Magnepan Tympani 1D, worth the time?

[Audioi]

I am thinking of a pair of Tympani 1D but wonder if they are worth the time.
It has been many years since I have heard them and technology has changed.
The pair is in need of repair but I understand that a total rebuild for all panels including new cloth is around $1100. Think I can buy them pretty reasonable and they are in the original cartons.
What are your thoughts?

[klipschfan]

Only if you will keep them...

Speaker differences

MUG : Magnepan Users Group

[Tonepub]

I agree with Klipschfan...

But they are cool speakers, really enjoyed mine back in the early 80s...

[Mark J]

They reproduce sound in a special way. It sounds different. Excellent for anything that requires fast response such as bluegrass. One of the best for female vocals. They do so many things well I have to keep a pair of Magneplanars on hand. There are three pair in the house at the moment. They do require power but can benefit from bi- and tri-amping. Jim has put his MG-IIIa speakers into wooden frames to replace the MDF and has gotten everything and more out of them. Well worth it in my opinion, but then I'm using my ears to listen to what I like. YMMV

[Tonepub]

The answer to Magnepan problems is a pair of MC1.2KW's....



Best Magnepan amps I've heard!

[1KW]

I have a 24 year old pair of Magnepan MGIIIA's which were sitting in storage for years . The adhesive had weakened to the point that the coils started to detach from the mylar film on the ends which resulted in a loud vibration when the volume was increased. I found the method of using DAP glue ($3) at home depot. I removed the cloth sock, using the DAP glue and a brick to hold the coils to the mylar film the uncurling problem was fixed. I purchased new covers from Magnepan for around $50 and now I have speakers which sound and look like they did when they were brand new. If you think the speakers are worth a few hours of your time and less than $60 in materials then I say fix them.

[ehoove]

Actually the Tympani of choice is the IVa with the Ribbon Tweeter. One of the earlier models used a Push-Pull tweeter, the Tympani III I believe. If I was going to refurbish a pair it would be the Tympani IVa. My IIIa's actively Tri-amped with wood frames are incredible, I can only imagine what a Tri-amped set of IVa's would sound like!

Regards,
Jim

[Audioi]

I do have a pair of MC1.2's I could try. I just wondered if the technology of the newer Maggies was a huge improvement or not.

[AudioNut]

Originally Posted by ehoove

Actually the Tympani of choice is the IVa with the Ribbon Tweeter. One of the earlier models used a Push-Pull tweeter, the Tympani III I believe. If I was going to refurbish a pair it would be the Tympani IVa. My IIIa's actively Tri-amped with wood frames are incredible, I can only imagine what a Tri-amped set of IVa's would sound like!

Regards,
Jim

I had a bi-amped pair of Tympani IVa's and kept them for several years - wonderful speakers but they did present a formidable presence at the front of the room - My wife finally asked me if I wouldn't like a slightly smaller speaker just as well.

I didn't like the replacements "just as well", but I did change - to a pair of four box Genesis 200's - even bigger but a bit more conventional looking, and more in keeping with my wife's decorative efforts.

[AudioNut]

Originally Posted by Audioi

I do have a pair of MC1.2's I could try. I just wondered if the technology of the newer Maggies was a huge improvement or not.

What I read about the new Magnepan MG 1.7 speakers indicates that they not only use new technology, but they may be the best sounding Maggies yet - and a true bargain to boot. I think I'll try to get a pair when they become available.

Jonathan Valin surely thinks they are superb.

Magnepan MG 1.7: Unqualified Triumph | AVguide

It sounds like this one will be a real winner.

Julian