AudioCircle

Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Planar Circle => Topic started by: Saturn94 on 21 Jul 2019, 04:04 am

Title: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Saturn94 on 21 Jul 2019, 04:04 am
I’d like to try Maggies in my room/system.  The main issue I have is the limited space I can give behind them (3ft MAX, puts them 7ft to the main listening position).  There’s no local dealer, so the only option for an in home audition, without buying then potentially having to sell (don’t want to go there), is the LRS.  I’m told they should give me a good idea if Maggies will work in my room.  If it turns out 3ft works well in my room, then I’d consider taking advantage of Magnepan’s upgrade program for the 1.7i.

So, now I have to decide which fabric and trim to get.  :scratch:  Fabric choices are black, gray or off-white, and trim choices are dark cherry, natural oak, or black painted oak.  I pretty much decided on dark cherry trim (matches my sub), but which fabric?

Anyone have pics of the different fabrics on th LRS?  If I keep them past the trade in period (1yr), then decide to sell, is there a color that sells better?

Suggestions?

Thanks.  :thumb:


Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: I.Greyhound Fan on 21 Jul 2019, 12:07 pm
3 feet from the front wall is plenty of room.  Play around with positioning, even 1/2" can make a huge difference.

I am partial to the black fabric.  My 1.6's are black with the cherry wood trim.  White would be fine if you have a white themed room.
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: guest61169 on 21 Jul 2019, 12:57 pm
I would go for the off-white (personal preference) if you like wood frames, provided you have the discipline to wear some gloves (latex?) when you re-position them, to avoid marking them up with dirty hands.   Not sure what kind of sub you have or whether it will be suitable for Maggies.  If not, you could consider other frame materials like oak, etc.  If you are tight for room, the 1.7s may not be something to aspire to.
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Doublej on 21 Jul 2019, 12:58 pm
To me yes fabric color could be a determining factor in buying used or new. IMHO you can't go wrong with cherry trim and black fabric. The other fabrics are may have greater appeal but to a smaller group of potential buyers.
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Elizabeth on 21 Jul 2019, 01:23 pm
I own Magnepan 20.7s, new last year. Before that 3.6 Maggies.
Mine are natural oak with the off white fabric. Both the 3.6 and 20.7
My dealer told me (when I asked him to sell my 3.6 on consignment, that the most popular and easiest to sell is the white fabric, any trim)

The most dramatic look is the Cherry trim with the dark grey fabric. Stunning.

But the dark color makes them look heavier, and more imposing. I chose white because I want them to look light. And plus then they look way way less like the monoliths in 2001 Space Odyssey.
To me the black just sticks out screaming look at me look at me.. And since there is nothing to actually look at.. they just fail to be attractive.. in black.
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Saturn94 on 21 Jul 2019, 02:54 pm
Forgot to post a room pic for reference....

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=196801)
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Saturn94 on 21 Jul 2019, 03:15 pm
3 feet from the front wall is plenty of room.  Play around with positioning, even 1/2" can make a huge difference.

I am partial to the black fabric.  My 1.6's are black with the cherry wood trim.  White would be fine if you have a white themed room.

Thanks.   :D

I would go for the off-white (personal preference) if you like wood frames, provided you have the discipline to wear some gloves (latex?) when you re-position them, to avoid marking them up with dirty hands.   Not sure what kind of sub you have or whether it will be suitable for Maggies.  If not, you could consider other frame materials like oak, etc.  If you are tight for room, the 1.7s may not be something to aspire to.

I didn’t think about the off white getting dirty....good point!  I wonder if white would be too bland?

Sub is a Power Sound Audio Triax (sealed design) in cordovian cherry (beautiful!).

I have heard the .7 and liked it, so that may be an option.  However, it doesn’t qualify for the LRS upgrade program (must be 1.7i or higher), so I would have to sell the LRS myself.

To me yes fabric color could be a determining factor in buying used or new. IMHO you can't go wrong with cherry trim and black fabric. The other fabrics are may have greater appeal but to a smaller group of potential buyers.

I was thinking the same.  :)

I own Magnepan 20.7s, new last year. Before that 3.6 Maggies.
Mine are natural oak with the off white fabric. Both the 3.6 and 20.7
My dealer told me (when I asked him to sell my 3.6 on consignment, that the most popular and easiest to sell is the white fabric, any trim)

The most dramatic look is the Cherry trim with the dark grey fabric. Stunning.

But the dark color makes them look heavier, and more imposing. I chose white because I want them to look light. And plus then they look way way less like the monoliths in 2001 Space Odyssey.
To me the black just sticks out screaming look at me look at me.. And since there is nothing to actually look at.. they just fail to be attractive.. in black.

I can see how black, especially with the larger models, could look like monoliths looming over you unless in a big room.  I don’t think the LRS would have this effect so much though being a smaller panel?

I would love to see a good pic of the LRS in grey/cherry.

I realize color choice is such a personal preference.  Still, I appreciate everyone’s input.  Some points have been brought up I didn’t think about.  :thumb:

Pics would be great if anyone doesn’t mind posting them.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Saturn94 on 21 Jul 2019, 03:25 pm
Just thought of something.....

Years ago when the 1.7 first came out I heard a pair at a dealer.  They were black with aluminum (silver) trim.

One thing I didn’t care for much was the visibility of the driver through the fabric.  Do some fabric colors obscure the visibility of the driver better than others?
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Letitroll98 on 21 Jul 2019, 03:31 pm
I agree with Elizabeth, off white with natural oak trim is definitely the most domestic friendly.  And I agree with her that grey with cherry trim is the most dramatic, and may go best with your decor.  I hate the black with a passion, that would be a deal breaker on any Maggie I might consider, they look like a mistake was made.  The only exception would be for a home theater set up, but Maggie's are rarely chosen for strictly home theater application.  Best of luck with whatever you decide.
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: RDavidson on 21 Jul 2019, 04:27 pm
I agree with Elizabeth also. The dark gray fabric is best with any wood choice. Gray is more neutral and visually much less "harsh" than having big black panels in a living environment. Gray fabrick is also durable (easy to keep clean) in comparison to the lighter fabric options. Keep them in great shape and you should have zero problems with resale.
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Elizabeth on 21 Jul 2019, 04:28 pm
I only know about the white and cleaning it.. Big problem cleaning the white.. The fabric has a sort of sheen to it. get water on it?? ruins the sheen. So trying to spot clean? no way.
One plus is the fabric cover can be replaced relatively easily.
I can bet the black and grey are worse for showing spots any cleaning attempts would be made. After owning 3.6 for eight years.. best to just leave whatever is wrong, dirt, whatever. alone! (if you cannot just brush it off, child's  soft toothbrush GENTLY!)
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Wind Chaser on 21 Jul 2019, 04:35 pm
3 feet from the front wall is plenty of room.

Plenty? :o  Having owned Maggies I'd say this is the absolute bare minimum. Try moving them 6' off the front wall, you'll be amazed at the difference this makes. The more room you give them to breath, the more they open up and blossom. I had mine 10' off the front wall, and after a while I tried moving them back 4', no sale! They went back to 10' and stayed there until I sold them. Any speaker will sound better pulled further away from the walls, but with Maggies it is absolutely essential, assuming you want to hear what the speakers are truly capable of. I also suggest treating the front wall so as to diffuse the back wave.
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Saturn94 on 21 Jul 2019, 04:51 pm
Plenty? :o  Having owned Maggies I'd say this is the absolute bare minimum. Try moving them 6' off the front wall, you'll be amazed at the difference this makes. The more room you give them to breath, the more they open up and blossom. I had mine 10' off the front wall, and after a while I tried moving them back 4', no sale! They went back to 10' and stayed there until I sold them. Any speaker will sound better pulled further away from the walls, but with Maggies it is absolutely essential, assuming you want to hear what the speakers are truly capable of. I also suggest treating the front wall so as to diffuse the back wave.


This is exactly the reason I need an in home audition before committing $$$$.  I’ve never had dipoles in this room/system, so I don’t know how well they will do given my placement restrictions.  I’m hoping the LRS will largely answer this question.
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: audiojem on 21 Jul 2019, 05:11 pm
Gray & Cherry LRS For me whenever they arrive.
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Elizabeth on 21 Jul 2019, 05:22 pm
I am sorry the gazillion mile distance required rule is nonsense.  :thumb:
I had 3.6 Maggies from 2010 to 2018, I found a great location, so good I kept notes of exact distances. (I added bass edge 'wings' that oddly made my 3.6 same width as the 20.7) When I got my 20.7s in 2018, I started at that location, and moved them a little here a little there.. The change was very slight. (mainly based on locking in the image with female vocals)
My back wall is 11' 8" wide. The 20.7 are angled in a lot. closest measurement to side wall 18" Tweeter 'in' The outer edge is 58.5" from rear wall(but only 18" from side)  The inner edge is 42" from rear.
(this places the tweeter slightly further away as recommended.
Great sound. perfect location.
I have to say I am just whining due to the 'gospel like' guru-ish claims about the distance required. Like the Magnepan Police will come into your home like some SWAT TEAM and take away your speakers?  :popcorn:

On the other hand if you have a gigantic room.. well yeah that distance might work out....
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Saturn94 on 21 Jul 2019, 05:50 pm
...Like the Magnepan Police will come into your home like some SWAT TEAM and take away your speakers? ...

What an image!  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Saturn94 on 21 Jul 2019, 05:56 pm
Looking at what pics I could find online, I really wish Magnepan still used wider trim on the smaller models like they use to.  Having more trim visible from the front frames them nicely.

I’m beginning to think that trim choice isn’t as important since it’s so thin now.  Can you even see the trim from the front?
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Elizabeth on 21 Jul 2019, 06:12 pm
The wide (actual hardwood) trim on the 3.7i and 20.7 probably adds several HUNDRED DOLLARS to the price. From what I remember asking for Cherry on the 3.7i and 20.7 cost an additional few hundred over the oak.
Just to mention...
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Wind Chaser on 21 Jul 2019, 06:14 pm
There’s no distance rule and are no Magnepan Police, :duh:  ...but some people are fussy while others are easier to please. I’m just saying - based on my experience, preference and standards. This is why it is always best to listen and experiment for ones self. There’s no right or wrong answer, but everyone I know who has the luxury of being able to pull them further out into the room definitely prefers it that way.
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Kurtamus on 21 Jul 2019, 08:15 pm
Hi Elizabeth,

Can you please elaborate a bit on the "bass edge wings" a bit?  This sounds very intriguing.

Thanks, Kurt

I am sorry the gazillion mile distance required rule is nonsense.  :thumb:
I had 3.6 Maggies from 2010 to 2018, I found a great location, so good I kept notes of exact distances. (I added bass edge 'wings' that oddly made my 3.6 same width as the 20.7) When I got my 20.7s in 2018, I started at that location, and moved them a little here a little there.. The change was very slight. (mainly based on locking in the image with female vocals)
My back wall is 11' 8" wide. The 20.7 are angled in a lot. closest measurement to side wall 18" Tweeter 'in' The outer edge is 58.5" from rear wall(but only 18" from side)  The inner edge is 42" from rear.
(this places the tweeter slightly further away as recommended.
Great sound. perfect location.
I have to say I am just whining due to the 'gospel like' guru-ish claims about the distance required. Like the Magnepan Police will come into your home like some SWAT TEAM and take away your speakers?  :popcorn:

On the other hand if you have a gigantic room.. well yeah that distance might work out....
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Elizabeth on 21 Jul 2019, 08:33 pm
When I had Magnepan 3.6 speakers.. about two years in (like 2012? 2013) I added some 7/8's inch thick nominal 1" boards. like 3" wide to the sides AS AN EXPERIMENT. 
All I did was tape the same height from carpet at the top of speaker wood trim with a bit of 'storage packing tape' (which when new is a lot easier to remove, particularly if you fold the very end over like a pull tag) and placed a shorter board against the back to shore it in place.
After that, I took off the Tweeter side extra board.. then after maybe a good couple of months. got boards 6" wide (red oak if you need to know) unfinished.. And just stuck them up against the crook behind the wood trim on only the bass side (Which for me was the outside with  tweeters in). So the six inch board stuck out an additional five inches... Better bass response. Plus it made the 3.6 as wide as the 20.7
I had those ON my 3.6 for at least five years,, just laying there. held up with the bit of packing tape and the half as tall board (like three inches wide) wedged to press against the back of the 'addition'. (I am lazy. it worked fine. so why bother doing more?)
Worked well. I was happy.
I have no need of more bass on my 20.7
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: kmmd on 21 Jul 2019, 09:55 pm
As an FYI, Magnepan does sell replacement fabric.  I changed the ones on my cherry wood 3.6's.  I may explore the gray fabric option, but my 1.6's, 10's and CC3 are all black.
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Saturn94 on 21 Jul 2019, 10:00 pm
As an FYI, Magnepan does sell replacement fabric.  I changed the ones on my cherry wood 3.6's.  I may explore the gray fabric option, but my 1.6's, 10's and CC3 are all black.

How difficult was it to change?
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: kmmd on 21 Jul 2019, 10:12 pm
How difficult was it to change?

For the 3.6's. the fabric came with the plastic inserts glued to it. They came in two pieces, one for the ribbon tweeter and the other for the bass panel.  Removal is easy, but you really have to be careful stretching the fabric and inserting the plastic strips.  The edges were very difficult.  Oops I meant corners
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Early B. on 21 Jul 2019, 10:13 pm
...but everyone I know who has the luxury of being able to pull them further out into the room definitely prefers it that way.

Yep. Maggies belong in a larger room to sound their best. If you don't have sufficient space, consider another speaker. That's like buying a Lamborghini and driving it under the speed limit -- you'll never know how much fun it can be.
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Elizabeth on 21 Jul 2019, 11:06 pm
According to the person above... I can't even own the 20.7s ""gee your room is too small. you cannot possibly get anything out of them so give up sell them and buy BOSE.""( sic)
Call him the magiieNazi calling out: No Maggies For YOU!  :thumb:
So I should go buy SOMETHING ELSE???
Please send me the $75,000 so I can buy the speakers I really want MBL 101E Radialstrahler. If you send the money, you can have my Maggies...  :thumb:
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Saturn94 on 21 Jul 2019, 11:21 pm
I sent an email asking for fabric samples.  You think they’ll send some?

The company I bought my sub from, Power Sound Audio, was happy to send finish samples when I was sub shopping. They even included a travel mug with the samples.  :thumb:  Hopefully, Magnepan will be as accommodating.
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: SteveFord on 21 Jul 2019, 11:48 pm
Let me know when you put the 20.7s up for sale.
I hear that Bose Wave Radio is really quite something.
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: I.Greyhound Fan on 22 Jul 2019, 12:07 am
Elizabeth, I totally agree with you about placement.  I have mine 3' from the back wall and tried them at 4' in my 17x17 room with 9 foot ceilings and the improvement in sound was minimal.  While I have no doubt that Maggies will sound even better further out, at 3' mine sound fantastic.  They blew away a pair of spatial audio M3's and a pair of PSB T3's that I purchased.  Still have the 1.6's and the T3's are being sold.
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: jhm731 on 22 Jul 2019, 12:39 am
LRS Review:

https://www.stereophile.com/content/magnepan-lrs-loudspeaker-0
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: timind on 22 Jul 2019, 01:13 am
I had a pair of MG12Qrs in the white fabric with dark cherry rails and thought they looked awesome. As for replacing the fabric, I replaced the fabric on a pair of 1.6s. What a pain it was; never seen so many staples. The fabric I used was speaker grill cloth purchased from parts express.
This is with new fabric:

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=194816)
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Saturn94 on 22 Jul 2019, 03:09 am
LRS Review:

https://www.stereophile.com/content/magnepan-lrs-loudspeaker-0

Thanks for the link.  I just read that earlier today. 👍

I had a pair of MG12Qrs in the white fabric with dark cherry rails and thought they looked awesome. As for replacing the fabric, I replaced the fabric on a pair of 1.6s. What a pain it was; never seen so many staples. The fabric I used was speaker grill cloth purchased from parts express.
This is with new fabric:

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=194816)


Thanks for the pic. :D
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Wind Chaser on 22 Jul 2019, 08:31 am
I guess it just bugs the hell out of me that folks say you cant do have be whatever, because THEY decided it has to be so.

:o :scratch:

Any speaker will sound better when pulled out further into the room, but with Maggies it is absolutely essential, assuming you want to hear what they are truly capable of. If not, why bother running them with high end electronics?

Quote
And did you OWN them in a small room...

Yes, two different models in two different rooms. In addition to that I’ve heard numerous models in numerous rooms of various shapes and sizes. The bottomline is bigger rooms have more potential than smaller rooms, and Maggies like all other speakers sound better when positioned further out into the room away from the walls.






Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: rollo on 22 Jul 2019, 01:58 pm
:o :scratch:

Any speaker will sound better when pulled out further into the room, but with Maggies it is absolutely essential, assuming you want to hear what they are truly capable of. If not, why bother running them with high end electronics?

Yes, two different models in two different rooms. In addition to that I’ve heard numerous models in numerous rooms of various shapes and sizes. The bottomline is bigger rooms have more potential than smaller rooms, and Maggies like all other speakers sound better when positioned further out into the room away from the walls.



One can put them in any room if they so desire. However as stated correctly WILL perform so much better in proper sized room. We are offering suggestions not dictating Maggie Law.
Set up is critical with Maggies for Optimum performance. If one is happy with getting what they get so be it. I think we are ALL trying to help from experience.
So take all with a grain of salt and enjoy your decisions.

charles
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Wind Chaser on 22 Jul 2019, 04:41 pm
One can put them in any room if they so desire. However as stated correctly WILL perform so much better in proper sized room. We are offering suggestions not dictating Maggie Law.
Set up is critical with Maggies for Optimum performance. If one is happy with getting what they get so be it.

I have a buddy who was a Maggie dealer and when we delivered them to the customer we'd set them up according to their wishes, which all too often was far from ideal. But we always made a point of mentioning that they will sound better further away from the walls and that they are easy to move. However despite our passion for sound quality, some people seemed more interested in decor.  :|
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Wind Chaser on 22 Jul 2019, 04:49 pm
Elizabeth, I totally agree with you about placement.  I have mine 3' from the back wall and tried them at 4' in my 17x17 room with 9 foot ceilings and the improvement in sound was minimal.

Okay, 12 inches didn't make much of a difference, but only a few hours earlier you said...
 
"Play around with positioning, even 1/2" can make a huge difference."  :slap:
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Elizabeth on 22 Jul 2019, 04:55 pm
Okay, 12 inches didn't make much of a difference, but only a few hours earlier you said...
 
"Play around with positioning, even 1/2" can make a huge difference."

Both can be true. If you actually experiment enough, moving them a foot can do nothing. But later on... moving them even a half an inch can be amazing. Been there done that.
No problem with both statements, if you have do it. Maybe a problem if all you do is imagine it.
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Saturn94 on 22 Jul 2019, 11:27 pm
Maybe start another thread to debate Maggie placement?

This thread is about cosmetics, not placement.
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Wind Chaser on 23 Jul 2019, 12:47 am
I’d like to try Maggies in my room/system.  The main issue I have is the limited space I can give behind them (3ft MAX, puts them 7ft to the main listening position).

You have conflicting opinions about the main issue as stated above. As for the secondary issue of cosmetics, that is only something you can decide.  :dunno:
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Saturn94 on 23 Jul 2019, 03:24 am
You have conflicting opinions about the main issue as stated above. As for the secondary issue of cosmetics, that is only something you can decide.  :dunno:

I only mentioned the placement restrictions to explain the primary reason I’m trying the LRS (Maggie appetizer) since I’ve read conflicting opinions about placement (just like debated in this thread).

My intent with this thread was to get others’ opinions, and hopefully pics, on fabric/trim choice.  Perhaps I didn’t communicate that clearly, or clouded the intent with the mention of placement restrictions.  Not that the placement discussion isn’t interesting, but it’s not the intended focus of this thread

Of course ultimately it’s my decision.  It is helpful though to get other’s opinions.  :D

Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: I.Greyhound Fan on 23 Jul 2019, 03:07 pm
Okay, 12 inches didn't make much of a difference, but only a few hours earlier you said...
 
"Play around with positioning, even 1/2" can make a huge difference."  :slap:

My point is that once you have a good sounding position, try moving them in small increments forward, backward, sideways and toe in.  If you are that familiar with Maggies, you should know what I am talking about instead of trying to belittle me because you don't agree with me.

In regard to my 12" comment, I meant that for me in my room, moving them out another 12" from the front wall, the sound did not dramatically improve. YMMV 8)
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: avta on 23 Jul 2019, 04:29 pm
Here’s a casual picture of one of my LRS’s. It’s got black fabric and oak wood.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=196910)
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Saturn94 on 23 Jul 2019, 11:39 pm
Here’s a casual picture of one of my LRS’s. It’s got black fabric and oak wood.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=196910)

Thanks!  :thumb:

Is the thin side trim visible from the front?  Or just at an angle?  How visible is the driver panel through the black cloth?

Thanks again.  :D

Keep the pics coming, people!  :thumb:
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: avta on 23 Jul 2019, 11:46 pm
The trim is visible from the front. I cannot see anything through the grill cloth.
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Saturn94 on 23 Jul 2019, 11:47 pm
The trim is visible from the front. I cannot see anything through the grill cloth.

Thanks.  :D
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Saturn94 on 23 Jul 2019, 11:52 pm
I’m trying to picture what the LRS will look like in my room.  Picturing the off white, it just seems like they’d look odd.  I’m leaning towards either black or grey with dark cherry trim (pretty much decided on the dark cherry trim).  Grey is intriguing, but there’s something attractive about sound coming from black space (my favorite listening environment is a really dark room.

I really hope Magnepan will send samples so I can see the grey in person (they haven’t responded to my email request yet  :( ).
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: SteveFord on 23 Jul 2019, 11:58 pm
My Gallery shows black and off white, I'd imagine the other one looks like sweatshirt color.
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Saturn94 on 24 Jul 2019, 12:07 am
My Gallery shows black and off white, I'd imagine the other one looks like sweatshirt color.

Thanks. :D

Yeah, I think off white is out.  It looks good on the higher models with the wide side trim and trim between the tweeter/mid, woofer.  But without that, it just looks odd to me.

Grey can go either way with me.  Dark enough would look sophisticated, too light would be blah.  Really need those samples!  :thumb:  Pics on the internet are so varied.  :(

I know for some cosmetics are a secondary issue, but I want something that looks and sounds great!  :thumb:
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Saturn94 on 30 Jul 2019, 04:29 pm
LRS ordered!  Black fabric, dark cherry trim.

Estimated delivery time is 6-8 weeks.

I greatly appreciate everyone’s input helping me.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Saturn94 on 4 Oct 2019, 12:52 am
My LRS shipped today!  :thumb:
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Elizabeth on 4 Oct 2019, 01:12 am
My LRS shipped today!  :thumb:
CONGRATULATIONS !!!!!  :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: I.Greyhound Fan on 4 Oct 2019, 02:27 am
My LRS shipped today!  :thumb:

Congrats, let us know how they sound.  They need at least 75 hours of break in.  Don't get alarmed at how they sound the first 20 hours or so.  What amp will you be using?

Larry
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: rollo on 4 Oct 2019, 05:41 pm
  Good for you Man.


charles
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Saturn94 on 4 Oct 2019, 11:01 pm
Congrats, let us know how they sound.  They need at least 75 hours of break in.  Don't get alarmed at how they sound the first 20 hours or so.  What amp will you be using?

Larry

Thanks for the advice. :)

My amp is a Parasound Classic 5250 (250 wpc @ 8 ohms, 385 wpc @ 4 ohms, 45 amps peak per channel).
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: I.Greyhound Fan on 6 Oct 2019, 11:57 pm
Thanks for the advice. :)

My amp is a Parasound Classic 5250 (250 wpc @ 8 ohms, 385 wpc @ 4 ohms, 45 amps peak per channel).

They should sound great!
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: johnto on 8 Oct 2019, 01:26 pm
Congrats welcome to great sound.
On color I had 1.7 in off white with silver and they looked much larger than the 1.7i in black with cherry I later purchased.
Same with 3.7i my black with black appear smaller than the same speaker with cherry trim.
Colors create allusions.
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Saturn94 on 8 Oct 2019, 02:55 pm
Congrats welcome to great sound.
On color I had 1.7 in off white with silver and they looked much larger than the 1.7i in black with cherry I later purchased.
Same with 3.7i my black with black appear smaller than the same speaker with cherry trim.
Colors create allusions.

Very interesting.  I hadn’t considered that aspect of color choice.

Hopefully, I can post a pic later today.....waiting for UPS to deliver.......
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: johnto on 8 Oct 2019, 05:14 pm
Exciting day . Besides speaker placement you'll notice moving your listening chair a few feet closer or away from the speakers will also make a difference in sound.
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Saturn94 on 9 Oct 2019, 12:35 am

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=199494)

They’re here!

First the bad news.  I first thought they had the wrong trim color;  I ordered dark cherry and the trim looks black.  In the sunlight you can see the reddish cherry color, so I guess it’s the correct trim.  It’s certainly FAR darker than it looks on the website and any pictures I’ve seen.  Disappointing. :(

The good news, damn these things sound good!  :thumb:  Acoustic instruments and voices are gorgeous!  No problem with Pop, Rock, etc either.  They play plenty loud.  Greyhound had me worried they wouldn’t sound so good out of the box.  And they’re gonna get better?  Sweet!

I started by setting them up using the enclosed instructions as a guide; ~3ft from the front wall (the max I can do), tweeters outside, ~ 4.5ft apart (instructions say 60% of sitting distance; I sit at 7ft).  Set up like this the soundstage was small and flat, ugh!  My other speakers did well spread pretty far apart, so I spread the LRS 6ft apart (inner edge to inner edge).  MUCH better!!

Running them full range, I was surprised by the bass they were putting out for small panels.  I wasn’t expecting that.  I guess they like my room.  With most music they were certainly satisfying without a sub.  Speaking of a sub, with some crossover and level tweaking they play real nice with my sub.

My amp seems to have no issues driving them. 

These things are a steal for the price!


Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: I.Greyhound Fan on 9 Oct 2019, 01:18 am
Congrats!  I didn't mean to worry you about breakin.  They will get better with 75 hours.   Try different  positioning, even moving 1 or 2 inches.  Place tape on the floor so you can remember which positions sound good.  I found that mine sound better at about 7' apart.  If you integrate a sub, try running the Mags at full range.  Maggie bass is tight and musical.  However, YMMV.

By the way, the cherry trim is variable.  It could be light or dark.

Enjoy!

Larry
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Saturn94 on 9 Oct 2019, 01:37 am
Congrats!  I didn't mean to worry you about breakin.  They will get better with 75 hours.   Try different  positioning, even moving 1 or 2 inches.  Place tape on the floor so you can remember which positions sound good.  I found that mine sound better at about 7' apart.  If you integrate a sub, try running the Mags at full range.  Maggie bass is tight and musical.  However, YMMV.

By the way, the cherry trim is variable.  It could be light or dark.

Enjoy!

Larry

Thanks. :)

I’ve been playing around with positioning a bit today.  I settled on ~3ft from the front wall, 6ft apart, 7ft to the LP, tweeters to the outside, toed in a few inches (tweeters further from LP than the mid/bass driver per Magnepan instructions).  I haven’t tried further apart, or tweeters to the inside yet.  That’ll be another day.  Oh, and I do have tape handy.  I remembered that from when I had SMGs in the early 80s.  :thumb:
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: audiojem on 9 Oct 2019, 11:24 am
I went with the grey with cherry sides which is a darker cherry color than we are all used to.
If the white fabric is the same as they use on their later models it actually looks like light silver in my room which is pretty.
I was tired of black fabric.
As far as sound, its fantastic, the deal of the day in audio everyone should own a pair!
Plan on shipping time being longer than quoted unless they have ramped up production in the last month.
I run my with a Pass Labs 30.8
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Saturn94 on 9 Oct 2019, 04:15 pm
I ordered the end of July and delivery time ended up being 10 weeks.

As I mentioned, the cherry trim on mine is extremely dark; might as well be black.

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=199504)
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Doublej on 9 Oct 2019, 04:44 pm
That is the darkest cherry I have ever seen. To my eye there is a distinct dark red to it that black would not have. Looks good but it's definitely not your typical cherry.
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: mr_bill on 9 Oct 2019, 08:22 pm
I went with the grey with cherry sides which is a darker cherry color than we are all used to.
If the white fabric is the same as they use on their later models it actually looks like light silver in my room which is pretty.
I was tired of black fabric.
As far as sound, its fantastic, the deal of the day in audio everyone should own a pair!
Plan on shipping time being longer than quoted unless they have ramped up production in the last month.
I run my with a Pass Labs 30.8

It will be fun to see pics - that is a neat color combination.  Grey/Cherry.  I'd also love to see the white 'light silver' looking color.
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Saturn94 on 9 Oct 2019, 11:10 pm
I emailed Magnepan about the trim.  He said that’s the cherry color they’ve been getting from their supplier, but that other customers have also commented that it is too dark, so they’ve asked their supplier to use a lighter shade.  He said they should be getting the lighter ones soon.  He suggested I contact the production dept to see if I can replace mine myself (I mentioned this issue isn’t worth returning the speakers) with lighter trim.  I’ll send them an email and see what they say.

Anyone ever replace the trim themselves?
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: SteveFord on 9 Oct 2019, 11:26 pm
It looks like just a couple of finishing nails punched into particle board, it shouldn't take much to pull out the old and tap in the new.
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Saturn94 on 11 Oct 2019, 01:58 am
More listening impressions.....

These definitely thrive on well recorded material, and a beefy amp!  My Parasound amp seems a good match.

I’ve read that Maggies can somewhat lack dynamics.  I don’t think they give up much, if anything.  Granted, I’m crossing the LRS over to a sub at 70hz, but this small Maggie still impressed me with dynamic material.  I was very impressed how they handled the track “Death of Titanic” from the Titanic soundtrack.  Even cranked up the sound remained clean.  :thumb:

Well recorded choral music?  Gorgeous!

Madonna’s “Immaculate Collection”, recorded in QSound, was a real treat.  The QSound effects were so much fun!

There are times when they seem a little hot on the top end, depending on the recording.  I might try installing a resistor to see what it does (several were included)  Anyone know how much each resistor attenuates the tweeter?

 



Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: I.Greyhound Fan on 11 Oct 2019, 03:13 am
More listening impressions.....

These definitely thrive on well recorded material, and a beefy amp!  My Parasound amp seems a good match.

I’ve read that Maggies can somewhat lack dynamics.  I don’t think they give up much, if anything.  Granted, I’m crossing the LRS over to a sub at 70hz, but this small Maggie still impressed me with dynamic material.  I was very impressed how they handled the track “Death of Titanic” from the Titanic soundtrack.  Even cranked up the sound remained clean.  :thumb:

Well recorded choral music?  Gorgeous!

Madonna’s “Immaculate Collection”, recorded in QSound, was a real treat.  The QSound effects were so much fun!

There are times when they seem a little hot on the top end, depending on the recording.  I might try installing a resistor to see what it does (several were included)  Anyone know how much each resistor attenuates the tweeter?

I think the 1 ohm resistor attenuates about 3db but it should say in the manual.  Those resistors are crap.  Try a 1 or 1.2ohm Mills or Duelund Resistor.  I use  a Dueland 1.2 ohm.  The 1 ohm did not attenuate enough for my room.

https://www.partsconnexion.com/duelund-cast-graphite-resistors-carbon-w-silver-leads.html

But these Mills also sound great as I own both-

https://www.partsconnexion.com/MILLS-71901.html

The Mills is a little warmer.
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Saturn94 on 11 Oct 2019, 03:37 am
I think the 1 ohm resistor attenuates about 3db but it should say in the manual.  Those resistors are crap.  Try a 1 or 1.2ohm Mills or Duelund Resistor.  I use  a Dueland 1.2 ohm.  The 1 ohm did not attenuate enough for my room.

https://www.partsconnexion.com/duelund-cast-graphite-resistors-carbon-w-silver-leads.html

But these Mills also sound great as I own both-

https://www.partsconnexion.com/MILLS-71901.html

The Mills is a little warmer.

Thanks for the tips and links.

They came with two 1ohm resistors and two 2ohm resistors.  The manual just says, “...These resistors will provide 1 to 4 dB of attenuation...”.   There’s no mention of which resistors to use to achieve what level of desired attenuation.  Are they saying the 1ohm resistor provides 1dB attenuation and the 2ohm resistor provides 4dB attenuation?

Is there a simple way to determine about how much attenuation is sufficient without having to resort to trial and error with a bunch of resistors (could get pricey)?  Maybe play with my pre/pro’s treble control to get a decent idea?

Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: dcbingaman on 11 Oct 2019, 08:10 am
Just got my pair.  Two points: they stunk my basement listening room with a lacquer smell - they must have just been painted before shipping.  Let these babies sit in a well ventilated room for a couple days !  2) This is the closest thing I've heard to a Quad ESL-57 in 40 years.  They are that special.  They are a little light on the bottom end, but work well with a subwoofer - just be sure to cross them ove at about 40-50 Hz.  Any higher screws up their bass which is really quite good.  Once you do this, they have good dynamics with the right amplifier - in my case an Pass Aleph 5.  They need an amp that can put a ton of current into a 3 ohm load.  The Alephs work well with them.

I would venture a guess that a pair of these with a distributed subwoofer system like Audiokinesis SWARM would make the Magnepan 30.7's really superfluous for most listeners in most regular size rooms.  These things provide most of the goodness of the big Maggies with none of the pitfalls, (adverse room interactions, supersize images, etc.).  Magnepan has a real winner with these - I'm keeping mine !
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Saturn94 on 11 Oct 2019, 11:51 am
Mine have a bit of an odor as well.....fresh off the line!  :lol:
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: I.Greyhound Fan on 11 Oct 2019, 04:35 pm
DC, you are right about the subs.  I run dual non ported subs crossed over at about 46hz with my magnepan 1.6's.  I feel that if you crossover too high that you take away part of the sound of the Maggies.  Dual subs are a must if you have the room.
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Saturn94 on 14 Oct 2019, 10:37 pm
I’m finding with some recordings the tweeter level s fine, with others turning the treble down a few dB on the pre/pro does the trick.

So, since a good tweeter level seems to be recording dependent, I think I’ll leave off any resistors for now.
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: I.Greyhound Fan on 15 Oct 2019, 03:44 am
Saturn, the higher the ohms on the resistor the higher the attenuation or more db.
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Saturn94 on 15 Oct 2019, 11:59 am
Saturn, the higher the ohms on the resistor the higher the attenuation or more db.

Thanks. :)
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Saturn94 on 15 Oct 2019, 12:02 pm
I watched Star Trek Into Darkness last night and the LRS had no issues keeping up; sounded great!  They also blended well with my NHT center and surrounds.
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Elizabeth on 15 Oct 2019, 09:01 pm
Just chiming in on resistors...
Yes the 1 ohm will attenuate less than the 2 ohm.
It is worth while to experiment, buying some Mundorf MOX ($1.80) in 1, 1.5 0.68 etc. to find the right level for you. Once you FIND the right level, if you really want to move up, go for that value in a Path Audio resistor. ($25)
Trying the resistors, they may not sound as good as can be, but you can get the idea of attenuation.
Plus it is expected to use a 1 ohm. The baseline in 1 ohm. With no resistor for 'dull' rooms, and 2 ohms for bright rooms.
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Saturn94 on 16 Oct 2019, 12:46 am
Just chiming in on resistors...
Yes the 1 ohm will attenuate less than the 2 ohm.
It is worth while to experiment, buying some Mundorf MOX ($1.80) in 1, 1.5 0.68 etc. to find the right level for you. Once you FIND the right level, if you really want to move up, go for that value in a Path Audio resistor. ($25)
Trying the resistors, they may not sound as good as can be, but you can get the idea of attenuation.
Plus it is expected to use a 1 ohm. The baseline in 1 ohm. With no resistor for 'dull' rooms, and 2 ohms for bright rooms.

Thanks for the tips!  :D
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Saturn94 on 4 Nov 2019, 02:15 am
Coming up on the first month with the LRS....I’m still amazed these things were only $650!  :thumb:

Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: SnowPuppy77 on 2 Feb 2020, 09:49 pm
Coming up on the first month with the LRS....I’m still amazed these things were only $650!  :thumb:

Just read this whole thread due to my curiosity about the Magnepan LRS.  I have a pair on order in black with dark cherry trim.  It is for my 2nd system.  Primarily expected use is acoustic chamber music.  Appreciate all the comments on this thread.
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Saturn94 on 2 Feb 2020, 10:04 pm
Just read this whole thread due to my curiosity about the Magnepan LRS.  I have a pair on order in black with dark cherry trim.  It is for my 2nd system.  Primarily expected use is acoustic chamber music.  Appreciate all the comments on this thread.

I’m still greatly enjoying mine. :thumb:

I think you’ll love them with acoustic chamber music. :D

Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: SnowPuppy77 on 2 Feb 2020, 10:23 pm
I’m still greatly enjoying mine. :thumb:

I think you’ll love them with acoustic chamber music. :D

Glad you are still enjoying them.  Even more specifically will mostly play classical guitar, lute, Renaissance, and Baroque but also little classical and romantic from time to time.  If they are good with progressive rock and orchestra that will be a good bonus.  Hoping they will take my second system up to the next level.  Do not always have access to my main system since it is in the living room that is part of my master bedroom.
Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: Saturn94 on 3 Feb 2020, 03:58 am
Glad you are still enjoying them.  Even more specifically will mostly play classical guitar, lute, Renaissance, and Baroque but also little classical and romantic from time to time.  If they are good with progressive rock and orchestra that will be a good bonus.  Hoping they will take my second system up to the next level.  Do not always have access to my main system since it is in the living room that is part of my master bedroom.

They excel with the type of music you described.    :thumb:

Title: Re: Gonna taste Magnepan appetizer (LRS). Which flavor?
Post by: tomoy on 1 Apr 2021, 08:01 pm
I wanted to resurrect this thread in appreciation of the advice on resistors.  New house is the first time I’ve NOT had wall-to-wall carpeting.  I did some long wall sound dampening.  Point being, it’s a more “live” room than usual for me.  I’m coming up on 3 months with the LRS’s and love them.

There are some early digital, orchestral recordings that that border on unlistenable.  Back in a carpeted room with my previous MMG’s they were fine.  I put in the factory 1-ohm resistors into the LRS’s and it overkilled everything.  Picked up some Mills resistors in the .22 / .39 / .66 Ohm levels.  Tried the .39 and it made things sweet and beautiful, but I felt it killed the resolution and attack just a little.  .22 set are in right now, and it’s really good.  Now, for a wider range of recordings it is more listenable AND still provide the full resolution, detail, and sense of bite and attack. 

I’ll live with it this way for another month and then consider upgrading those to Dueland... or Pass Audio resistors of similar value.

Thanks again!