Magnepan’s Incredible MG-2.7x
It’s such a cliche to describe any product as “State Of The Art” that I’ve become suspicious, if not immune, to all such claims. It seems that virtually any new product from any of a multitude of companies lays claim to the “SOTA” label. Like so much in today’s world, such claims are mostly marketing/sales hype. It would, however, be a genuine transgression of truth to label the new Magneplanar MG-2.7x as such “hype” - for it has stolen my heart!
When Eric, Magnepan’s marketing manager, described the new “X” upgrade to me a few months ago, I was immediately curious because Eric is not a hype artist, and has had enough exposure to various “Statement” products over the years that I consider him to be a conservative, reliable arbiter. In an industry known for crazy claims which typically result in disappointment, Magnepan has always represented incredible value. Considering this, Eric’s description of the “X” upgrade had me anxiously awaiting the opportunity to hear the first “X” product, the MG-2.7x. I was so excited that I ordered a pair without having heard them.
Simply put, the “X” upgrade replaces every part of the speaker system from the input terminals all the way to the panel (you can go to the Magnepan website to get all the technical details). The 2.7x is the first “X” model I’ve listened to, and I believe it is the finest product I’ve ever heard at its $10K price point. First off, the 2.7x is an upgrade of the new MG-2.7i, the first “2” series to be included in the Magnepan lineup in a long time. The new 3-way MG 2.7i employs a true ribbon for the top of its range. The silky, smooth top of its range is incredibly fast. Fortunately, unlike the old MG-2.6, the top end blends beautifully with the 2-way “quasi ribbon” planar panel, and extends the frequency response up to 40khz! This is a true 3-way unit with all frequency elements working in phase with each other. Thus, the MG-2.7i and ultimate “X” version are time and phase coherent - putting them in the rarified group of loudspeakers that can properly reproduce a square wave, along with harmonics in time with fundamentals…..
Having heard the MG-2.7x, I am now anxious to hear the new base 2.7i which is $4000 less than the than the “X” we currently have on display. To that end, I spoke with an old friend, Dave Holmes, at his shop last week (Audio Emporium in Brown Deer, WI). He had just set up a pair of them to demo, and, based on first impressions, Dave was as floored by the new $6K MG-2.7i as I’ve been by the '“X” version. Dave’s enthusiasm for the “standard” 2.7i was such that I feel it’s important to have it available for audition alongside the “X” version. Thus, I’ve ordered a set of MG-2.7i’s in a new, exciting finish in order to facilitate side-by-side comparisons.
The new program allowing customers to upgrade any of the “.7i” models to “X” status makes it easy to pick any model (save LRS+) in the current lineup without worrying about becoming stuck. Choose the model that fits your room and your budget, and simply enjoy music. I guarantee you’ll find yourself listening to your favorite music more than ever before. It will be like rediscovering your childhood - priceless!!!
Stop by the store, and audition the new Magnepan MG-2.7x. You’ll be amazed.
