is simply not enough and in MN they do not do a side by side with the 3.7s to allow auditioning both through same electronics any way.

I recently purchased Maggie 3.7s with the option to upgrade to 20.7s within 6 months . The 3.7s to my ear are a cut above the 3.6s when it comes to sounding like a single cohesive speaker versus the ribbon tweeter always drawing some attention to itself.

Problem is how do you tell if upgrade from 3.7 to 20.7 is worth it if the dealers do not have them on floor? The best would be to audition in you home on your equipment but at least if the dealers had both you could audition where the only variable is the speaker.

I have spoken wo Wendell about it and there is 1 dealer who Boston who will let you try and return but that is virtually an isolated approach..one which I applaud. Of course they have to really qualify the buyer but again, if you have 3.7s and want to upgrade, Magnepan and most dealers expect you to "buy on faith or reviews" which in my mind, in today's economy, is simply ridiculous. While I am sure some have bought them "blind", the argument that the 20.1s were better than the 3.6s so imagine how much better the 20.7s are the the 3.7s will not make me pull the trigger.

Long winded way of asking about others experience and opinion of how Magnepan and dealers are handling the 20.7s

MikeH
mn2hifi

Showing 1 response by bifwynne

bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
In a way, I think that the comments posted above apply to much of hi-end equipment purchasing experiences.

When I was a kid, a buddy and I used to hang out at a local super high-end retailer to listen to the latest and greatest gear coming out. Being just kids, most of the time we just listened and gawked because we didn't have the dough to buy.

Today, there aren't that many high end retailers around and certainly the breadth of equipment selections no where approaches the many fine brands on the market. And as I have said on other threads, I am uncomfortable hanging out at the few brick and mortar shops still around unless I am ready to make a purchase. I think it is inconsiderate to take up a saleperson 's time unless I am a serious buyer.

So what is one to do?? We're kinda stuck with relying on reviews and comments from other A'gon members. Also, a lot of my gear is made by old line companies who have excellent reputations like ARC and VPI.

Welcome to the modern web based IT economy.

Just my opinion.
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