Interview - Texas Audio Roundup - The Magnepan LRS vs. LRS+ and more!

On Day 2 of the Texas Audio Roundup, Wendell and I further discuss the new Magnepan woofer prototype. We also talk about the future of Magnepan, the challenges of the part and labor shortage of the past couple of years, what it's like to take speakers on a cross-country tour, the 30.7 for Condos, and I broach the topic about the difference between the LRS and the LRS+. The difference between these two speakers has been a mystery, as the public does not know what the "plus" is in the LRS+. Let's see if I can get Wendell to tell me what the secret sauce is in the LRS "plus" and why it is different!
Shown in video:
Magnepan LRS+
Magnepan Ultra Wide Band Woofer Prototype
magnepan.com/
Hatoraid Cowboy Cinema and HiFi+ also have videos posted from the Magnepan room at the show!
Hatoraid Cowboy Cinema
• EMOTIVA TEXAS Audio Ro...
Hi-Fi+ (sister magazine of The Absolute Sound)
• 1” Thick Speaker? New ...
• First Listen: Magnepan...
• Background: Magnepan L...
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[@imlilchilywily]

👋🏼 Mrs. Audio Belle…. First, Congrats on your marriage, I watched the interview that you had with your husband prior to marriage & enjoyed it ✌🏼… Look forward to MANY more wonderful & informative interview as this one 💪🏼…. Sharing my sunshine 🌞 all the way from Sunny Southern California 😎🤙🏼

[@StevePilgrim2013]

I like your interviews. I had MG-1s years ago, and now I'm eager to get my next Magnepans. Wendel is cagey about when we might see new products. 🎼🎶🎵

[@StevePilgrim2013]

Oh...the "+" means price increase.

[@TheAudioBelle]

😂

[@thepersuasions]

so glad I did the research and chose Maggies, especially with guys like Wendell at the helm. (now I have to go and repair all the old ones)

[@Revelator2025]

I really love your channel and congrats of the TAS reviewer title. I’m so curious as to what Wendell actually thinks about the Dyptique speakers and their bass capabilities. Who knew magnetic planars could do bass?!? Wonder if that will spur Wendell and Co. to up their game? Enjoy the Music 🎶

[@54tristin]

Here’s how I break in Magnapan. I move them so they are facing each I wire then out of phase I have a old fm tuner I turn the volume up to a point where they being driven moderately hard I go to work. This usually takes about 1-2 weeks. I don’t even listen to then during this period Then I set them up normally , listening to acoustic music with human voice The difference in before and after is jaw dropping. They continue opening up for the next 6 months.

[@mrgiggles7840]

I have a set of the original LRS - they are jaw dropping - you just need a real high power amp - and yes they have great dynamics

[@SpinnerPaddlefoot]

Heard the LRS+ at Axpona this year. Very much appreciated the passion that Wendel and his wife bring to their demonstration. Unfortunately the obfuscation during the demo coupled with to my ears poor selection of music left me with no desire to even consider a Magnepan in the future. Too bad. I had high hopes going in.

[@TheAudioBelle]

SpinnerPaddlefoot, That’s a shame! What do you have for speakers instead of Maggies? --Cynthia, The Audio Belle

[@deanmontoya100]

Audio Belle you are a Saint! Wendell as nice and as sweet as he is is not a great rep for this amazing speaker brand. This is a hard interview to watch.

[@carlsitler9071]

I would guess the main difference between the LRS and LRS+ is that the LRS didn't have enough magin to be viable.

[@Josh442]

The LRS was sold at near cost as a promotion (some people who like it will upgrade to the bigger speakers). The LRS+ offers more margin, but still less than most speakers, particularly when you consider inflation. But most importantly, the plus *is* significantly improved. I'm not allowed to say what changed technically (I had some involvement in the improvement), but a lot of people, including Magnepan, have mentioned the improved clarity of the mids and treble.

[@MichelLinschoten]

I called magnepan with the same question what is the difference. They never gave me an answer , I have a lrs (had way bigger ones before Tympani ,mgI, mgII, mgIIIa,mmg) it's a excellent speaker hands down. The Tympani I I had probably the best planar I ever owned. Was it not for the ridiculous size they are. The lrs cost definitely packs more upper end resolution. The older maggies I've had all sound extremely tame on the upper end. Aside from the mgIIIa with 57 inch true ribbon tweeters. I absolutely didn't like those and sold them fast too. The lrs easily outdid in terms of clarity and upper end any of my older ones. I sold all of my old planars. It's just unfortunate they don't want to tell anyone really what the differences are. Because I have a very strong reason to believe. The only real difference is the price , as the lrs caused a logistical , nightmare for that company. At the low price ... They also added the option for the upgraded feet (basically myestands) as a loyalist fan they did create distrust. Especially based on the phone call , I had with them.

[@TheAudioBelle]

@MichelLinschoten, Yeah, I don't quite understand it either. But I do trust Wendell. I know there must be a reason for not elaborating on it. Now, whether it's a good reason or not, that's another story. If someone were to take apart both the LRS and the LRS+, then I don't think that it'd be too hard to figure out. But who wants to do that? If I were to just go off the marketing aspect of Magnepan as a company, I wouldn't buy Magnepans. The reason I still love them is because of the sound, and because I do trust that Wendell has the best interest in the design of the speakers (his marketing is still archaic though). Nothing I wouldn't tell him to his face. He's like my grandpa, and I'm always giving him a hard time. :) You know, the idea that a drop of water will eventually make an impression. ---Cynthia, The Audio Belle

[@skip1835]

Here's Cynthia asking a direct question, actually multiple times and there's Wendell dodging it, completely. Not a shocker having met the man myself.

[@rightslot1]

The analogy of the green banana to a newer speaker is one of the best I ever heard. Makes so much sense. So? How long would the average {burn in} take? My order is already in!!

[@Josh442]

Maybe a few weeks -- I think that depends entirely on how often/how loudly you play it, eight hours is going to go a lot faster than one! I've noticed that the first thing that happens is the sound becomes clearer. Then, more gradually, bass extension increases. So you basically just have to wait until you stop hearing the change (which is gradual, so day to day it isn't really clear).

[@54tristin]

My SVS 3000 pro mates very well with the 0.7

[@michaelvaladez6570]

I would love to hear these speakers..as I'm happy with my current system. But my courousity is up on this speaker.But from my understanding you need a big room for these so that would be a problem from the get go even if you are a home owner.Maybe someday I'll get a chance to hear them.Love the Audii Bell channel, keep up the good work.

[@TheAudioBelle]

@michaelvaladez6570, I don’t remember if my room was not large enough or not small enough for the UBS. I think for mine the flaws in the room shape made it not sound to its best potential, though it still sounded really good. The LRS+ in my living room definitely was too small and didn’t fill the room. So glad you are enjoying the channel! --Cynthia, The Audio Belle

[@markkinsman5013]

I understand Wendell’s goal for the LRS+, but I think Wendell comes across as being out of touch with what the customer wants to know. Many, including TheAbsolute Sound, think the LRS/:LRS+ can be an end game speaker for many customers and would just like to know a little about the speaker with giving away any secrets. For example: The LRS+ is more resolving, is x Tall by y Wide by z Thick with the following specs, what ever they might be.. Instead, Wendell refuses to provide anything beyond they are better resolving. I already own the LRS speakers, love them and love the company, but they could improve their marketing by just being more communicative on the website (For example, the LRS just disappeared with no mention of why and nothing was added for the LRS+). Many of us do not have room for bigger panels and would never consider them. Perhaps Magnepan is just overwhelmed with it’s own success. Love the product - use it daily.

[@rightslot1]

Hey Mark, I hear you. I think Wendell has created a great speaker. However, he IS NOT the best speaker for the company. He actually fully stated the answer to her question and yours. The difference is more resolution--top to bottom. He is saying the sound will be more resolving--more fidelity. I'm expecting that after an extended break-in period, there would be a significant audible difference between LRS and LRS +. Can't wait!!

[@markkinsman5013]

@@rightslot1 Thanks, but I did not ask a question and I did mention what Wendell said. However he did not state dimensions, frequency response or additional specifications, which are commonly available for speakers from other companies. Wendell is reluctant to accept the LRS+ as an entry level speaker in the Magnepan line, let alone that for many it can be an end game speaker.

[@skip1835]

I believe you're on target Mark, Magnepan is overwhelmed although it's good to know they're business is solid - I think that some of the past backorder times particularly on the lower end models speak to that - - I did sit through 3 of Wendell's demos when he was touring with the 30's - - A week or two later I made a comment similar to yours to my dealer, surprisingly he reflected back to me the same thing, that is, many think he would be better "managing" these demos while someone else did the actual interfacing with the audience - - it's nothing especially personal, I enjoyed his knowledge even though, at least in that experience, he kept details to himself (like the inductor he was running on one of the 4 panels, certainly a room tuning thing but I would have like to have known the details, like what frequencies were being targeted etc.) - - anyway, during the demos (these are the demos where he's pushing the "Power Response" thing, get's everyone walking around etc.) he certainly was extremely strong fisted on what would be played for music over the 30's, it was classical or the highway, although I don't have any big problem with classical music, the 30's were set up for all of us and to have a taste of them with some other genres is certainly not unreasonable - my dealer knew that I was a candidate to buy a set of 30's, a serious candidate - by the time I sat through the 3 separate demos, Maggie lover that I am (I've had nothing but maggies going back to the early 80's, currently the 3.7i's), I would NOT have taken them home for free that night - - ya think I'm kidding, I'm not - - I'm fairly easy going but after 2 1/2 hours I couldn't take another minute in the room with him. Would I share a meal with him? Of course - - it's his cageyness in regards to direct questions and Magnepan, that, although subtle, become more than annoyingly obvious and very hard to swallow over a bit of time.

[@Josh442]

@@markkinsman5013 This will all be on the web page. Unfortunately, as Skip said, they're kind of overwhelmed right now and the LRS+ page still isn't up. Anyway, I think it's the same height as the LRS, but it's a bit narrower.

[@5FWS5]

So when will we see the first model rolled out based around this new woofer panel so I can budget my money?

[@audacious22]

This interview was a waste (not the interviewers fault). Magnepan killed any interest for me with “trust us, it’s better” approach to sales. Nope, smart shoppers require you to communicate the material differences that support the performance improvement claim that justifies the cost increase.

[@MrChaggy123]

Hello chyntia!😊 Love ❤️ your videos. Can you ask wendall to make a video of one of the demos on the lrs + and the woofer system? Really wants to se one of them

[@TheAudioBelle]

Kjell, I have something sort of along those lines that will be posted tentatively on September 12th. Though, a video demo will not do these speakers justice! --Cynthia, The Audio Belle

[@MrChaggy123]

@@TheAudioBelle that I can believe! My friend has the original lrs and after hearing those I got the 1.7 (my room is bigger) I also have the keg blade 2 but now it’s Magnepan all time😃🙌 But I’m really curious on the lrs + but very much this dipole woofer system

[@thebiffer100]

Wendell...hey, I'm an old grey beard and at 36:43 you are discussing levels of loudness being only popular with younger people? Are you kidding?I still pressurize my room with an SPL that will put you to shame! C'mon, the LRS are not my first panels in the rodeo btw. I have had so many electrostats in my past and every one of them were pushed to and beyond their limits. THAT is the beauty of them including the Mag LRS Plus (which are my first pair). The shear joy of hearing Tinkerbell's sparkledust coming out of them pulsating and pounding is drug inducing (of course the music of your choice). Admittedly I am using a pair of diametrically opposed RELs completely hidden and surrounded by sound absorption that in my opinion ices the cake. Of course I (and I assume the general public) have not yet heard or introduced to your woofer panels and sure sounds intriguing. As a compliment to you at Magnepan so far I can say I from what I have been listening to so far out of the LRS Plusses they are "up there" with my past Sound Labs! Way to go.

[@MRB1910]

“More resolving from top to bottom “. = more transparent grill cloth! Probably something that simple…

[@54tristin]

Ahh no!

[@socool8860]

The plus means price increase not a better speaker LRS is the same apparently from this interview

[@Josh442]

No no no no no! I was involved in the technical change (but unfortunately not allowed to describe it since it's a trade secret), and it's a fundamental improvement with consequences that are both measurable and audible. What is true is that the price change isn't just due to the technical change. The LRS was a promotional program and they were selling it near cost. Inflation meant that they had to increase the price, and they also wanted to make a bit of a profit since the LRS was selling like crazy and the factory was backordered many months. It still has a low markup compared to other loudspeakers, both theirs and other manufacturers.

[@jvburnes]

@@Josh442 If you can't tell us what design changes were made, why not just publish test results from both. That would do the trick. In fact, publish conservative performance results for the LRS, then send a pair to audiosciencereview or erin's audio corner for objective measurements using some very sophisticated measurement equipment. That would resolve the issue for almost all people.

[@dirkjelier1283]

Hello "Belle"! Could you possibly explain the enormous price difference between the US and Europe? In the US the LRS+ is less than $1000 a pair while in Europe we pay around €1800 per pair! In Australia it's even worse. This is completely absurd. Really would love to hear your take on this.

[@MichelLinschoten]

Because it's a USA made product, we can directly order from magnepan (literally call then and order) You rely on dealers what not

[@robertjermantowicz-uw3iw]

Gradient has been making and selling dipole woofers for decades.

[@NeilBlanchard]

Question: is the dipole woofer going to be an option with the various speaker models?

[@TheAudioBelle]

@NeilBlanchard, No idea yet! And....6 months in and I still don't know lol. ---Cynthia, The Audio Belle

[@hawkins55]

WS this in Austin? Wish they'd come to Dallas!

[@TheAudioBelle]

Stephen, Yes it was! --Cynthia, The Audio Belle

[@jamiemcneil9462]

What amp were you using to power those LRS+ speakers?

[@TheAudioBelle]

@jamiemcneil9462, If I recall, he was using the Schitt Vidar to power the LRS+. Though at the event he was mainly playing all music through the prototype woofers and not through the LRS+ speakers (never in conjunction though). ---Cynthia, The Audio Belle

[@jonasDoguedeBordeaux]

I think he is not telling us the truth that a simple crossover modification to the crossover better components I don't like this guys attitude his illustrations are rubbish ribe or green banana's I have just bought the lrs and I will modify them to make them better

[@robertjermantowicz-uw3iw]

The LRS has plenty of faults. Read the test and review at Audio Science Review (ASR).

[@somebodyx]

This man makes no sense and reveals nothing

[@jwester7009]

It seems very sketchy that he starts talking about the 70's when asked polite about the difference between the LRS og LRS+. It tells me that there is probably close to no difference besides the price increase

[@Dev-lc4cd]

Wendell is an engineer, to a fault at times. For example, the naming scheme for these speakers make sense to an engineer, but does more to confuse a consumer than to clarify. What he isn't is a sales or marketing rep, and doesn't have the training, or apparently not even the couching, to communicate as a sales or marketing rep, and I would prefer he not be. I would prefer he focuses and specializes on what he does best, designing incredible speakers. I don't think he's dodging the question, or being shady. What you're seeing is a fish out of water. But I'll admit, it does help to watch the brains behind the scene at Magnepan. To understand where his values and enthusiasm lies, I much more confident in his products now than before, having never even heard them.

[@TheAudioBelle]

Very well said. --Cynthia, The Audio Belle

[@audacious22]

😂

[@MichelLinschoten]

He's not a engineer where you get that from ?! He's been with magnepan on the payroll for over 40 years as head marketing lol

[@54tristin]

Music choices are abysmal at these shows

[@richardpowell6096]

It's pretty obvious lady they've upgraded the crossover components 😁