Magnepan MG II Speakers

Description

The Magnepan MG II is a landmark loudspeaker in the history of high‑end audio—a full‑range planar magnetic speaker that helped establish Magnepan (often colloquially called “Maggies”) as a quintessential brand for audiophiles seeking spacious, transparent, and uncolored sound. Introduced in the early 1990s as the successor to the storied Magnepan MG I, the MG II refined the company’s signature thin‑film driver technology and offered listeners an approach to sound reproduction distinct from conventional box speakers.

Unlike typical cone‑based designs, the MG II uses large, thin, flat panels that operate as radiators, producing sound via planar magnetic drivers instead of pistonic cones. These panels are composed of a lightweight Mylar diaphragm with etched conductive traces suspended in a magnetic field. As current passes through the traces, the panel moves in a near‑perfectly uniform fashion, creating sound with exceptionally low distortion and wide dispersion. This design gives the MG II a unique sonic signature characterized by airy highs, extended midrange clarity, and a soundstage that seems to float beyond the speakers themselves.

Physically, the MG II tall panels stand over six feet tall but remain just a few inches deep, making them elegant yet imposing. Their minimalist appearance complements many modern interiors while signaling a departure from the traditional loudspeaker aesthetic. Installation requires more space than box speakers because the rear‑firing panels interact significantly with room acoustics, and the speakers are ideally set away from walls to allow the soundfields to develop fully. When properly positioned, the MG II can create a three‑dimensional soundstage with exceptional imaging, placing instruments and voices with a lifelike sense of depth and width.

Sonically, the MG II excels at midrange transparency and detail. Voices and acoustic instruments emerge with a natural tonal balance rarely rivaled by conventional transducers of the era. One reviewer noted that the MG II’s presentation was “uncannily lifelike,” with a treble response that was both extended and remarkably clean, avoiding the etched glare some metal‑dome speakers exhibit. Another enthusiast commented that the MG II’s “soundstage width and depth rivaled live music,” a testament to its ability to convey spatial cues and ambient detail with precision.

Bass extension on the MG II, while not as deep as that of large conventional box speakers or subwoofer‑equipped systems, is surprisingly solid for a panel design—especially in rooms of moderate size. The MG II’s low‑frequency output is defined more by control and pacing than sheer slam, which suits genres like jazz, classical, and acoustic rock exceptionally well. However, for listeners seeking heavyweight bass for modern electronic or cinematic content, pairing the MG II with a quality subwoofer is a common and often recommended upgrade.

Because planar magnetic panels are inherently lower in sensitivity and present complex loads to amplifiers, the MG II benefits from high‑current amplification. Many reviewers have emphasized that pairing these speakers with powerful solid‑state amps or robust tube amps with substantial output current dramatically enhances dynamics and control.

Owners often praise the MG II’s longevity and timeless musicality, noting that even decades after its initial release, many examples continue to outperform newer designs at similar or higher price points. Positive‑Feedback.com described the MG II as “a reference‑level speaker that still holds its own,” a rarity in high‑end audio where technologies and trends shift rapidly.

Product Specifications

• Design: Planar magnetic dipole loudspeaker

• Configuration: Two‑panel, full‑range planar array per channel

• Frequency Response: Approx. 40 Hz – 22 kHz (room dependent)

• Sensitivity: ~87 dB/2.83 V/m

• Nominal Impedance: 4 Ω (dipole load characteristics)

• Recommended Amplifier Power: 50–300 W per channel (high‑current capable)

• Dispersion: Front and rear dipole radiation (wide horizontal dispersion)

• Crossover: Planar drivers arranged for seamless response (no conventional crossover network)

• Dimensions (approx): ~72″ H × 15″ W × 3″ D per panel

• Weight: ~50 lb per speaker

• Finish: Black cloth on flat panels (wood grille or frame optional)

• Manufacturer: Magnepan LLC, Minnesota, USA