Magnepan 1d

[E-Stat]

What type is it, how much power to drive properly, sound quality, best placement, known problems

The Tympani series was the original Magneplanar design that debuted in the early 70s. It was hearing a similar model in 1974 that made me a planar convert. I was struck at how natural they sounded and immediately decided I had to get some. As dipoles, placement becomes more critical because the room is effectively the enclosure. Most dipoles like to be placed a good distance away from the back wall for optimum results. It is possible that the wires have delaminated over time and may require a modernization service by Magnepan. Although the early models didn't have the exceptional ribbon tweeters as they do today, they nevertheless are still a world class speaker in my opinion. There is a Magepan user group website (MUG) that has tons of info about them found here. Enjoy!

I have no familiarity with Onkyo products.

Actually, of all the Japanese manufacturers who focus on receivers, Onkyo makes some pretty decent sounding stuff.

I mentioned Adcom because they have a reputation for being able to drive the worst loads imaginable.

But Maggies of that vintage have a very benign almost purely resistive load - very unlike electrostats. Remember they were marketed and voiced with Audio Research tube amps. I first heard T-IIIs tri-amped with 75 watt / channel Audio Research D-76s. Sounded incredible.

rw