Advice for first pair of Maggies


I's like some feedback on purchasing my first pair of Maggies, specifically a new pair of MMGs vs. a used pair of something else.

A new pair of MMGs are the top of what I can pay now, and ideally I'd go with something less. Are there any advantages to the MMGs over other used models? Should any older models be avoided?

I will be powering the speakers with TAD Hibachi amps and an AES AE-3 pre-amp. I think this will make a good combo from what I've read, but I haven't actually heard these speakers in person.
meskandar
Maggies sound great (fast, immediate, transparent, good imaging) and bass improves as the size increases. I own a pair of MMG's which I use in my wife's office/study area. She loves them, listening to music at low to moderate levels during the day. Unfortunately, the glue holding the ribbons can dry and release over time, particularly if exposed to sunlight, which can cause a "buzzing, and rattling sound" at certain frequencies. It is a cheap fix, using glue (the fix is shown online (google it if interested), but a real pain as it takes pretty much an entire weekend to undue all the staples holding the sox on, scraping the old glue near the damaged point and regluing before reattaching the socks. Magnaplanar company want's nothing to do with this fix other than to tell you how to do it yourself (for good reason- the hours of labor involved could almost justify buying a new pair). I would go with a NEW pair myself, but if you can audition a good used pair that haven't be highly exposed to sunlight, I would consider those as well. Just my 2 cents worth of "Things to consider when buying Maggies". A good functioning pair mated to the right amplifier can provide many hours of happy listening.
You might want to post some details on your music room. You will do well to select a model that fits the room well. As far as buying used, the older models have had problems with the glue failing after varying amounts of time. Direct sunlight and humidity extremes apparently speeded up the glue failure. I had a pair of SMGa's that did this. You will hear a nasty buzzing and you will know something is wrong right away. I've had a pair of 1.6QR's for 12 years and they have no problems at all. For today's going prices for used 1.6's, they are an insanely good buy. If I were buying maggies, I'd try to pick up a pair within driving distance and go see and hear them. Most people would rather not ship them, so that should work for both parties.
The glue issues in current or recently built Maggies is not longer true. Magnepan has changed the glue they use and the story is the newer modles will not come loose like older ones did.
The glue coming apart IS the issue for old Maggies.
It is a pretty easy fix to do, and if you look at the Planar asylum over on Audio Asylum, you can read about folks regluingthier Maggies.
I own new last Spring Magnepan 3.6s.
I almost was able to buy some used locally, but they and my money did not co-incide. So new it was. ((As shipping used Maggies is a bigger problem than most speakers, just 'cuz of thier shape).))
Maggies are a love them or hate them sort of speaker. I personally love them. They are probably my last pair of speakers.
Elizabeth is correct about the glue issue. Only the earliest Maggies had this problem. Magnepan corrected the problem in the early to mid 80's.

Room size is something to consider when selecting a speaker and Maggies sound better in a medium to large room.