Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

Product Strengths

  • A true ribbon tweeter delivers clean, accurate, and detailed high frequencies
  • See-through quality with a big three-dimensional soundstage and exceptional presentation of image depth, disappearing sonically
  • Strikingly spacious sound and a strong sense of envelopment by the music
  • Revealing in the good sense—audiophiles will clearly hear differences in gear and recordings
  • Controlled dispersion means fewer sidewall and ceiling reflections to mess up the sound

Product Considerations

  • Big and needs lots of space behind it
  • May not be the most sonically neutral speaker on the market, with a mild coloration in some rooms
  • Like most panel speakers, has a rather narrow sweet spot
  • For true full-range sound, needs a subwoofer or two
  • Magnepan recommends that a powerful and/or high current amplifier(s) is best

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Martin Logan ElectroMotion ESL X, the Martin Logan ESL X offers curved electrostatic main driver and two eight-inch cones to handle the bass

Takeaway: The MG2.7i offers a spacious and detailed sound that audiophiles will appreciate, especially with the addition of a subwoofer. It's a great option for those seeking a high-resolution speaker for focused listening and who appreciate a 'they are here' experience.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

All

2.7i

reviews

[{"title":"Magnepan MG2.7i Planar Loudspeaker Reviewed","link":"https://futureaudiophile.com/magnepan-mg2-7i-planar-loudspeaker-reviewed","source":"Future Audiophile","datePublished":"2024"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • Description: 3-Way, Full-Range, Quasi-Ribbon
  • Frequency Response: 40-30 kHz +/- 3dB
  • Sensitivity: 86dB/500Hz /1m/2.83v
  • Impedance: 4 Ohm, nominal
  • Dimensions: 71" x 22" x 1.75"
  • Weight: 48-52lbs
  • Warranty: Limited 3 years to original purchaser
The MG2.7i's are a pair of 3-way, full-range, Magneplanar loudspeakers. Both the Bass and Midrange sections are comprised of aluminum foil. Often referred to as "quasi-ribbon," the foil is adhered to the Mylar diaphragm which is visible through the front of the fabric cover.
The MG2.7i’s are a pair of 3-way, full-range, Magneplanar loudspeakers. Both the Bass and Midrange sections are comprised of aluminum foil. Often referred to as “quasi-ribbon,” the foil is adhered to the Mylar diaphragm which is visible through the front of the fabric cover. The True Ribbon Tweeter is also comprised of aluminum foil however it is not mounted to a substrate but rather suspended freely. The MG2.7i’s reproduce sound by introducing an AC signal to: the conductor foil on the diaphragm which reacts to the fixed array of magnet strips mounted behind the Mylar; and the tweeter foil which reacts to the magnet channels on either side of it. This reaction vibrates the diaphragm/foil projecting sound as a dipole, both forward and backward.
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

  • Magnepan speakers utilize dipole line-source radiation patterns, generating sound in both forward and backward directions, which can lead to a more expansive and less room-dependent soundstage.
  • The brand's planar-magnetic panels and quasi-ribbon/true ribbon drivers offer a distinctive "boxless" and open sound, minimizing coloration and cabinet diffraction compared to traditional box speakers.
  • Magnepan speakers are known for exceptionally realistic voice and acoustic instrument reproduction, capturing subtle details and timbral nuances often missed by other speaker designs.

Magnepan LRS+

  • Positioning: The entry-level model in Magnepan's lineup, designed for small to medium-sized rooms.
  • Description: Offers high-definition sound with its quasi-ribbon technology, making it an excellent choice for those seeking quality audio in a compact form. Compared to the .7, it is more affordable and suitable for smaller spaces, while still delivering impressive sound quality.

Magnepan .7

  • Positioning: A step up from the LRS+, offering enhanced performance for those with slightly larger rooms.
  • Description: Features a quasi-ribbon design that provides a wider frequency response than the LRS+.

Magnepan 3.7i

  • Positioning: A premium model that uses advanced ribbon technology for superior sound.
  • Description: Offers seamless integration of its ribbon tweeter with quasi-ribbon drivers, providing a more refined audio experience than the 2.7i.

Magnepan 20.7

  • Positioning: A high-end model designed for serious audiophiles with large listening rooms.
  • Description: With its true ribbon tweeter and quasi-ribbon midrange and bass, the 20.7 offers an extraordinary ability to recreate lifelike soundscapes. It needs more power and space than the 3.7i.
See All Products
Avg. Product Price
$5,001-$10,000
Used For Sale
79
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
81
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
11
Founding Year
1969

Our take on the brand

Magnepan is known for their unique planar magnetic speakers that use thin Mylar film and aluminum foil strips instead of traditional speaker cones, creating sound from both front and back of the panel for a more natural, box-less sound. Their speakers are particularly appealing for jazz and classical music listeners due to their lifelike reproduction of acoustic instruments, and they're popular among audiophiles for offering high-end performance at relatively affordable prices.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

From our interview with
.
Brand Page

What if you spend more?

Product image
PureAudioProject
Seven Eyes Duet15
11800
11800
/
2
Reviews
PureAudioProject offers modular speakers that customers can customize by choosing and swapping different drivers and components, with their open-baffle design allowing sound to radiate from both front and back of the speaker for natural sound reproduction. The brand caters to tube amplification enthusiasts through their highly efficient speakers, while offering direct consultation with the designer Ze'ev Schlik to help customers choose the best configuration for their needs.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Expansive and natural sound due to its open baffle (dipole) design
  • Excellent resolution exposes the uniqueness of every recording
  • Midrange is a highlight, resolving detail while remaining smooth and musical
  • High transparency and excellent integration of the two drivers
  • Fast woofer packs quite a visceral punch

Product Considerations

  • Requires significant break-in time (approximately 200 hours)
  • Requires breathing space and careful positioning for optimal tonal balance
  • Needs to be at least 3 feet away from the front wall, slightly delaying the back wave bouncing off the front wall
  • Loses a bit of dynamic contrast at very low listening levels

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Vandersteen VR-35s—Duet 15 Prelude has more enveloping bass than the tightly controlled bass impact

Takeaway: The PureAudioProject Duet 15 Prelude is a first-rate loudspeaker that offers an expansive sound with excellent detail and is terrific fun when played loud. It will fill the heart with joy while deepening one's understanding of the importance of music.

Video review

Our take on the brand

PureAudioProject offers modular speakers that customers can customize by choosing and swapping different drivers and components, with their open-baffle design allowing sound to radiate from both front and back of the speaker for natural sound reproduction. The brand caters to tube amplification enthusiasts through their highly efficient speakers, while offering direct consultation with the designer Ze'ev Schlik to help customers choose the best configuration for their needs.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Diptyque
DP 115
11999
11999
/
1
Reviews

The diptyque dp115 offer a perfect balance between aesthetic elegance and top-quality sound reproduction. They feature a 0.198m² bass-midrange driver based on our exclusive optimized PPBM principle, and a ribbon tweeter with neodymium magnets 45cm long.The mechanical sandwitch structure inherited from our Reference model. Their refined design and extreme slenderness (22mm) will enable the diptyque DP 115 to blend into any interior. The transparency, speed and the superb sound image they unfold will satisfy the most demanding music lovers.

Diptyque stands out in the hifi industry for its advanced isodynamic planar magnetic technology, delivering precise, natural sound with minimal distortion. With decades of expertise in acoustics, the brand has earned a strong reputation for crafting hand-built, high-performance speakers in France.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Exquisitely detailed sound with texture and resolution
  • Exceptional imaging, creating a precise phantom center for dialogue
  • Excellent bass for a dipole planar speaker
  • Modern aesthetics with a stylish, flat, minimalist design
  • Clean, pure sound with no cabinet or horn coloration

Product Considerations

  • Pricey
  • Power hungry, requiring a robust amplifier
  • Dipole design is not suitable for placement against walls
  • Limited optimal listening area due to dipole dispersion pattern
  • Could use a subwoofer for some applications to extend bass response

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Reviewer suggests that the Magnepan LRS, with the addition of a sub, could be a cheaper alternative

Takeaway: The Diptyque DP 115 speakers offer an amazing listening experience with clarity and responsiveness, and are visually appealing. They would be a great addition to any high-end audio setup to enjoy music, movies, and games.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Diptyque stands out in the hifi industry for its advanced isodynamic planar magnetic technology, delivering precise, natural sound with minimal distortion. With decades of expertise in acoustics, the brand has earned a strong reputation for crafting hand-built, high-performance speakers in France.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

Spatial Europe
MC Series No 3
7136
/
Released
2024
By using the 8 inch coaxial speaker with 1.75 inch spherical wave horn, in conjunction with two 15 inch basses, our new Nº 3 is our largest open baffle speaker. The result is a significant increase in efficiency and a superb mid-high frequency range. In combination with our newly optimized serial 3-way crossover, the Nº 3 is a new milestone in Spatial Europe development in terms of dynamics, stage imaging and timbre.
Check Amazon
Spatial Europe crafts open baffle speakers in Bavaria that eliminate box resonance issues found in conventional designs, delivering a more natural and open sound with exceptional imaging often described as holographic. Their high-efficiency speakers are particularly appealing to tube amplifier enthusiasts, and they're handcrafted using locally sourced materials with plastic-free packaging.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Natural, open sound reproduction, free from colorations and compression effects found in traditional box designs
  • Very detailed and immersive soundstage with great depth
  • Superb dynamics and impulse accuracy, resulting in a fresh and lively sound
  • Deep, powerful, and well-defined bass that maintains clarity and control without being muddy
  • Appealing, open design and is manufactured in Germany

Product Considerations

  • Careful placement is required to achieve optimal bass response, as it is an open baffle design

Takeaway: The Spatial Europe MC Series No.3 offers a very immersive sound with a deep and controlled bass thanks to its open design. It combines high-quality audio performance with a visually appealing design.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Spatial Europe crafts open baffle speakers in Bavaria that eliminate box resonance issues found in conventional designs, delivering a more natural and open sound with exceptional imaging often described as holographic. Their high-efficiency speakers are particularly appealing to tube amplifier enthusiasts, and they're handcrafted using locally sourced materials with plastic-free packaging.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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