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Anyone with experience of Apogee or Magneplanar speakers

Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2012 10:16 pm
by Tweedle12
I'm just beginning to wonder about speakers that use alternative approaches to normal voice coils. Has anyone experienced ribbon or quasi-ribbon speakers made by Apogee or Magneplanar? I know electostatics are another option, but the need to power them is limitation too far for me at present.

I'd love to hear any impressions from folk who've had the chance to hear such speakers - if anyone knows of a pair or two that I might be able to get a listen to (or indeed the opportunity to buy, perhaps) that would be even better?

Many thanks,
TD

Re: Anyone with experience of Apogee or Magneplanar speakers

Posted: Sun Feb 05, 2012 12:12 am
by Fran
Don't know anyone with magneplanars - but if you find any I'd love a listen!

I'm a long term quad user - they ain't that hard to drive......

Re: Anyone with experience of Apogee or Magneplanar speakers

Posted: Sun Feb 05, 2012 12:50 pm
by Diapason
Heard a pair of Maggies once and I wasn't a huge fan (caveat: I'm not a huge fan of the electrostatic thing at the best of times.) Everything I've heard suggests that Maggies are harder to drive than Quad ESL's in terms of power requirements, as the impedance dips a bit lower. Never heard Apogees, but I know the Duettas need gobs of current as they dip down to 1ohm or something.

While we're on the subject, I heard Martin Logan CLS II in Cloney's once back in the Joe Lanigan days and I thought they were phenomenal. They were nothing like the ML hybrids that came later.

Re: Anyone with experience of Apogee or Magneplanar speakers

Posted: Sun Feb 05, 2012 12:58 pm
by DaveF
Diapason wrote: I'm not a huge fan of the electrostatic thing at the best of times.
What do you not like about them Simon?

Re: Anyone with experience of Apogee or Magneplanar speakers

Posted: Sun Feb 05, 2012 1:14 pm
by Diapason
Oh I dunno. I suppose I just find too many compromises in pursuit of that elusive midrange magic, and for whatever reason, my ears don't hear the midrange magic everyone else seems to. I know I'm in a minority.

Re: Anyone with experience of Apogee or Magneplanar speakers

Posted: Sun Feb 05, 2012 5:58 pm
by Claus
I have Eminent Technology LFT-8 speakers. They are hybrids and sound very good with 100 watts plus. If you want to hear them you are more than welcome to visit me in Bray. I might even be interested in a swop as I am ready to try a conventional speaker at this stage.... Let me know if interested... :)

Re: Anyone with experience of Apogee or Magneplanar speakers

Posted: Sun Feb 05, 2012 11:37 pm
by Tweedle12
Claus wrote:I have Eminent Technology LFT-8 speakers. They are hybrids and sound very good with 100 watts plus. If you want to hear them you are more than welcome to visit me in Bray. I might even be interested in a swop as I am ready to try a conventional speaker at this stage.... Let me know if interested... :)
Claus, that's very kind - wonderful speakers you have from all I've read. I'd love to get a listen. PM on it's way.

Many thanks all,
TD