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Question on testing a used Magnepan 2.6R

Hello!

I will be auditioning a used Magnepan 2.6R next week in my endeavor to put together 1st my hi-fi system.

I am planning to go for a new pair of MG 1.6QR after listening to them. However, a used 2.6R came along and I understand from many forumers here that the 2.6R represents great value in the used market if a pair can be found in good condition.

My question is, how will I be able to test the 2.6R to see if they are in good condition or if the parts (esp. the tweeter ribbon) have been worn out? I trust the speakers would still work even if the ribbons are worn. The 2.6R is probably more than 10 years old.

I live outside the US, hence sending them back to the factory for refurbishment may not be possible and I doubt the owner of the 2.6R have kept the original box or the ribbon protective cover after all these years.

Is there any way of sighting modifications or replacements of the ribbons? Anything else I should be looking out/listening for?

Truth be told, I don't know what the 2.6R looks like since I can't seem to find any pix of it in the internet. I would appreciate it if someone post a picture of it.
strooper
strooper OP
9 posts
 
I forgot... many thanks in advance!
photon46
1,082 posts
 
Strooper, it's hard to give you an exact answers to your questions. If you are handy with tools and repairing things, it is possible for a Maggie owner to make their own repairs to a delaminated speaker panel. This is the most likely encountered repair that older Maggies might need. The only other thing to watch for is a fried ribbon from being overdriven with an under powered and clipping amp. There's no hard and fast time frame for whether panels develop problems with delamination. If you are handy and the panels need regluing, there are detailed instructions on the Maggie owners' forum for repairing them. If you are not willing to undertake this fairly major disassembly and repair in the event of problems, I'd be cautious about buying Maggies this old if I couldn't send them back to the factory. The 1.6's would be a safer purchase. That said, I owned a set of SMG's for over 10 years with no trace of a problem.
strooper OP
9 posts
 
Photon46, thank you very much for your reply. Yes, it is also my feeling to be safe and to go with a new pair of 1.6QR.

However, I believe it is only right to give the 2.6R (despite its age) a fair listening before making up my mind.

The problem is I do not have enough listening experience to know how to detect a worn out (or a fried) true ribbon due to underpowered amp clipping and therefore, seeking some input on this aspect. I understand the quasi-ribbons are quite robust, hence, I'm not too worried about that.

Any tips, anyone? Thanks!
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