What is the 'X' series?
Magnepan has long been committed to manufacturing excellent loudspeakers at an incredibly low cost to the consumer. It was one of Jim Winey’s founding principles to provide, “hifi for the every-man.” In order to continue this tradition we have often been required to compromise the quality of components and construction in order to fit a price point. The X series is the answer to the question: “What if we didn’t?”
A rigorously designed, thoroughly tested, and meticulously constructed project, the X series provides a new level of exceptional quality, elevating an awesome product to even greater heights. With over 50 years of planar speaker expertise, tried-and-true design, and the infusion of new ingenuity, passion, and drive, Magnepan has created something special. The X series speakers are greater than the sum of their parts, and their parts are great!
X series speakers are available in two ways:purchasing premium X version speakers new from Magnepan Certified Dealers and sending existing speakers to Magnepan to be ‘X’d via the X upgrade program. Both of these options, the technical aspects of the X series, and the particulars and details of this project will be explained in depth further down this page. For any questions please feel free to reach out by emailing service@magnepan.com, or calling 651-262-1934.
So what actually is it?
The general idea of the X series is to take the existing design of a given speaker and improve it using three primary axis of refinement: simplification, component betterment, and balancing. When it comes to high fidelity audio reproduction, less is definitely more. Simplifying a circuit in terms of fewer components, less overall wire, fewer junctions, less mass, etc. reduces signal loss, degradation, and distortion. This allows for a more pure signal to pass through the circuit and be reproduced with precision and fidelity. Almost one-for-one replacing all of the components between the speaker cables and driver with superior ones has an obvious beneficial effect. A sandwich made with better bread, better bacon, better lettuce, and better tomatoes is going to unsurprisingly taste better than a standard BLT. It may surprise you however, just how much better it tastes, and just home much better the X series speakers sound. Finally: balance is everything. Even the most entrenched audiophiles, or the best musicians with world-class ears, may not be able to detect if a pair of speakers is crossed over at 150Hz or 151Hz, however typically even a novice audio enthusiast will notice if the left speaker crosses over at 150Hz but the right crosses at 151Hz! The human brain is not always the best at determining precision in isolation but it is incredibly adept at detecting relative differences—think about how obvious it is when something isn’t level, for example. As such it is vital, when it comes to ultra-high performance, that the left and right speakers be nearly perfectly balanced. Along with all of this there are some model-specific changes and improvements that have been implemented such as the MG1.7x being a two-way speaker instead of a semi-three-way with a super tweeter, (to even further simplify the circuit design) and cross-braces being installed in the frame to reinforce the speaker’s rigidity.
How is that achieved exactly?
Better Capacitors
All capacitors used are high quality, copper-rich, polypropylene capacitors [banks]. Each capacitor [and bank] used is individually tested to the hundredth and sorted according to model and need. The cap banks that are made are then retested to further appraise their quality and ensure that left and right crossovers’ capacitance's are within five thousandths. With the increased level of testing and decrease in tolerance, minor value tweaks are employed in some models resulting in fewer capacitors used and a smoother response overall.
Better Coils (Inductors)
All coils used are high-gauge, copper wire, air-core, bobbin wound coils [arrays] that are made right here at Magnepan! Each coil [array] used is individually tested for inductance to the thousandths, DCR to the hundredth, and along with the Q value and its termination direction sorted and paired. The coils are then tested again after being installed on the boards such that left and right crossovers’ inductances (and coil DCR's) are within five hundredths. Model depended and with the above capacitance changes in mind, some inductor values are minorly adjusted as well for smoother response overall and less voltage loss.
Better resistors
Most Magnepan models do not use resistors but some crossover designs necessitate their use. In the case when a model requires a resistor, two resistors of twice the value are used for the X series. For instance, the MG.7 has a 1 ohm resistor on the crossover board, and the MG1.7x has two large 2 ohm resistors in parallel, for an equivalent resistance of 1 ohm. Each of these resistors are individually tested to the thousandth, and then after combination they are tested yet again such that they can be paired within five thousandths.
Better Wiring
All bus wire used (aside from the green (+) and yellow (-) wires for True Ribbon Tweeters to preserve the skin effect) is 15ga or higher solid high-quality copper wire. Excess wire (for ease of assembly, for instance) has been completely removed. Careful attention has been paid to design, layout, and pathing of the crossover components such that wire lengths are short and the overall wire-mass is significantly reduced when compared to the standard models. Throughout the creation and installation processes the resistances of the various aspects of the crossover board are repeatedly tested in order to ensure left and right crossover and nameplate impedances are equivalent for ideal balance.
Better Connections
All connections within the circuit, from the solder lug attached to the terminal screw on the nameplate, to the crossover board, to the driver terminal block, and back are silver soldered connections. Besides the terminal screw, solder lug, and jam nut connection on the nameplate, and the quick connectors on true ribbon tweeter models, there are no mechanical connections used in any X series speakers.
Better Materials
All nameplate components have been gilded. The capacitors, coils, and bus wiring are all copper, and the joint are all made with silver solder. These three metals and their almost exclusive use is a significant reason why the X series speakers perform so well.
Okay it’s better on paper, sure, but how does it sound?
The short but truthful answer is that it sounds better! A lot better. The X series speakers have improved imaging and sound-staging as a result of their more precise nature and higher fidelity. Voices and strings are clearer and instruments have better separation due to lower component distortion. Highs are lighter and airier, and each section has significantly superior clarity because of the simplification of the circuit. The X series speakers have such a presence and four-dimensionalness to them, the reason being their incredibly tuned and tested nature, and their dialed-in balance. They are fast, and they are big, and they have such punch. They have all of the exemplary qualities of a Magnepan speaker, just better.
Audio is a tremendously subjective hobby, though, and anyone can write whatever they want online so please keep in mind that the best way to answer this question would be for you to demo a pair at your local Magnepan Certified Dealership. With that being said here is how Magnepan Mick, the X Series creator, feels about them:
“The very first X speaker that I built was an MG1.7x. I knew that it was going to sound better, but I didn’t know if it was going to sound significantly better, I didn’t know if it would be measurable, and I certainly didn’t know if it was going to be worth the real increase in cost of the labor and components. I honestly figured that it would be a slight bump in quality, perhaps worth a pat on the back, but nothing amazing, and that ultimately the project wouldn’t be worth it. After finishing their assembly I hooked them up in my sound room and was hopeful but had realistic expectations. I was floored. Those prototype MG1.7x’s blew me away and with newly invigorated excitement I really started to put them through their paces. It’s hard for me to put into words just how good I felt like they sounded and why it was that they sounded better… they were just better! As a result, shortly afterward I launched the X upgrade program through the service department. And only about a year after that Magnepan launched the X series completely. To this date I don’t believe I have heard a single negative review from someone who has actually properly listened to them and most have shared the excitement and giddy joy that I had when I first put a signal to those MG1.7x’s. I encourage everyone to read all about the X series, watch the various videos and take in all the reviews as this is something that I’m incredibly proud of… but I would implore those interested to find a place to listen to some X’s… as there really is no other acceptable way to understand the fullness of the X series, in my mind, than by experiencing it yourself. “
-Mick Bucher
At the bottom of this page you will find links to reviews and videos with reactions to the X program.
So what are my options?
As previously stated there are two paths towards achieving the X experience. You can buy new premium X speakers from your dealers, or you can send your existing speakers in for the X treatment.
Premium X Speakers New
Most of our speakers are available right now as their standard version, and as premium X versions, with a handful of exceptions. The LRS+ and MMG-W are not eligible for the X treatment as they are our introductory models and hot-rodding an introductory model is paradoxical, and there are also special and component concerns with those models. Additionally, our ancillary models can be made X’s, but these would be custom order— we will definitely do it, but prices, timeline, and certain details may need to be discussed. In that regard, there are some other aspects of customization and fit and finish options that Magnepan is willing to entertain with the X series, that we would not with our standard models. Please do not hesitate to talk to your dealer about your options and/or call Magnepan. There are small design tweaks that might be made and color options that might be procured. Availability, timeline, price, matching, and style of custom option may vary. All of our floor-standing models with our standard options are available as X versions at your local Magnepan Certified Dealership right now, though! Here is a list of the models and their prices, current as of 7/11/24:
Some of our dealers will purchase used speakers or will offer trade-in programs—if you have existing Magnepan speakers and are thinking about buying new this is definitely something that you should ask about. Alternatively, you might consider selling your existing speakers through a third party, depending on their condition. Both trade-in and selling are options you’ll definitely want to consider especially if you are thinking about the other X path.
X Upgrade Program
There are only a handful of models throughout Magnepan’s history that are not eligible for the X treatment through the X upgrade program. All of our current and discontinued introductory models are not eligible (this includes the SMG series, the MMG series, and the LRS+ series). If you are looking to send your speakers in to be upgraded to X then your first step is going to be to fill out the service request form on our website and make sure to include in the description of work that you would like the speakers X upgraded. The cost of an X upgrade is difficult to express exactly as it is largely affected by the condition of the speaker. In the table you will find the base cost for the X upgrade of speakers, current as of 7/11/24. Please keep in mind that this base rate does not include shipping in, the labor to break the speaker down, any necessary diagnostics, repairs, refurbs, etc, nor new fabric, the labor to put the speaker back together, new packaging, and then also the return shipping and handling. Especially if you are a ways away from Minnesota, this process would not necessarily be cost effective when compared to the option of selling (or trading in if your dealer offers that) your existing speakers, and just purchasing a brand new pair of X speakers from your dealer.
It is recommended that you reach out to your dealer to talk about price and options before you send your speakers in. There are a number of factors that may affect your decision, though, beyond just cost. It is important to remember that a brand new speaker purchase from a certified dealer comes with our 3 year limited manufacturer’s warranty whereas an upgraded speaker only has the 1 year scope-limited service warranty. Additionally, timeline is a relevant factor. Especially when ordering non-custom option X speakers from a dealer, newly purchased speakers will usually be available quicker than the 5-8 week turn-around time for a speaker to be X upgraded. Age is also very relevant in that typically a speaker of 10 years of age or more would potentially also need refurbishment. It would usually not make sense to send in an aged speaker and not also get that speaker refurbished; especially considering the cost of shipping and handling, and the fact that a speaker would need to be stripped for either the upgrade or a refurbishment so that labor is already built in. Along with that, it may be improbably to upgrade an older speaker simply due to its expected longevity and performance. The MG-II, a very early Magnepan model, is an excellent speaker in its own right, but refurbishing and upgrading a 45 year old speaker (while definitely doable) may not be the best course of action, especially when considering that a brand new pair of MG1.7x’s would outperform a pair of MG-II’s in every way.
On the other hand, there are certain features of older models that are no long present in current production. If you have a model with bi-amp capabilities and that function is something that you use, it may be better for you to get that speaker upgraded rather than buying new. Furthermore there are a decent number of custom features and designs that can be built and implemented when it comes to the service department. Pricing and availability for those options will need to be discussed and agreed upon but in short: if you have the time and the finances there’s not too much that Magnepan would strictly say, “no” to.
FAQs
Why ‘X’?
Why did Magnepan decide to do this?
Is the X Series set in stone?
Otherwise yes! This project isn’t going anywhere and we intend to support it both in new production and from service indefinitely. When Magnepan inevitably launches the n.8 series speakers, or whatever it is that might come next, the plan is for there to be an X version of that too.
Do X models look different from standard models?
They’re so close in price! Should I get an MG1.7x or MG2.7i?
If you are a full class A tube amp, analog start-to-finish kind of person then the X program is likely where you want to live. If you have a streamer and use Class D amp then there’s a chance that the benefits of the X program may be a bit lost on your system and the better range of the MG2.7i would likely be preferential.