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To refurbish Peter Gunn modded Maggie's or not?

Hi,


I've got a pair of Maggie's (1.6's) that the late "Peter Gunn" aka John Cruczek modded for me in 2016.


They're in need of some amount of repair.  They sound good  ...but there are multiple wires loose and more worrisome to me, what seems like some significant splits in the mylar.


I know Magnepan has repair kits but with the loose wires I see and the mylar and the general age of the speaker, I thought it was too much for me and sought a estimate from Magnepan.
The estimate was $1900-$2700 with it more likely being on the higher end given the condition of the mylar and the likelihood they need to install new mylar (I sent them photos).

So the question is one of economics.  I like these speakers and have had them for a while but does it make sense to refurbish them for $2700 or would that money be better spent on something new?
--And that is a question I truly can't answer as I've not been following whatsoever recent advances/offerings in the speaker department.

Any opinions on this?


Thanks!
 

andrew-benn
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
10,085 posts
 

 

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

 

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

 

jeffbij
114 posts
 

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

mclinnguy's avatar
mclinnguy
740 posts
 

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. 

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