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| Model: | Magneplanar SS1 |
| Category: | Speakers |
| Suggested Retail Price: | $450 |
| Description: | Planar Magnetic Surround Sound Speaker |
| Manufacturer URL: | Magnepan |
| Model Picture: | View |
|
Review by John Kotches on February 08, 2000 at 22:26:15 IP Address: 199.174.172.2 |
Add Your Review for the Magneplanar SS1 |
I've owned these since April of 1999 and am awaiting upgrade
to the MG-MC1s.The portion of the audio spectrum that the SS1s reproduce is quite
clear and real -- the problem is that the top portion of frequency
response is missing (15-20 KHz). Things like the "shimmer" of cymbals
or the delicacy/air of a flute, or the "brassiness" of a trumpet are
missing. Bass response is crossed over to my Von Schweikert Tower of
Power, so I don't notice the missing reproduction below 100 Hz.Rear channel dialog is startinly clear, and vocals on 5.1 music are
quite lifelike. Check out Steely Dan's Gaucho for a good example of
vocals from the rear effects.For surround effects they are excellent speakers but for 5.1 music they
are lacking.If I recall correctly, these speakers were designed and introduced during
the Dolby Pro-logic days, predating the 5 full range channel DD and DTS
era. This accounts for their substantially limited frequency response.I can't give an absolute "you must buy these" type review -- they will require a home audition to help you decide if they're the right ones for
you.
| Product Weakness: | Missing information from 15K-20KHz and should not be run as full range speakers. |
| Product Strengths: | Natural, clear reproduction over its operating frequency range. |
| Associated Equipment for this Review: | |
| Amplifier: | Bryston 3B (original) |
| Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): | Golden Theater GTX-1 |
| Sources (CDP/Turntable): | Toshiba SD-3108 |
| Speakers: | Fronts: Acoustat Spectra 22, Center MG-CC1 |
| Cables/Interconnects: | Harmonic Tech Pro-Silway MK II |
| Music Used (Genre/Selections): | Diana Krall "Love Scenes", Eagles "Hell Freezes Over", movie "Dances with Wolves" |
| Room Size (LxWxH): | 21 x 12 x 9 |
| Room Comments/Treatments: | None |
| Time Period/Length of Audition: | 10 months |
| Other (Power Conditioner etc.): | N/A |
| Type of Audition/Review: | Product Owner |
| Your System (if other than home audition): | N/A |
I rather concur, but don't lose heart. It may still be useful in a 7.1 setup. I personally am dredding yet another set of speakers in my system in a 20'x14' floor space.
I'm not fretting, and I don't have room for a 7.1 speaker setup
at this point in time. I mean, where the heck will I put the
7th speaker, on the Deck? One side of my family room has French
doors to the deck).So it's upgrade or keep 'em for me.
John,
What are the MG-MC1's?
Thanks for the review.
Those are the supposed replacements for the SS1s --Given Magnepans current delays in shipping all their products,
there is no estimated delivery date for the MC1s.They have basic information posted at the url posted below
for these speakers.Hope this helps.
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