Magnepan Mini Maggie System
The Mini Maggie System delivers a big, open soundstage and startling immediacy for such compact panels, with crisp center imaging and more bass presence than most desktop rigs. Part Time Audiophile and Audiophilepure both praise its dynamic control, while its refined treble and nearfield scale make it a distinctive, audiophile-grade desk speaker.
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Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
87/100
Build Quality
84/100
Value for Money
79/100
Pros
Creates a large, open soundstage with strong center imaging that far exceeds its small size.
Sounds immediate and engaging, with lively dynamics that stay convincing at close listening distances.
Delivers impressive bass presence for a desktop system, helped by the unusual footwell bass panel design.
Can sound smooth and refined up top once properly dialed in, with treble that responds well to adjustment.
Cons
Needs careful positioning and setup; the sound changes noticeably with angle, height, and placement on the desk.
Bass and overall coherence are not fully seamless at first, especially before break-in, and the system is not full-range.
Treble can run a bit forward unless adjusted, suggesting some setups may need attenuation.
Costs significantly more than mainstream desktop speakers and also requires an external amplifier.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 87/100
Reviewers consistently praise the Mini Maggie System for sounding far bigger than its compact size, with a wide, open presentation and a striking sense of immediacy. The main reservations are that the lower registers need some help and that the top-to-bottom blend is not as seamless as Magnepan’s larger speakers, but the overall sonic result is highly engaging and distinctive.
Bass
84/100
For a very small panel-based system, reviewers report far more bass energy than expected, with one noting it delivers more low-end presence than most desktop rigs. It is still not subwoofer bass, and the lower part of the register is said to improve after break-in, so the bass is impressive for size rather than truly full-range.
Mid
87/100
The reviews imply a lively, coherent midrange with strong presence and immediacy, and the system is described as sounding engaging and forward in a way that keeps music vivid at close range. One reviewer does note that the top-to-bottom coherence is not fully on par with larger Maggies, which keeps the midband praise from becoming unqualified.
Treble
85/100
Treble is described as open and refined once attenuated, with one listener saying the upper end becomes "silk and lace" after a small adjustment. That said, the need to tame the treble suggests some brightness out of the box, so the top end sounds good but not entirely effortless in every setup.
Soundstage Imaging
93/100
This is one of the system’s strongest traits. Reviewers call the stage big, open, spectacularly clear, and uncannily free of the speaker itself, with a strong center image and a presentation that clearly exceeds expectations for something so small.
Dynamics
91/100
The Mini Maggie is repeatedly described as immediate, almost forward, and able to sound surprisingly big and active at close range. One reviewer says it can get distractingly loud only a short distance away, and that the presentation comes close to overpowering the room during a live jazz test.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
84/100
The reviews mention the unusual bass-footwell arrangement and the familiar Magnepan panel design, but they say relatively little about cabinet craftsmanship, finish, or long-term construction. The overall impression is of a thoughtfully engineered, specialized design rather than a product whose build is discussed in detail.
Value for Money
79/100
Value is a clear concern because the system costs several times more than the Audioengine A5+, which the reviewer calls outstanding value at its own price. The Maggies are presented as something more special, but the need for an external amp and the much higher asking price make them a harder buy unless the buyer specifically wants this kind of presentation.
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Manufacturer's Description — Magnepan
Add an additional DWM woofer for only $1295 + Free Shipping!
Put a 3.7i on your desk
We'll tell you right up front---The Mini Maggie System is NOT a practical "computer speaker". However, if you follow our specific setup procedures (see details below), you will agree with the press that this is "The World's Best Desk Top System".
Yes, the Mini Maggie System is essentially a 3.7i in miniature. No, it is NOT a "computer speaker." (And it wasn't made in China). The Mini Maggie System is the world's first full-range dipole speaker system that will sit on (and under) your desk. The Mini Maggie ("satellite") is essentially a miniaturized version of the 3.7i midrange and tweeter. The bass panel of the miniaturized 3.7i sits under your desk in the foot-well.
The Mini Maggies are like all Magneplanars. They sound best when they have room to "breathe" on your desk. Give them room and you will be richly rewarded for your effort.
The short "modesty panel" acts as a baffle on top of the Bass Panel to increase bass. If you have prior experience with panel speakers, you know they will not produce bass if the panel is flat against a wall or solid surface. Dipole bass drivers sound best when they have an open space BEHIND the dipole speaker to "breathe". The photo below is an ideal scenario. Note that the rear wave of the Bass Panel plays into the room without impediment. And the top of the short front panel ("modesty panel") acts a bass baffle to reduce dipole cancellation and increase deep bass output. (Placing one side edge of the Bass Panel against a barrier accomplishes similar results.) Once you get the Bass Panel and Mini satellites to work together, you'll understand why it is hard to go back to dynamic woofers.
According to our marketing manager, the system below at our Pittsburgh dealer is the best-sounding Mini Maggie System he has heard. There is a pattern we have observed with all the best sounding Mini Maggie Systems. It is similar for all dipoles to get optimum sound--- More than 10 milli-seconds for the first reflections. Bass reinforcement from the boundary provided by the short "modesty" panel that allows the Bass Panel to operate in free space. And a good amplifier (see FAQ).
We want happy customers because referrals and word-of-mouth are our best form of advertising. We are confident if you hear the Mini Maggie System under the right conditions, you'll be impressed.
Setup instructions for optimum sound
- All speakers sound best when they have plenty of room to "breathe". (Notice show reports how manufacturers place their speakers in the hotel rooms far from room boundaries.) The optimum amount of space is 10 milliseconds for the first reflection. Strive to get as close to the ideal as your room will allow. Because the Mini Maggie is a desk system does not negate the laws of physics.
- Bass Panel operating in dipole manner with baffling as shown above.
- Tweeters on the outside with 1 ohm resistors for attenuation due to near-field listening.
- For better high frequency dispersion, tilt Mini back with rubber bumpers under speaker base.
No, it is not practical for some installations, but the Mini Maggie System is much like our 20.7---pushing the boundaries of music reproduction.
Small room monitor speaker
We are frequently asked if the Mini Maggie System can be used in lieu of one of our larger models. Yes, but we err on the side of caution. There is a good reason why line-source drivers are big. We suggest that you view the Mini Maggie System as a solution to a installation dilemma---especially well-suited for near-field listening in a VERY small room on speaker stands when used with two DWM Bass Panels. But, we don't want unhappy customers if it turns out that your particular installation or room acoustics are not compatible with a Mini Maggie System. "Buyer's remorse" is bad for business.
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Authorized dealers for Magnepan Mini Maggie System
- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
- 2C Stereo — in-store — Washington, District of Columbia, United States (website)
- Absolute Sound (SG) — online and in-store — Singapore, Singapore (website)
- Alta Fedelta — online and in-store — Lombardia, Italy (website)
- Ambiance Concert — in-store — Angers, Pays de la Loire, France (website)
- AMPL’HIFI — online and in-store — Nîmes, Occitanie, France (website)
- Analogue Seduction — online and in-store — Whittlesey, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Audio Advice — online and in-store — Raleigh, North Carolina, United States (website)
- Audio Ark — online and in-store — Edmonton, Alberta, United States (website)
- Audio Center (website)
and 65 more verified dealers