View Full Version : Magneplanar SMGa
A matched pair in untouched condition
The cloths need stretching back over the bottom cover or better still replacing and although I’ve not tried them at high levels the wires will likely need re-gluing as apparently the original glue dries out and allows the wires to become detached and vibrate when lose .
Attached to the feet are some u shaped things that allow the stands to sit in a different position ( somehow), one is missing ( easily made though)
I have ordered new fuses.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200811/a7683b6796ed0f7e12d36f381d7f4756.jpg
I was shocked at how good these sound .
I’d like £250 as they are , collection only and I’m in Milton Keynes
Pm if interested
Serial numbers 102259-1 and 102259-2
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Sherwood
11-08-2020, 09:54
All Magnepan speakers are sold as "matched" pairs as they are mirror image designs. In other words, the high frequency and bass ribbons are on opposite sides on each speaker. Depending on your room size and layout you may find that swapping the speakers between left and right produces a much better sound on one of the options.
As a long term Maggie user I strongly recommend making your own plinth to both raise them up a little and to provide a more stable platform. There is a whole industry in the US dedicated to providing retro fit stands for Maggies.
I've had mine for 20 years and will never get rid of them. Currently they are in my Home Office (spare bedroom) and sound great. Mine are tucked into the corners of the room with sound absorbant material behind them.
I have also replaced the capacitor with a Polypropylene and bypassed the fuse. Really helped open them up.
I doubt you will be able to get better sounding speakers for £250.
I think I’m going to restore these so they’re now withdrawn.
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walpurgis
13-08-2020, 17:31
I think I’m going to restore these
Go for it Andy! :thumbsup:
Go for it Andy! :thumbsup:
I will do Geoff, I will re-glue the aluminium strings/wires if needed , recap them and go for Moroccan blue cloth ( or brown ) or orange
Can I use any acoustic cloth ? Or hessian?
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walpurgis
13-08-2020, 17:50
Moroccan blue cloth ( or brown ) or orange
Can I use any acoustic cloth ? Or hessian?
Well I'd aim for something as near the original as possible. You might want to ask suppliers if they can provide samples.
Go for it. They are great sounding. Her's a quick snapshot of mine in situ, with carpet offcuts rolled behind to stop bass boom, and the replacement cap from ICW (custom ordered so it has my name on it! :) )
https://i.imgur.com/Gch0mzi.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/hLrevi1.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/pSLLIq4.jpg
Oh they do look nice ( Lee ? )
My only slight concern are the socks , should I get some acoustic fabric and get my lovely elderly neighbour to make them or should I order from Magnepan, what did you do ?
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They are the original ones, which my wife darned to cover up some of the holes.
I must admit I am not that keen on the oatmeal colour and would get something else and don't see a problem with a nice blue or any other colour and getting your neighbour to make them.
I’m going to try and get this colour blue which I hope will make them more wife friendly...
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I think I’m going to restore these so they’re now withdrawn.
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkSensible. They can be made into something truly special. Bypass the fuse and jumper bar. New x-over caps etc. Lift them up on proper stands (Google images will provide plenty of inspiration).......magic!
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Sensible. They can be made into something truly special. Bypass the fuse and jumper bar. New x-over caps etc. Lift them up on proper stands (Google images will provide plenty of inspiration).......magic!
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Thanks Gerry, I’ve just finished gluing back the lose wires , cloth ordered , now to order the caps .
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All glued up and sounding superb ( no socks )
Watch here ....
https://youtu.be/6cHMsqrGB9Q
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These things are astonishing [emoji16]
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Westendboy
15-08-2020, 14:01
Quite agree about the sound. I went out yesterday afternoon and auditioned a pair of.7’s. I had a listen with some of my favourite vinyl and played around with positioning. Lo and behold they’re now set up in my lounge.
Sensible. They can be made into something truly special. Bypass the fuse and jumper bar. New x-over caps etc. Lift them up on proper stands (Google images will provide plenty of inspiration).......magic!
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Evening Gerry, any recommendations on which caps to go for ? I’ve researched it on the net and it’s overwhelming, Initially I just want to replace the Richey 50uf caps but I can’t decide on the best replacements .
Regards
Andy
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I would look at hificollective and see what you feel like spending. They stock mine https://www.hificollective.co.uk/catalog/ccsa460-47uf-claritycap-range-polypropylene-p-5237.html
I would look at hificollective and see what you feel like spending. They stock mine https://www.hificollective.co.uk/catalog/ccsa460-47uf-claritycap-range-polypropylene-p-5237.html
I did look on there Lee but they don’t seem to have any top notch axial ones , i will give Nick a call on Monday for his suggestions too, ( They’re only a mile away from me )
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Evening Gerry, any recommendations on which caps to go for ? I’ve researched it on the net and it’s overwhelming, Initially I just want to replace the Richey 50uf caps but I can’t decide on the best replacements .
Regards
Andy
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Obbligato oil caps, but these are large...really pull the bass into shape. They replace the 30uf cap (or there about). I used Solen 50uf as I could get a single cap at a good price. Sky is the limit though.
I bypassed them all with 0.01uf Russian PIO or Teflons.
Plenty on the the Planar Asylum re x-overs. I made mine external as the inductor was huge.
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Cheers mate, I have to say that I think the bass is just amazing on these ( like having a big sub )
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https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5t4yzpEbvkI/TdxvIlCARnI/AAAAAAAAK-k/cozziaK5ubs/s512/May%25252023%2525202011%252520019.JPG
https://libinst.com/random/SMGa%20schematic.jpg
Sorry no 30uf....that was my MG12
Some interesting threads
https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/planars-and-exotics/120418-opinions-magneplanar-smgas.html
https://www.audioasylum.com/cgi/vt.mpl?f=mug&m=190581
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Thanks Gerry
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Well here they are ( well one is almost complete)
My reinvented smga’s ....
Grill covers to follow
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walpurgis
29-08-2020, 08:22
Looking good.
Looking good.
Thanks Geoff , I’m yet to make the cloth grills that fit in the centre bit .
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Looking great. How's the search for the 50uf capacitor going?
Looking great. How's the search for the 50uf capacitor going?
Thanks, I bought some Alcap 50uf’s from cricklewood electronics for £2.50 each .
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AJSki2fly
29-08-2020, 15:58
Well they are looking good Andrew.:clapclapclap:
Excellent. Did you make new frames? So how are they sounding?
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No they are the original frames , I had to sand them and 2 pack wood filler them , sand them again, 3 coats of pva ( each coat made stronger) sand them again them apply eco-stik 328 to the panel and the real wood veneer, I screwed up on the first attempt and had to start all over again .
They sound very good indeed , I will make some plinths at some point and then I’ll angle them at 90 degrees .
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Absolutely the most massive upgrade for Maggie's and Apogees is frame stiffness/rigidity.
Well worth making or getting some bespoke aluminium stands made that support the rear as much as feasible.
You won't believe how much better things get with a rigid frame. Believe me I know and it is the testament of countless Maggie users.
Not sure what your using? Any chance of a rear shot?
Looking good BTW.
Absolutely the most massive upgrade for Maggie's and Apogees is frame stiffness/rigidity.
Well worth making or getting some bespoke aluminium stands made that support the rear as much as feasible.
You won't believe how much better things get with a rigid frame. Believe me I know and it is the testament of countless Maggie users.
Not sure what your using? Any chance of a rear shot?
Looking good BTW.
Making them more rigid will be the next project.
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walpurgis
30-08-2020, 09:40
Making them more rigid will be the next project.
If you have welding gear, I guess you could make a frame from steel angle, the two side lengths could be longer than the speaker baffle and form legs as part of a stand.
If you have welding gear, I guess you could make a frame from steel angle, the two side lengths could be longer than the speaker baffle and form legs as part of a stand.
Got it in one mate [emoji6]
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