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.

Twitter: @AudiophiliacMan

[thebiffer]

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.

[franklinhankel]

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!

[gdowns]

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.

[nasieribrahim]

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.

[nightdrive]

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.

[marcushelweg]

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.

[denbo]

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!!

[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.

[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.

[sammymiami]

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

[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.

[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.

[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.

[zTheBigFishz]

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

[drwatsonbit]

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

[pauljoyquilter]

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!

[tonyvaldiconza]

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

[johnkreutz]

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

[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.

[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?