To refurbish Peter Gunn modded Maggie's or not?

Before you do anything, consider watching this video by Steve Guttenberg:

 https://youtu.be/Uc5O5T1UHkE?si=a1FVGht-hvRs4tXW

There are a lot of nice speakers out there in the $2000 to $3000 range (used).  That said, if you are happy with the Magnepans, I'd look for something on the used market rather than try and repair the 1.6's, especially if they had been modded.  (Just curious, did Magnepan say they are ok with rebuilding a modded set?)  For example, right now there is an original set of 1.7's on US Audio Mart for $1150.  I've seen 3.6's for under $3500 and 3.7's for under $4500 used.  

... just my 5 cents worth

- Jeff

I wonder how difficult it would be to transfer over the mods from the gunned ones to another set of 1.6’s? If you could find some 1.6’s in good shape. Definitely would be less expensive than repairing those. The crossover mods wouldn’t be that hard, but I am not sure how John fastened the hardwood over the 1.6 panels- if it is screws without glue shouldn’t be that hard to remove the hardwood frame.

Of course the same thing could happen in a few years. Such a shame to see that good wood and workmanship go to waste though.

If I was trying to convince you to do it I would say If you love them, and you get another 10 years out of them, that is just $23 a month at a maximum.

I’ve seen 3.6’s for under $3500

Some on Audiomart for $1600- $2300 right now, but based on what I have read over the years it is my belief the gunned 1.6’s may be preferred over the stock 3.6’s, especially if the room is small.

But yeah, after watching the video above there are other options, and check out the LRS+  for half the price of the repair. 

Move on and forward. The 1.7x retails for $5k much better/safer investment than repairs or buying used.

@andrew-benn, assuming you've been pleased with your Gunned 1.6s I'd suggest you have two options.  But that $1.7 to 2.6K repair from Magnepan is not one of them.

First, you say "what seems to be splits in the mylar".  That is not definitive but should be verified by visual inspection.  That should be easy since PG didn't cover the back of the panels.  If the mylar is good and you only have the dreaded wire delamination, repairing that is your answer.

If the mylar has in fact split I'm not aware of any repair for that, so replacement would be your only choice.  I don't know how easy to find but it would be much cheaper to buy another pair of undamaged 1.6s and replace the panels into your frames and with your crossovers..

If not prepared to do that work yourself then simply replacing the entire speaker system seems best.  I like bdp24's suggestion for an ET  model.

I would also suggest going to PG's website (still up I believe) and reread his comments on newer Maggie models.  I understand they are loved by many people, but the PG mods are a different direction so if you loved those consider the newer models may sound quite different.

Thanks to everyone for your for the help with this question.  And if any more want to comment, please jump in.

Bdp24, Great video.  That is very tempting.  And he mentions there are 5 brick and mortar stores you can visit for a listen.  I'm close t the SFO bay area so will see if any are close.  Thanks for this.

Jeffbij,   Yes, Magnepan was ok modding these particular "Gunn" modded speakers.

mclinnguy,  The 1.6 panels look to be removable from the wood surround such that any other 1.6 could be installed.  All the electronics are in a ~12"x8"x6" box that sits on the base of the stand, behind the panel so are completely separate from the speaker itself.

dayglow,  ...yes, I'm thinking on that.  Turns out for me anyway that leaving these gorgeous speakers behind with their high end aspects is proving difficult.  From a $ aspect and just the whole "throw it away vs repair it" aspect.  My "set point" is to repair and not throw away, especially with something like this.  I'm a bit stuck.

pryso, yes, the mylar is definitely split.  As you mention the back of the speakers are open and easy to see and you can get your eyeballs right up to the damaged area of mylar.  And on mylar repair, some amount of damage can be repaired.  PG used to do some of this and in talking with Magnepan, they also --depending on the extent of the damage-- will patch the mylar split(s) instead of replacing the whole mylar sheet.  --My initial idea when approaching Magnepan for repair was, "...these are old speakers to begin with and even if a spot repair was done for the mylar and wires, I'd perhaps encounter other age related issues going forward so get new mylar and wires attached via the new adhesives they're using and I'd have some future proofing."  I just didn't realize the high cost of repair.  And on PG's website, it's been down for a while but I know exactly what you're referring to when you mention to, "reread his comments on newer Maggie models."    PG perceived a whole list of issues with the newer models to the extent some of them he'd refuse to mod.

Sorry to learn PG's site is down.  I saved a link to it but of course that is worthless now.  Seems like I opened it about a month ago.

Anyway, since your mylar is split then possibly worth trying one of the repairs on that first.  If not successful then I'd look for replacement panels to install in Peter's frames.

Whatever path, good luck and report any successes.