I recently got a pair of Magnepan LRS+, my first experience with planar speakers. I am really impressed by the speed, transparency and timbral accuracy – better than any box speakers I’ve owned. These little guys are amazing (especially for the low price) but probably not my final purchase. I’m thinking about the FR10 or FR20. I know these models use planar technology for the midrange and treble; of course, the implementation of this technology is different from what Magnepan does. I would like to find out from folks who have heard both the Aspens and the lower-level level Magnepans (LRS+ / .7 / 1.7) how they compare in the mid and upper frequencies. (Bass is a separate issue, of course.)
I just so happen to have a pair of the LRS+ and FR20’s. While I do like the LRS+, and I am impressed with the LRS+, the FR20’s are at least a million times better. As I have continued to improve my system, the FR20’s keep distancing themselves further apart from the LRS+.
The FR20’s are quicker, smoother, cleaner, more neutral, image better, are grain-free, and are just simply better than the LRS+.
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My FR30 is only ten times better than my old speakers, not a million times. 
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Thanks for this! It’s saying something if the FR20s are quicker, since speed was one of the first things I noticed about the LRS+. (But for 20x the price, they darn well should be better!) Sometimes with the LRS+ I hear something that I find hard to describe; ‘coarseness’ is probably too strong, perhaps ‘looseness.’ This is probably what you are hearing when you describe the FR20s as smoother/cleaner/grain-free.
The FR20s are a stretch financially and might be a tad too big for my room. But given my age, this will probably be my final speaker purchase, so I’m not going to rule the 20s out. If anyone has compared the FR10s to Magnepans, please chime in!
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Mark Levinson? How are you enjoying them? Gorgeous room setup, I like the distance spread, looks like vocals would be airy and fill the room!
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Yes, a bit too strong of a word, as it is a subtle coarseness, but can be easily heard after listening to the much cleaner FR20.
All of this said, I still thoroughly enjoy music through the LRS+. They are fantastic speakers, especially for their $1000 price tag.
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gee, Spinal Tap only went to 11
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Over the past few months, I’ve been alternating between my LRS+ and FR5’s. No question, the FR5’s are superior overall, but I’ve found it fascinating to listen closely and pick apart why—and in some cases, how—the LRS+ occasionally take the lead, particularly on certain acoustic tracks. I’m using a stereo pair of REL 8” subs to smooth out the low end, and I have to say, the LRS+ still possess a certain magic.
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Thanks, this is interesting and helpful! I agree that the LRS+ do possess a magical quality that particularly shines with acoustic music (which is what I mostly listen to and why I wanted to experiment with planar speakers in the first place). I’ve been looking at subs to go with the LRS+ and would like to hear what they sound like with the bass filled out better. But now PS Audio is running the trade-in sale on the Aspen series, which may nudge me into spending money on an FR 10 (or maybe, possibly, a 20).
The number to aspire to these days appears to be a trillion, so a million is no big deal.
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And if you do go for the FR20, you won’t have any desire for any other speakers.
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That’s part of my thinking. At my age, I will probably make only one more significant speaker purchase, and I want it to be a real good one.
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I’ve heard folks say Maggies give that super airy top end but can feel a bit lean in the mids. The Aspens (FR10/FR20) keep the speed and transparency but add more body and richness to vocals/instruments. If you can, audition both — your ears will tell you quick.
As a Maggie salesman back in the day, I’ve heard, and owned, all types of them. I had them prior to the FR30’s. Honestly, my heart leans toward what a good electrostatic can do with the mids and highs, but dynamics and bass fall short.
The Maggies reign at top-to-bottom coherency but can’t match the FR’s speed, accuracy, and boogie factor. No speaker is perfect. Finding one that doesn’t sound like one, is the goal.
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Well said.
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Thanks! It’s good to know that you appreciate the speed and transparency of the Aspens, since that is certainly something I’m looking for. I will say, though, that the LRS+ have a very good mid range to my ears.
A good summary, although I think the issue of dynamics may depend on what one listens to. In my room, the LRS+ have good dynamics for what I have played through them; others may well have different experiences. It’s also very interesting that you give the nod to the Aspens in speed, since this quality is something I very much have noticed with the LRS+.