Magnepan’s On-Wall Surround Sound Speaker System--Part 2 (TPV 96)

The Magneplanars Nobody Knows

But the real topper of them all involved the Magnepan system’s ability to handle the challenging imaging demands of Circus Maximus, where—as I mentioned above—some passages are played behind or even directly to the sides of the listener’s seats. This is where the 3D imaging/soundstaging prowess of the Magnepan system really proved its worth. As I listened to Circus Maximus from end to end, it dawned on me that I could (and at times did) turn my listening chair toward to face the sides, or even the rear, of The Perfect Vision listening room. When I did, I found I was able to hear wide, deep, and surprisingly well-focused soundstages from all sides of the room. Frankly, Circus Maximus represents a serious, acid test for the imaging capabilities of any surround system, and it is a test that the Magnepan passed with flying colors.

BOTTOM LINE:

Magnepan’s on-wall surround speaker system isn’t cheap, and requires extra care during set up, but it offers superb sound quality in a format that, by design, can complement a variety of décor schemes in a way most high-performance surround systems cannot.

Where some on-wall systems suffer compromised performance in the name of greater convenience, the Maggie system manages to leverage its on-wall design to couple with the listening room is a very effective way, in the process creating surround soundscapes that are unfailingly natural and, at times, delightfully lifelike.

SPECS & PRICING

Magnepan MMC2 on-wall loudspeaker
Type: Planar magnetic/Quasi ribbon
Driver complement: 3-way
Frequency response: 100 Hz - 24 kHz
Sensitivity: 85 db/1 meter/500 Hz/2.83 v.
Impedance: 4 ohms
Dimensions (HxWxD): 52” x 10.25” x 1”
Weight: 15 lbs.
Warranty: 3 years
Price: $1,995 pair

Magnepan CC5 center channel speaker
Type: Quasi ribbon
Driver complement: 2-way
Frequency response: 200 Hz - 20 kHz
Sensitivity: 88 db/1 meter/500 Hz/2.83 v.
Impedance: 3 ohms
Dimensions (HxWxD): 10.5” x 36” x 5”
Weight: 13 lbs.
Warranty: 3 years
Price: $1095 ea.

Magnepan DWM woofer
Type: Planar magnetic
Driver complement: 1-way
Frequency response: 40 Hz -5 kHz (wideband)
Sensitivity: 86 db/1 meter/100 Hz/2.83 v.
Impedance: 4 ohms
Dimensions (HxWxD): 19.25” x 22.5” x 1.25”
Weight: 19 lbs
Warranty: 3 years
Price: $795 ea.

System Price: Magnepan components: $6675, plus $2800 for (optional) JL Audio Fathom f112 subwoofer. Total: $9475 as tested.

Magnepan Inc.
(651) 426-1645
www.magnepan.com