Magnepan LRS+ Even Better Than I Thought

I've recently spent a lot of time listening to the Magnepan LRS+ with the Gato PWR-222, Dayton Audio HTA 100, and Heaven 11 Billie amplifiers. I will review each of these amps over the next month or two.
Jana's excellent Magnepan video for John Darko's channel, • AMERICAN MADE: Magnepa...
My LRS+ review, • The NEW Magnepan LRS+ ...
Magna Riser Magnepan stands magnarisers.co...
Patreon: / audiophiliac
Twitter: @AudiophiliacMan
Instagram: / steve.guttenberg

[@thebiffer100]

Kudos Steve, you couldn't have said it better. I'm truly stunned by the LRS Plus as you have illustrated here. I am using a Hegel H590 with them as well as two REL T7/x series subs which are arranged diagonally in my room and WOW. These are my first ribbons ever after having many electrostatic speakers over several years and was so reluctant to take a step "backwards" and I could not have been more incorrect. In fact I am thinking of my next "upgrade" and giving serious consideration to the Magnepan 20.7s one day. Thanks for the follow up video.

[@keplermission]

You know ... if you're thinking of an upgrade there's a problem. I don't need any upgrade. I'll give you some food for thought. There are people who go to buy a lawn mower and when they get it home, it's too big for their lawn! They can't turn it around easily and you know this is a problem. Why do US buyers buy REL? Why do you run British stuff with American stuff? Maybe it's cheaper, I don't know.

[@hbg70]

You find the top Hegel a necessity for these speakers?

[@Revelator2025]

@@keplermission the LRS+ were designed just for that very affect upon audiophiles who, having tasted a bit of the good life, desire more. Nothing wrong with that. I went from the original LRS to ordering and fully enjoying my 3.7i. Best decision I ever made. Lemme tell you…bigger IS better.

[@keplermission]

@@Revelator2025 Bigger is better but I heard the famous REL Storm and you know, it was a BIG unit but it was poor quality sound, very poor definition, but maybe as a demonstration model it had been left powered on for a few years and the power supply was needing refreshed. You know, we can't judge so easily that some design is bad, just by hearing it in a sales place. No we can't judge but M&K is a US brand and they're the sub-woofer people but Cerwin Vega at one time was best. But both M&K and CV were closed down and might be they've been recreated but, you know there are bargains out there worth looking at.

[@scottyo64]

​@Revelator2025 *If* you have the room for bigger. Maggies are picky

[@franklinhankel6168]

I would like to thank you for your thoughtful and informative lessons. I was on the edge, ready to get these...your review pushed me over the edge. I found a shop an hour away. I brought 3 cds to check these out, and I didn't get through the 2nd song before saying " I will take a pair ." I'm using a Yamaha AS-801, a Klipsch SW100 subwoofer, and a cheap Samsung blu-ray connected to the dac on the Yamaha. All I can say is that these speakers bring me tears of joy! I am constantly trying to make more time to listen to these!

[@nasieribrahim3777]

I own a Magnepan LRS and the sound is truly amazing. I don’t see me going back to a conventional loudspeaker anytime soon. Thank you for your audio reviews and for letting us be part of your journey in the high-end scene.

[@reginaldeggleston]

I approve of this message...I just bought a pair. They are just astounding.

[@gdowns62]

I bought these. The imaging is certainly spectacular but they otherwise sound thin. I noticed after some use that one speaker was distorting in certain frequency ranges. I sent them back. The Company claimed I caused the problem by overdriving and refused to honor the repair under the warranty. I don’t think I played these louder than about 90 dbs. The amp was a McIntosh with power guard. What an unpleasant surprise from a company selling a high end product.

[@nightdrive2646]

I recently purchased a pair of the LRS+ and I too am amazed at just how good these speakers sound. Driving them with a Conrad Johnson GAT preamp and a Levinson 5302 power amp. I also have a subwoofer with an active crossover connected with this system, and the LRS+ is giving my main speakers a challenge. Female vocals are jaw-dropping fantastic. Steve, I ran into you at Axpona 2024 and commented on your height. The world needs more genuine and uplifting people like you.

[@denbo1064]

Back in 1978, the Maggie MG-lla were my ‘gateway’ drug into high end audio. I heard them at a local high end store and actually thought they were probably going to be thousands and thousands of dollars based on how incredible they sounded. I was literally astonished that they were only $650. for the pair. Suffice to say, I bought a pair that same day and never looked back (and never at a ‘conventional’ box type speaker again.) We are fortunate to have such a great American speaker manufacturer, still going strong after nearly FIFTY years of business. Long live Maggies!!

[@keplermission]

Great American speaker and all that but there was no impedance at 8 ohms and you know, just awful paper specifications. These were really 'odd ball' speakers, impedance was 5 ohms, sensitivity was 'low' and they'd need an equalizer and a McIntosh amplifier. The Frequency Response was around 60Hz to 3KHz, but boosted up it could do 40Hz-18KHz.

[@superhussein]

magnepan is actually russian speaker manufacturer but americans stole their design

[@keplermission]

@@superhussein Well the Описание 25АСЭ-101 «Статик» is another design similar to the British Empire QUAD ESL-57 shared with the Soviet Union by England's Cambridge Five back in the 1940s. The know came from Nazi German submarines and the Soviet F.R, was 45-30,000, bass 45Hz, at -8dB, with 82dB SPL at 4 ohm and very low distortion, dropping to 3.2 ohm. Certainly the FR plot for the Soviet model looks far superior to Magneplan LRS Plus but was not mass-market, you know it was for studios and the US speaker is for everyone. I don't think America stole the Russian design, it was around in the US and USSR and from the same Nazi Navy source.

[@pablobanados4282]

@@keplermission Not 8 ohms. So what? Once you feed them properly (and that doesn't mean it has to be expensive amps) the results are unparalleled. Nothing else -even at multiples of their price- comes even close to the natural and realistic sound ('you are there' / 'they are here', depending on the recorded material) that these maggies depict. Also, maggies can't be properly measured with standard procedures: a mike at 1 mt doesn't get the whole sound they are projecting; the dipole radiation pattern can't be properly captured with the microphone either or measured in anechoic conditions; I think that's why Stereophile hasn't reviewed maggies in a long time (and years ago Atkinson, against the praise of his reviewer, made the sin of classify the .7 in their class C, just because he couldn't measure them properly) . But people that really listen and don't just look at graphs (like the guys of The Absolute Sound or the great Steve) do review this marvels, and they constantly ran short of adjectives about what these awesome loudspeakers achieve. Beware that there is one Maggie for every room size; yesterday I tried a .7 in small room and sounded just incredible; then I tried the same speaker later in a much larger room, and although t was fed with a much larger and costlier amp it sounded anemic. I'm pretty sure the 1.7i or 3.7i would be spectacular in that larger space. One final clue: mind the power cables with these units: as they demand lots of current, power cable/distributor could be a severe limiting factor. I checked this recently: I replaced a "standard" power cable with a nice Shunyata Anaconda and the improvements were jaw-dropping. With other speakers I haven't had that sort of huge differences with cables. Granted, Shunyata's are extremely expensive; I am now testing cheaper alternatives.

[@denbo1064]

@@99Noodles personally I would recommend a good used ‘Class D’ amp such as a Bel Canto, Peachtree, or maybe a new amp from one of the smaller boutique brands like XTZ Sound, D Sonic, etc.

[@marcushelweg8929]

i've personally gotten the chance to hear these myself here in Denmark, i 100% agree with steve on this review. they are truly amazing to listen to, it is really something else.

[@TorToroPorco]

Every audiophile should listen to a pair of properly driven Magnepans at least once in their lives to experience their particular strengths. Even as someone who doesn’t own Magnepans the success of the company is heartwarming to witness and well deserved.

[@hitechburg]

MAGNEPAN is the top selling high end speaker brand of all time.

[@pokrog]

I've had my LRS+ on Magna Risers for a little over 6 months now and the things are just incredible. Don't go trying to pair just any sub with them, most subs can't handle the speed of the LRS+. I use a pair of Rythmic F12s and have them time aligned with DSP (no EQ, just using DSP for time alignment) and it is just pure magic. I've heard $500k setups at audio shows that don't come even remotely close to my sub $4000 LRS+ 2.2 setup. Before I actually received my LRS+, I did some demos of the LRS, .7, 1.7i, 3.7i, and 20.7 in an audio shops test room and I wish I were joking when I say the LRS+ in my setup absolutely destroy the 20.7 setup I demoed. I use a pair of Parasound A21+ to drive them and now that my setup is nitpicked to where I want it, they make surround sound seem like a joke. I get full surround out of my 2.2 setup in a fully theater curtained room and the urge to upgrade has completely left my mind altogether. I don't have any plans on upgrading...ever.

[@scottroberts4551]

Yes, I've got one Rythmik L12 and I'm happy with the integration with my LRS+'s.

[@kl9941]

@@scottroberts4551 Just bought the L12 to pair with the MG12's. What are you using for a crossover setting. Thanks!

[@justingriffin2546]

Thanks for that info, you probably saved me a lot of pain and confusion and money.....Your system sounds amazing....

[@scottroberts4551]

@@kl9941 Mine is set ~60hz and sounds fine but I really need to tweak the L12 to see if I could get even more out of it. I have the level set pretty low. My goal with the sub is to make it seem part of the maggies - not a separate box booming away. Setting the parametric eq on it is my next project. The L12 is the best sub in it's class by far.

[@StefanUrkel]

Eh, how did you find the LRS+ vs 1.7i (the supposed "sweet spot" in the Magnepan line-up)? Also, with the Rythmiks, do they sound as big as a 1.7i or above?

[@Wissensmeer]

Hi Steve, I can confirm every word you say. I've been listening to the MG 1.7i for many years and I never want to give it up. I've owned many expensive speaker cabinets, but all of them had awkward resonances somewhere in the lower frequency range. Each had its own character. Magnepans don't have any character, they just play the music you feed them completely detached and with inimitable naturalness.

[@sammymiami8601]

Love that you chose to play the band Morphine for this review. They have some great tracks. Awesome as always Steve.

[@mndoci]

I heard some 3.7s and was already looking at the LRS+ because of the size and price. Your last review is what helped me make up my mind. Can’t wait for mine to show up.

[@keplermission]

No ... Steve used a Dayton ITA100 tube amplifier with 50 watts PEAK (30 watts root) and these are a way of cheating because low price tubes have a very middle range frequency output ... just like the LRS Plus Maggie and its hideously jagged Frequency Response, resembles 1940s Tannoy speakers, that please a lot of vintage audio people. But old, ancient, Tannoy (and other brands) are far more watt efficient and guess what? Such vintage speakers are a better buy for tube amps. The Maggies are best for transistors that sound best at high power like the volume turned up to 2 o'clock, you know but tell us what amplifier sounds best for you. We need to know just what works best.

[@bencausey]

I can heartily recommend the regular LRS. But you won’t hear full potential unless you spend some bucks on quality power. I’m using a Pass X150.5. I learned over time to pull them 5.5 ft away from the front wall, aim them straight ahead, and sit fairly close at less than 6ft. When you do this, it’ll be much more than a “wall of sound”…it’s insanely DEEP as well as wide. All of the sound will emanate from this giant, floor to ceiling tank of sound BEHIND the speakers - and then from there it completely envelops you. I also have the Magna Riser stands; takes a very long time from ordering to delivery, but it’s worth it to have the LRS more up off the floor. The LRS is the deal of the century.

[@Revelator2025]

I fully agree. After ESLs and dynamic cone driver boxes over the years, I took the plunge with the original LRS. Changed my perspective in a big way… Indeed. Amp power is key to attaining best results with Maggies. You can get away with less but orchestral crescendos or dense instrumentation and the compression/strain will rear it’s ugly head. Also Magna Risers are highly recommended. Loved my LRS so much I’m now using 3.7i’s with Magtech amplification.

[@zTheBigFishz]

I bought a pair of 1.6's in 1999, still love them.

[@drwatson32bit]

You made me Magnepan curious, so I found a factory restored pair of MGiiia (wanted true ribbons if I were commiting to this) and though I haven't gotten an ideal listening room situated yet, nor adequate power (Hafler DH220) all I can say is WOW! I am glad to have this in my life. Thank you

[@jimf5160]

I used to use a Hafler DH220 (which I built) before I bought used Bryston 3Bs to drive my MGIIIa speakers...they are great. It took a bit of experimentation and meaurement before I found the right position for them (in my room tweeters on the inside, slight toe in).

[@DavidHamby-ORF-48]

Schiit Vidar is your friend. Bass is so clean your room modes will be obvious!

[@pauljoyquilter359]

A good friend of mine has LRS+ speakers with twin REL T5x subs driven by a PrimaLuna EVO 100 amplifier - it sounds superb. Easily the best I have heard at under $50k… it is dynamic, spacious, extended and so spooky real and alive!

[@gil3green]

Been nice to see the binding post.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

This is not the review that came earlier. There are no binding posts, just a hole that accepts banana plugs.

[@gil3green]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac thanks, I did check there website & it didn’t show it either unless I missed somehow.

[@Hiluxtaco]

Love your shirts, Steve!

[@tonyvaldiconza3914]

Cool, a shoutout to Robert Raus @Magna Risers. I've been a Maggie owner since 2001, currently have 1.7i with Magna Risers 2nd Airborne stands and two SVS 3000 Micro subs

[@johnkreutz3207]

I traded in my box speakers for a pair of 1.7i and never looked back..Love them!!

[@warfam_clan6933]

Excellent teview, Steve. I have a set of Magnepan 1.7i's and drove them with a Willsenton r800i integrated tube amplifier. It is a class A SET type amp. 50 w per chanel using 805/300b output tube combo. The sound is other worldly. The amp drives the panels without issue to extreme levels if required. Even better is using an electronic crossover to utilise the panels for mids and highs only with all bass going to subs. Just adding subs to the panels does not work you must use a crossover to remove all frequencies below say 80-100hz and routing those to the sub. Try it if you can it is an eye openner.

[@moogoomoogoo5990]

Steve, they told me 6 month wait when I ordered my LRS plus. Alway enjoy your videos.

[@michaelwright1602]

I just unboxed my LRS + speakers and am so impressed at the sound. I have a pair of Zu DW6 Supremes in the same room, and at a fraction of the price, these Maggies are something else, another level. I could actually power them with a Fosi ZA3 amplifier, which really surprised me, and it did not even break a sweat. I have other amps here, and I would suggest something in the 100 wpc+. I would also HIGHLY SUGGEST purchasing an active crossover like the Rolls SX45 that is sold on Amazon or Parts Express for $109. You will need a subwoofer, or two to successfully use this crossover, as you will be sending the highs and mids to the LRS and the lower frequencies to the subs. This will relieve the stress on your amplifier as it will not have to deal with the lower bass frequencies, your amp will thank you and give you more flexibility in amplifier choices. The crossover goes between your source and the amplifier. I have mine crossed at around 50 or 60Hz, tune to your room and subs.

[@dougg1075]

I remember being stopped in my tracks in a shop with these speakers playing background music. Everyone should here it once before they die.

[@chrislj2890]

My 30 year old Magnepan MG-1.5/QR speakers are working like new, but I did fairly recently put them back into action after about 20 years stuffed in a closet. I was afraid they wouldn't function but they are as sweet as ever.

[@Typhoonbob]

I have 1.5s biamped with about 700wpc and that makes them come alive! Magical speakers!

[@chrislj2890]

@@Typhoonbob Originally back in the '90s mine were run by an Adcom GFA555 II along with a pair of NHT 10" passive subwoofers and that combo had plenty of juice. I had hooked the Magnepans up to that same amp after digging them out and it worked fine, but I bought a Yamaha A-S3200 integrated amp and this is also a good pairing. Also got a Klipsch R-112SW powered subwoofer for a bit more bass.

[@surf01er66]

Great vlog, hard rocker here, but I was curious as I've seen some for sale locally. Mahalo

[@jameschan2404]

Hi Steve, I have been following your KZbin channel for a number of years, I have to say you always tell us the good and bad of a audio product. This makes your reviews always a good review and that's why you don't have bad reviews .

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thanks James

[@keplermission]

That's 'an audio product', not a audio product James. An as in Queen Anne. Steve aims to make his reviews, always the best and that's why he doesn't have any bad reviews. But he does have reviews that suggest some you know, Greek or Italian stuff that Brooklyn's cultural followers have suggested. You know Kubala Audio cables suited to Italian speakers and Greek electronics, being tried with hi End British stuff. What is this like? Well ... it's like getting a Pizza with bits of Yorkshire Pudding and turnips in it. You know, it's a little bit of British and a BIG slice of New York. (You know 'use what you have').

[@gunnerdunbar]

@@keplermission you are the worst, just babbling every comment.

[@scottyo64]

​@@keplermission Really? You're one of those?

[@DavidHamby-ORF-48]

Listening to your review on LRS, Modius, Freya+, Vidar. Bass won’t move your ribs but it is deep, tight and detailed. Give Time Outtakes a spin. Leftovers from the Take 5 sessions. Jason uses LRS among others for development test.

[@Pksparty2112]

I usually run my Maggie .7 with my Luxman or McIntosh integrated amps. I did hook up my Willsenton R8 with N/O stock 6550 tubes and it sounded really good. Not loud but very musical.

[@glenncurry3041]

I always suggest thinking of Maggies more as drivers than speakers. And your room is the enclosure. The trick being to find where they load to the room best.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

I see your point

[@rightslot1]

There are very few things in life they actually need the call. I have LRS plus and they are astounding! I am using a Hegle H390 to power them. And as a bonus {because I did not need it}, I'm using a Rose RS250 as a streamer/dac/preamp. Believe me the LRS + sounded pretty damn good prior to the Rose. But now---I'm getting those last subtle notes. Those faint ding/dings that I didn't know were there. And YES, I have listened to many, many recording that I was very familiar with and ACTUALLY DIDN'T KNOW that extra breath of sound WAS IN THERE. Really, I can stop for quite a while now. Really. Unless I hit some kind of jackpot or otherwise, I'd just be spinning my wheels and spending more money in an attempt to get any better. I thought about goin the PASS route or Bryston. But I have to say, the Hegle is making the magic come out of the LRS +. OUTSTANDING.!!

[@mpachis]

Steve, your LRS+ review a year ago made me Maggie curious. After 5 months I received my LRS+ and paired them w/dual REL T5x subs. I think the subs open the soundstage even more. Not sure what is happening psycho acousticaly. Waiting for my Magna risers to arrive.

[@DavidHamby-ORF-48]

Steve had an interesting observation about the image placing things correctly. I’ve been taken with the focus of the LRS. Small percussion is pinpoint sharp and focused. Quick with no ringing overhand. Converter here is Gungnir Multibit which affects the sound. Modi and Modius are voiced like Gumby but don’t have Gumby’s focus. That’s what amazed me about the LRS, the focus, clarity, and image. Here with a stereo Vidar playback is goood to 85 dbA or so. Around 90 and Vidar will check out for a nap.

[@DavidHamby-ORF-48]

LRS is a line source. That is key to the image behavior. Image is nice, even 30 degrees off axis. Even sitting in front of a panel yields an image but shifted a bit. Tipping them up a bit is about putting ear level on axis. Vertical panels are for the taller panels.

[@robertgates3258]

Got mine in January. One other unique thing they do for me over all my other speakers is they actually make poor recordings sound better instead of worse.

[@zombockerman]

The Sennheiser hd650s have that effect too. Makes anything sound good.

[@JohnDoe-np3zk]

That's because their both low and high frequencies are abysmal. I have the original LRS with two REL T5.

[@systemawarrior]

I respect your opinion but I don't find that. I find with my equipment that it is very easy to differentiate the good and poor recordings, but I don't mind that. To me it's more truthful which is what I want.

[@scottyo64]

​@@systemawarrior I agree. When I was reading OP comment I was thinking, thats not true 😂

[@thebeardymcbeardface]

I still have my MMGs in use that I bought in 2011 powered by a 1st gen Emotiva XPA-2 amp and run with a Rel T5. I have thought about getting the LRS+ or a higher modelbut don't know if it is worth it. They sound great already as long as I turn up the volume.

[@Josh442]

I'd say it's worth it. The LRS/LRS+ are cleaner than the MMG, which I used to own. The MMG had design compromises so it would work with an inexpensive receiver. The LRS drops those compromises and is designed to be used with a good amp -- your XPA-2 should be fine (I used to have one of those, too). The LRS+ is even cleaner -- haven't heard it, but the reviewers are ecstatic. If it were me, I'd do the trial -- if you don't think it's worth it, you can send it back.

[@AtomicTrent]

Thank you for the review! There are a pair of these for sale locally for a reasonable price. I was considering these, but after this review, I am not sure they will be the right choice for me. I listen to mostly rock and do love my gut punch bass. My system is powered by an Emotiva XPA-2 (gen 2) amp and my sub is a Mirage S12, current speakers are Wharfdale Modus one.six and was hoping for a killer upgrade. Suggestions?

[@aceofspades6667]

Love my 1.7i driven by anthem str integrated and using ARC. Next steps will be sub integration. Thinking dual RSL 10s mk2 or rhythmik f12 or perhaps relt7x. I run arc when the speakers are 2 ft from front wall and turn it off when I pull them into the room. The 1.7i is a pretty big step up over OG LRS but no clue on the plus. They are more forever speakers unless I get an opportunity for spatial audio x5 or perhaps m3 sapphire.

[@allareasindex7984]

Oh thanks a lot Steve. Now the waiting list is going to be even longer.

[@gabrielmease1169]

I just "happened to get" lucky you Steve. Love you long time.

[@killifish13]

I bought Magna Riser Airborne stands when I purchased my LRS and they made a huge difference in the bass response and soundstage . The stands also make speaker placement so much easier to dial in plus they look awesome . I'm very happy with my original LRS they are keepers for me . That being said I still have a pair of mint SMG from 1983 that i change back to once and a while to keep them limber , they sound more relaxed but very good in a different way keepers as well.

[@JetEarlewood]

Right. I'm overseas. Made my own and the difference is very palpable.

[@astolatpere11]

MagnaRisers, yes!!

[@brianvportugal1155]

Steve great video as usual. I trust your guidance. I want a streamer dac or just an external dac to go with my soon to be received lrs plus. I’m going to drive them with a Rogue cm2. I like forward, clear resolved with big soundstage for voices and acoustic guitar. The listening area is 9x13 but open behind and on the right. Any thoughts/ suggestion Steve and the audience ?

[@67spankadelik]

I have the 1.7i and I'm curious to hear these.

[@pablobanados4282]

a Maggie 1.7i here, with Rogue RP-1 pre and Rogue Stereo 100 power amp, in a fairly large space (some 500 ft2). I just can't imagine how anything can sound better than this. I had the MG-IIA decades ago, followed by dozens of other conventional loudspeakers (B&W, Tannoy, Kef, Audio Physic, etc). Not one of them came even close to these Magnepans. I can't understand now how I survived all those years without my daily dose of maggies.

[@NekoOkto]

I recently heard the 1.7i at a local hifi store along with many, many pairs of Kantos, KEFs, and other high end loudspeakers, and while I'm usually a headphone person (very into detail-oriented headphones like STAX), I absolutely fell in love with the Maggies. They just went on sale, so I'm probably gonna be picking them up in a month or two, maybe sooner depending on how much I can sell off some of my STAX gear for, haha.

[@mhines191]

I sure love my 3.7i's

[@Revelator2025]

That makes two of us.

[@seanb3303]

Reviewers always let you know they need lots of power and space behind them…but they almost never mention the terrible off-axis performance and tiny sweet spot.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

You're correct. Sorry about that

[@nostradamus7648]

That's why I'm going with Wharfedale 4.4's. 😂

[@aweidenhammer]

Yes. Narrow sweet spot for these. It increases obviously with the larger Maggie’s. But when you’re in the spot, they are magical.

[@scottyo64]

​@nostradamus7648 Yea sold mine after a year of living with the 4.4s. Excellent shape and had troubles getting the $800 I did. Still have the LRS's

[@Cujobob]

I can’t speak for other models or other rooms, but I don’t find these are particularly hard to place or require you to be dead center. Yes, it’s better there, but because they throw a large wall of sound, I find it pleasing from speaker to speaker in my room with enough distance between them. I was expecting them to be much worse. The vertical dispersion can be an issue if you’re standing, of course. I’ve really enjoyed my time with these. They’re not as refined as my high end speakers, but the wall of sound effect with a fair amount of detail and quickness is just very pleasing. I just find I don’t always listen super critically these days, so I’m willing to forgive them for not soundstaging or imaging quite like a high end point source.

[@rtel123]

great video on youtube that shows the Magnepans being built. Brilliant engineering determines the price, because the actual build is very economical.

[@richardsmith2721]

I saw the video. Jana is adorable.

[@DonHamlin]

Really looking forward to seeing your talk at AXPONA.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thanks

[@mikesawtell9184]

I have a pair of the LRS Plus. Powered by a Naim Nait 5si, McIntosh D150 Preamp, Audiolab 6000 CDT, with 2 Rel T5i subs, and let me tell you can not do any better for the money. I have 2 other pairs of Maggies, LRS and the 2.6Rs (ribbon). I loved my LRSs, I did, but the plusses are much less congested than the LRS and the high end is vastly improved. They are also more efficient and go much louder. I know Magnepan won't say exactly, but the plusses go louder and are clearer. Upstairs, I have an Odyssey Kismet powering the 2.6Rs with one REL T7i and while that soundstage is definitely bigger, I am not convinced it's that much better than the LRS Plusses. Yes, the ribbon tweeter on the 2.6Rs is stunning, but I think the plusses are better integrated and I think the Naim has a lot to do with that. PRAT, iN spades. Side note, I bought a Hegel H120 for the 2.6Rs, and it failed miserably. Not enough juice. I bought into all that fan boy Hegel BS and am sadly disappointed. That Naim kicks that Hegels butt. My opinion, of course. The Odyssey as well is a much better amp than the Hegel. 😮

[@andershammer9307]

I found that the Magnepan's throw a big soundstage but the sound of instruments and voices sound larger than life. With my old Acoustats I get the same big soundstage but instruments and voices sound like the right size and many sounds have a stunning they are in the room sound. And the bass is so deep and tight and real sounding that everything else sounds distorted except for real life sounds of course. I recently heard some $46,000 speakers they only just start to sound like my Acoustats.

[@seeburg10]

Hear, hear. I joke that my Acoustat Spectra 33's powered by Altec tube monoblocks can bring Karen Carpenter back from the dead.

[@FOH3663]

Viewer system perfectly aligned with this panel speaker re-listen, ... arguably one of the greatest panels ever, the mythical Apogee Full Range ribbons. Note the L-to-R ear level symmetry, vital. Very cool.

[@amosperrine1909]

I finally heard a pair, extremely nice speaker. However, it needs tubes. Coming from a pair of Maggie 1Ds driven by a single ARC D75, a quality tube amp rated at a mere 75 watts would drive these quite nicely, provided you don’t need to rock the house down.

[@scottroberts4551]

Agree wholeheartedly, I'm powering my LRS+'s with a Rogue Audio Chronus Mag3 all-tube in triode mode (60watts) and it's plenty loud and smooth like butter.

[@bobb.9917]

Thanks for the music.

[@asan1050]

Steve Thanks Much !

[@jclaybaugh2]

These things are awesome for more dynamic music when properly paired with a good subwoofer. After a few different combos I ended up with a pair of dual 8” servo subs from Rythmik. Bass is super tight and pairs well with my Maggie’s and gives you a much fuller sound.

[@velchuck]

I’ve owned the Dayton Audio HTA100BT for a year. I was very impressed with its performance. I did replace the fan motor with a MUCH quieter one. I think it’s the best bang for the buck out there. Hay, but that’s my opinion. And you know what they say about options 😆.

[@Leicaphile27]

Another great one...Thanks!

[@maconpatton]

Great choice with the Morphine. After hearing a couple songs a few years back, one Thursday Thursday Thursday (lol) I purchased a copy of each of their offerings. I have the LRS in my closet… I will bust them out again. I do miss the bass being a Genesis fan…

[@FrankTroeger]

Hi Steve, you are absolut right and and i know what you mean. I use a SMGa with a Decware ZKIT1 with only 2x2W in a small room and it sounds great. Greetings from germany.

[@jorgeespinoza2137]

Steve, would the LRS+ be an improvement in any way over the .7s? I love the .7, but I am very curious about these ones. Thank you.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

No

[@glenncurry3041]

I have seen reviews, maybe his earlier one? that said there is an improvement as you go up to the .7 and the 1.7i. It's just that the LRS+ is such an incredible value and the 1.7i's are not 3 times better!

[@bencausey]

Depends on room size as well. 1.7’s are way overwhelming in my smallish living room, but wonderful in a school library.

[@stephendunn8055]

Steve--and other commenters here--could you address what moving up to the .7i or even 1.7i gets you? I'm thinking larger soundstage and more bass, but is there a tonal trade off? Meaning does the LRS+ have a tonal sweet spot that the others can't match? Maybe the larger models are more accurate, but are they as musical and enjoyable as the LRS+? I ask from the perspective of an LRS+ owner considering moving up. Thanks.

[@TheGlotz69]

I think you needed to delve into what the sub and Maggie connection sounds like from a increased spatial perspective, better treble resolution, better soundstage formation, the prospect of blending them together etc. They take on another form of magic with dipole working with high-level sub matching from REL or JL Audio. And I was at AXPONA 23 and missed you. I am crestfallen... hopefully you are there next year.

[@simonfriedman9212]

Haven't dipped my toes in the planar world yet mostly because of placement and room size concerns, but am certainly curious. Have you heard anything on the "30.7 for condos" as of late? I know they are at the other end of the price spectrum, but people seemed pretty excited when Wendell was making the rounds with them. Been a few years now and I wonder if they are headed for production.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

I will ask Wendell about that. But if your room is small the condo speaker isn't that small! The LRS plus is smaller. And around one thirtieth the price!

[@simonfriedman9212]

Thanks Steve. Condo aesthetics will probably keep me in boxes anyhow, although I could see exploring some DSP cardiod designs like the Kii Three or the Dutch and Dutch 8C. Still, as you well know, we all like to live vicariously and dream of that system beyond the rainbow.

[@nenomucurlija4044]

Hi Steve from Croatia ! Do you think my Levinson 27.5 will be good match for lrs+?

[@IvanRodriquez-d6i]

I just lick up a Advance Paris A12 and was wondering if the LRS’s a good match. I heard Magnepan in the late eighties and was amazed. I’m just starting out so give a guy (senior)a hand.

[@robertdiamond9413]

I just set mine up an hour ago. The bass is really nice. Listening to Buena Vista Social Club. Horns, guitars, drums, vocals. Sounds great with no break in. I was expecting weak bass so I grabbed a sealed sub. Except for movies I won't need it.

[@maxhirsch7035]

Am wondering how the Kayas you've heard compare on soundstaging, 'air,' and such with the LRS and other Magnepans- are the former closer to the latter in this regard, or closer to a typical box speaker? Granted, the Kayas you've reviewed are much, much more expensive than the LRS.

[@ericnortan9012]

Are these a good speaker for a small room? It seems to me they would be a good choice as long as the room is big enough to place the speakers properly.

[@danbrodersen5838]

Can anyone advise me if my Anthem MCA-225 (225 wpc) would be adequate to run the LRS+? I saw and heard them today at AXPONA and they are intriguing to say the least. I also have a 5 year old Yamaha A-S801 (100 wpc) that I could use to power them too. The setup is in a 22x30 unattached garage with an 8 foot tall dry walled ceiling. The walls are insulated and drywalled. I'm in Chicago so the speakers would be exposed to to hot and cold and humid conditions . I could put them in my basement during the winter months but they would remain in place in the garage from about May until November. My desired music source is 100 percent cd's. Mostly basic top 40's pop rock and hard rock from the70's & 80's.The room has 2 large carpets, two couches, tons of artwork on the walls and there are curtains on all 4 walls minus the 16 foot overhead door and the 8 foot party door. I'm concerned that the heat or elements could prematurely damage components in the speaker and drastically reduce the longevity and lifespan. . But MAN! A grand is a great deal!!

[@michaelwright1602]

I was just running my pair with a Fosi ZA3, so yes, I would say you will have no issues. But! You did not mention subwoofers. I would get at least one sub, and purchase the Rolls SX45 active crossover to split the high end and subs, or the low end. Doing this, cutting off the frequency at say around 50-70 Hz will take a lot of stress off of the amp and allow the Maggies to really sing. the Rolls crossover is on Amazon, $109. The garage... I'm in Detroit, I would not leave mine in the garage. They are light enough that I would keep them in the house and bring them out when you want to use them.

[@danbrodersen5838]

@@michaelwright1602 Thank you for the advice!

[@michaelwright1602]

@@danbrodersen5838 I have since broke out my old and trusted Emotiva XPA-2 amplifier. Go get that Anthem if you can swing it. That extra grunt of my old first generation XPA-2 really opened up these Maggies. And I have had better and more expensive Class A/B amps through here, the Emo always wins. The extra horse power of the Emo takes these LRS+ speakers to another level. Very 3 dimensional and holographic. I would stay away from any and all Class D amps if this is the sound you are looking for. And the more WPC the better.

[@HotSause]

Thanks for the follow up. Do you prefer Class D or Class AB with the LRS+?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Either can work, I judge each amp on its own merits

[@samray3461]

I have a pair from 1992. They are brilliant.

[@ChristinaEshleman]

Steve do you have any experience with ess with the heil air motion transformer or the Epicure tower 1000s? i used to have to the ess they had great clarity and highs. i still have the epi 1000s and also a 5ft prototype version

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Sorry, I do not.

[@joseph-ow1hf]

Steve, I bought a pair of the LRS......but not the Plus. Why? Because I'm going to run and external crossover from GR-Research, that has much higher quality components, really flattens out the response and eliminates need for fuse, as it keeps the tweeter from playing as low as the stock design. Even with buying the LRS used, this whole thing will cost more than new LRS+. but should sound killer. Will post my thoughts on before and after.

[@austinlibby7025]

Steve, I’m an audio file I’m eating years old I’ve had only spent you’ve had and work for major manufacturers. I have magna pants I have a new LRS plus and I’m gonna blow you away I got a 50 W or MS power amp again 50 W high high current And it blows away a 500 W amp in the four ohms. You can prove it to yourself. The bottom line is not RMS bottom line is high high current, which we both agree on. You don’t need a 500 W a channel amp to get high current to run these and the sparkle is there. I have as much experience as you do in listening. Yeah I’m 80 years old I don’t have golden years as I had before, but I still know what a violin should sound like and I know what a voice should sound like. So don’t let people say you need a ton of power. What you need with Magna pants is high, high current and then you get to sparkle and the Revolution seat of the Magna plans. I hope this helps you and anyone else looking for LRS pluses big difference in the ORS Plessis versus sale our asses I agree with you I want more midbass and they are pluses and many people may not even want to have a sub with them Have a great day Steve.

[@keithkrieger7075]

I wonder what would happen if you used a double pair.

[@keithmoriyama5421]

What would happen if you were to hang a pair of Maggies in a vertical column 2 per side?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Magnepan made a frame for "stacked" LRS. I didn't hear it, but I imagane it would make more bass and produce a bigger soundstage.

[@user-ys4og2vv8k]

I'm hesitating between the Audio Physic Step 35 or the Magnepan LRS+, I have a relatively small space and I want a speaker with a very good 3D image. I mainly listen to classical music. What do you think about this dilemma?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Well, I've never heard the step, so I can't speak specifically to that question. But LRS compared to any small speaker, the LRS is going to generate a much more life-size image. That part is easy. However, the LRS absolutely needs the best quality amplifier to do its job. The Schiit Vidar is a sweet starter combination. And remember the LRS needs to be at least 2 feet from the wall behind it

[@user-ys4og2vv8k]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac I currently own a Graham Chartwell 3/5, otherwise I am happy with them - but do you think switching to Magnepan LRS+ would be a smart move?

[@jeanchaput1984]

Do you think Crown XLS power amps would work well with these ?

[@glenncurry3041]

Take the small step up to the Magnepan .7. They might be more available and worth the slight price increase.

[@Jack96993]

Hi Glenn I have the Magnepans. 7's and was wondering if the LRS sounded better the .7's for some reason? What say you? Oh what amp are you using to feed the watt/current hungry Magnepans? I have the fuse jumper upgrade along with Magnarisers

[@Josh442]

@@Jack96993 You can think of the LRS as a downsized .7. It won't buy you anything and you'll lose some. LRS+ might be better in the highs, but you'd be giving up bass and output -- I'd stick with the .7's if it were me.

[@glenncurry3041]

@@Jack96993 The amp currently (pun intended) hooked up is a moded ADCOM GFA555. Extra toroidal transformer to make it true dual mono. But I have a set of 250W monoblock tube amps in the wings right now.

[@kylef_1129]

In terms of sound quality, how would you guys compare these to the 1.6QR's?

[@bencausey]

I have both. In my rather small room, the 1.6 was a bit too much, especially on the treble/brightness scale. But then again, it wasn’t until many years later when I got the LRS, that I experimented with no toe in at all and aiming them straight ahead, sitting pretty close, and listening more for the stage BEHIND the speakers. The LRS are actually fairly dark sounding in this position (in comparison) but oh my goodness, there is perfect midrange and plenty of detail for me. I never tried positioning the 1.6 straight ahead - maybe it would’ve been great. But I think the smaller LRS is perfect for my room size and the better suited speaker for me. It doesn’t have as much bass as the 1.6, but I was getting a bit too much bass from the 1.6 in the small room anyway. LRS works fantastic with my KEF 12” sub.

[@jorgeluisfernandez2560]

A nad m10 v2 will be a good choice for this speakers? Thanks a lot

[@donsimpsonshead8809]

Damn it I was so close to deciding between the Buchardt S400 vs the Elac Unifi Reference, paired with the Billie Heaven 11, then this video pops up. Has anyone paired the Billie with the Unifi’s?

[@scottroberts4551]

I paired the Rogue Audio Sphinx V3 (the original tube/class D hybrid) with my magnepan LRS+'s and it sounded great. I then upgraded to the Rogue Chronus Mag3 all tube and that pairing is beautiful. I now have my Sphinx hybrid in my office where I just auditioned the Elac Unifi's and the Elac Carina's - I choose the Carina's - much smoother and refined, very easy to listen to for hours. The Unifi's were too bright and didn't seem as balanced and refined as the Carina's.

[@jvburnes]

I'd be really interested in hearing LRS+ paired with linkwitz stereo dipole lxsub2. Not the cheapest pairing because they are pricey to begin with, need separate amps and a digital crossover like the lxmini 2x4 hd. Right there you're at $1300 + $540 + $260, so just over $2000. A lot for two smallish dipole subs, but the accuracy and ability to integrate with the LRS+ should be off the charts.

[@HenrikScheel_]

Had Quads 2905 some years ago and miss the transient response they had, do the Maggies deliver at Quad level?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Probably, I can't say for sure having never compared the two speakers.

[@rhclark6530]

Couple of questions for LRS+ owners. I had MG-3s for a while and ended up going back to dynamic driver speakers for added dynamics. Is this less of an issue with the LRS+s? Can anyone comment on what these sounds like at low volumes? Thanks!

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

No, the LRS+ is not a dynamically alive sounding speaker. Also not at its best at very quiet volume. I think you want a horn speaker!

[@rhclark6530]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac interesting. I "design" and build little SE tube headphone amplifiers as well, which might even drive a horn speaker. Wonder what's not honky or gigantic in wider range horn speakers these days... Thanks Steve

[@danwheetman6914]

Wow, what fun!

[@MrMyYoyo]

What amp would work best with these for under $1000?

[@killifish13]

What are the physical and electronic differences from the original LRS to the LRS+ ?

[@jamescease4280]

Magnepan doesn't tell us anything. The panel is exactly the same so the changes have to be with the crossover. Oh I know what's changed. The price. Ha

[@Josh442]

@@jamescease4280 Heh, no, it isn't a crossover tweak, it's more than that. Wish I could say more, but that's up to them, not me. :-)

[@hitechburg]

I would like to hear your opinion on the MAGNEPAN .7S

[@billimbriale]

He reviewed those a while back.

[@brianvportugal1155]

Is the lrs plus easier to drive than the originals?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

No, original and the + are not easy to drive! Impedance drops well below four ohms, and sensitivity is extremely low. The MMG and SMG speakers from Magnepan were easier to drive.

[@kloss213]

Wonder what a stacked pair or quad stacked pair would sound like?

[@Josh442]

Wendell Diller at Magnepan tried combining two pairs, stacked side by side. He was very impressed!

[@LuisRendonAudio]

My favorite Magnepan

[@ryanjofre]

Missed you dude. Great timing for this brother. Namaste 🙏

[@bollingbryant]

Review with new Magnepan wooders, please.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

As soon as they are real products I'll be on it.

[@aussie_philosopher8079]

Can some serious hi fi guys here help me pick out of the LRS Plus and the B&w 705 s2. I like big soundstage, detail, transparency 3d sounding. Bass and oomph isn't the priority here but I like I got kick and snare attack. High ceiling, generous sized room. My hearts going with 705's but Im not a well seasoned audiophile. Thanks.

[@aussie_philosopher8079]

Main listening styles are lots of coltrane, and 67-74 miles Davis etc 70s prog fusion, lots of rock and some classical.

[@jimf5160]

I concur on the Maggies..I have had MGIIIa speakers for years (biamped with Bryston 3B)...and MGII before that ...their sound is pretty amazing. I have no need of strong bass, so they are great...even with rock music.

[@winstondex4042]

Please review Elipson 3210 speaker

[@tonykazz2779]

Hello again, Will you be reporting on MQA ? Is it disappearing ? Is it a loss that's lossless ?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Sorry, I will not be discussing that. I don't think there's a direct answer to that question for the time being. I've never really been that interested in MQA, too much smoke and mirrors.

[@tonykazz2779]

Hello Steve , I think that you just answered , carefully and properly. JA2 was the only defender and supporter that I can recall.

[@paulhunter6652]

Are these any good for bottom end or good for rock music?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

No, no

[@JohnDoe-np3zk]

Even with two REL T5 subs the bass is just ok in terms of kick. I do think the subs blend well though.

[@Revelator2025]

They will never match the dynamic impact of cone drivers but coupled with the right low frequency supplementation it can be VERY satisfying. No death metal tho.

[@scottyo64]

​​@@JohnDoe-np3zkagreed. Glad to see you still around!

[@mpachis]

Steve Gutenberg gives a hard no, but I say it depends. Band like Fleetwood Mac sounds great, try "Gold Dust Women". Rock has many sub genres. Like another commenter stated, probably not death metal, but many rock genres sound magical.