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Magnepan MG12 and MMG Loudspeakers

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The Goose and the Gander

December 5th, 2007 -- by Jonathan Valin
Source: The Absolute Sound
Products in this article:MG12 and MMG

Now, for the best part. Though the entire Maggie line is and has always been priced within reach of every flavor of audiophile, this duo represents unbelievable value for the dollar. The MG12 is $1099/ pair; the MMG, which is only available direct from Magnepan, is a mere $550/ pair (with a 60-day money back guarantee and credit if you trade up to a bigger ’Pan within a year of purchase)!

Conclusion

The word “bargain” has been worked almost to death in these pages—to the extent that when the genuine article comes along it may not stick out as much as it should in a veritable sea of products said to be as good as others many times their price. While I’m not denying that there are plenty of good deals out there, the MG12 and the MMG are honest-to- God special. Every ten years or so, something like these speakers comes along to make even an ultra-perfectionist like me wonder if spending more dough is really worth it. While ultimately I think it is, I can say with utter confidence that I could not only live happily with the MMGs or the MG12s, I could live with them as my loudspeaker references in a system that costs two-hundred times what they do. It almost goes without saying that, like the 610Ts at the other end of the price spectrum, they earn my unqualified recommendation.

Comments

Kris Ringwood (not verified) -- Thu, 04/30/2009 - 21:21

I first heard the SMGa back in the late 80's when I was hunting for a LP12 replacement - I still have the Systemdek!  I was knocked out then, and with a used pair of MG1.4's of '90's vintage I picked up for $350 in use for 18 months now, I'm still bowled over by the "Maggie" sound. Whilst being somewhat lacking on the top end, the Magneplanars ALWAYS sound real. Unlike a lot of audio loonies I respect the views of our better halves - as they keep telling us(!) ; those are consistantly positive as how enjoyable these brilliant speakers are.  They have actually educated the ladies of my aquaintance as to the ennui of good quality audio equipment and given them an insight into to why we are hooked: I have competition for listening time and I'm renewing cartridges twice as often! Analog rules!
Having said that, the Maggies have made my modest CD - and even more modest SACD/DVD-A - collection thoroughly enjoyable to listen to and they tame the "CD Screech" beautifully!   Have I mentioned the Bass?  Well the MG1.4's go down to 40hz; the limit of bass instruments, and while the subterraneals of organ and kick-drum fundamentals are somewhat diminished, they are there if you listen hard - and what audiophile doesn't!  Again the realism of the bass response aleviates the urge for a subwoofer complicating things. THAT surprised me. Bargain of the Century? I think not. Stellar value in audio terms? MOST DEFINITELY!