A new way to buy high-end speakers
Brick and mortar dealers are fading away, but factory-direct outlets lack the expertise to fully serve their customers. Now there's a third option.
American speaker manufacturer Magnepan has just launched a program to reach potential customers who would like to test out their speakers, but don't live near enough to a store to hear them in person.
The program, "Maggie Dealer-Direct," relies on dealer expertise to advise customers, but Magnepan ships directly to the customer for a 30-day home trial (in the U.S. only). You might say Magnepan will be acting as the dealer's shipping department.
The Mini Maggies are just 14 inches high
(Credit: Magnepan)Some might wonder why Magnepan doesn't just eliminate the dealers and sell speakers factory direct, but they value the depth of knowledge dealers bring to the buying experience. High-end audio, when it's at its best, is all about getting the details right, and dealer know how can be a huge asset for helping customers achieve optimum sound quality. As a manufacturer Magnepan doesn't have the time to provide that level of customer service.
I sold high-end audio for 16 years in New York City, so I know first hand the sort of problems customers face when dealing with unfamiliar gear. If salespeople just hands over a box to a customer, they're not doing their job. I was always available to help my customers get the best out of their new components. I had personal, hands-on experience not only with the products I sold, but I also worked with the gear customers brought in to compare it with what I had on hand. So questions about speaker placement, amplifier matching, cables, etc. are best handled by a salesperson with years of experience with Magnepan speakers, used with a vast array of electronics and room settings. No phone clerk at a direct sales outlet has anywhere near that much experience.
In the initial stages of the Magnepan home trial program, only one model is being offered, the Mini Maggie System ($1,490), which I raved about a few months ago (other models may be added at a later date). The little system was designed for near-field/desktop listening, the Mini Maggie System will perform best in places where Magnepan's larger 1.7 or 3.7 speakers wouldn't be appropriate.
I still believe buyers should always try to get to a brick and mortar dealer and audition products before they buy them. But that's just not possible for many potential high-end customers. Magnepan's new program addresses the shrinking dealer base problem and provides an alternative route. I hope other high-end manufacturers follow Magnepan's lead with similar programs.
Interested parties can check the Magnepan Web site to locate a dealer.
