Magnepan is an American loudspeaker manufacturer. Their full ribbon and quasi ribbon designs are called Magneplanars and there is a substantial range of models. The affectionate nickname within the hi-fi world is to call them Maggies and they have been around for years.

Sound quality is not unlike electrostatic designs, which is not all that surprising given that both involve a light, thin membrane and are open front and back. Placement is incredibly critical, as is the amplifiers ability to drive a 4 ohm load. Beyond that, the load is not reactive or difficult in any other way. Where electrostatics involve the signal going through a transformer, these ribbons are far more directly linked to the amplifier.

The MG12 is a surprisingly affordable compact two way quasi ribbon, panel speaker. We're not entirely sure what we expected for £1500 but these exceded it!

Not for headbangers maybe but more open, uncoloured unboxy and natural than you get for this level of expenditure. Happy on the end of a wider range of electronics than we expected too.

Next level up to the 12, comes the 1.7.

Taller, proportionally slimmer and quite a bit heavier than the 12, the 1.7 is cleaner and bigger - sounding too. Probably worth the extra expense over the 12.

They take some considerable running-in but, once there, are pretty interesting too. The current price (Jan '2012) is £2500.

These are hard products to quantify. To a degree, they are not really about hi-fi values. On a quick play, they are extremely unlikely to impress either. We've seen the looks of pity on people's faces! They don't do 'slam', gritty bass or sparkling highs. Even now that I know them, they have the capacity to underwhelm for a few minutes whilst I acclimatise.

And yet, they are also strangely honest and very addictive. They unravel things, manage to be dynamic even at modest listening levels. Actually, they are particularly good at low to modest levels. Most significantly, they seem to focus on the musical content. People sing, play stuff and generally perform in front of you in an extremely convincing manner.

End of.