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Magnepan LRS+
Magnepan LRS+
Following in the footsteps of the highly acclaimed LRS, the LRS+ takes it up a notch.
"This is another slam-dunk POY (Product of the Year) nominee, and, IMO, the best buy (along with the MG1.7i) in an affordable loudspeaker for modest-sized rooms.” 2022 Golden Ear Award. Jonathan Valin, October 7th, 2022
Check out Jonathan’s full review of the LRS+ below.
What is a ribbon speaker?
Ribbon and electrostatic speakers are elegant and simple. The air is moved and sound waves are created by moving an ultra-light film or aluminum ribbon. Ultra-low mass
enables the ribbon to respond quickly to the electrical signal from the amplifier. What you hear is higher definition.
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Awe-inspiring midrange realism and a vast, holographic soundstage define the LRS+; its fast quasi-ribbon treble adds immediacy while the slim dipole panels demand careful positioning and stout, high-current amplification. Reviewers from The Absolute Sound and Enjoy The Music praise its lifelike mids and improved top/bass balance.
Pros
- Uncannily realistic midrange and vocal clarity that renders instrumental timbre with convincing lifelike detail.
- Exceptional, wide holographic imaging and tightly focused center imaging when toe-in and positioning are optimized.
- Remarkable value for money—delivers much of Magnepan’s signature sound and resolution at an accessible price point.
&
Cons
- Power-hungry — requires high-current amplification to unlock its full potential; modest receivers often leave it under-driven.
- Limited deep-bass authority — most listeners will want one or two subwoofers for full-range or bass-heavy material.
- Position-sensitive with a relatively narrow sweet spot; imaging and tonal balance change noticeably with placement and toe-in.
Sound Quality
89/100
Bass
88/100
Midbass improved and more robust versus the original LRS, with useful extension down to ~50–60Hz in-room when positioned close to a back wall; however low-bass authority is limited and most reviewers recommend subwoofers for full-range listening or power music (Erin's Audio Corner, Future Audiophile, TAS).
Mid
92/100
Consistently praised as uncannily lifelike and very resolving for vocals and acoustic instruments; reviewers note low distortion and natural timbre in the midrange (TAS, Future Audiophile, Enjoy The Music), with only minor coloration reported around ~400Hz by one reviewer.
Treble
89/100
Quasi-ribbon treble is fast, airy and detailed, providing immediacy and sparkle; a few reviewers still report mild roughness/exposed character on cymbals or high notes, though the Plus is smoother than the original LRS (Enjoy The Music, Audiophilepure).
Soundstage Imaging
91/100
Exceptional height, width and holographic imaging when carefully set up and when sitting on-axis; creates a very open, room-filling stage for small-to-medium rooms but is position-sensitive with a relatively narrow sweet spot (Future Audiophile, Erin's Audio Corner, TAS).
Dynamics
82/100
Excellent micro-dynamic immediacy from the ribbon section and good transient speed, but the speakers are power-hungry and show dynamic compression and rising distortion at high SPLs; reviewers advise high-current amplification and note they won't sustain very loud, orchestral or bass-heavy material without assistance (TAS, Erin's Audio Corner).
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Build Quality
86/100
Slim, well-executed Magnepan construction that suits small spaces; optional stout aluminum stands are recommended and feel essential to proper deployment. Overall fit/finish and engineering are appropriate for the price and form factor (TAS, Future Audiophile).
Features Connectivity
80/100
Passive baseline applied.
Value for Money
95/100
Multiple reviewers call the LRS+ a 'best buy' or 'phenomenal for the money' at $995/pair and praise its ability to deliver much of Magnepan character at an affordable price, while noting additional costs for stands and subs if desired (TAS, Enjoy The Music, Audiophilepure).
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