The Magnepan MMG is the smallest and least expensive speaker in the Magnepan line, priced at $599 per pair and coupled with a very generous 60-day return policy. Magnepan also offers the option of trading in your "Maggies" for full credit on a higher-end model within one year of purchase, which speaks to the "first rock of crack is free" phenomenon among drug dealers, as well as the old-school audiophile upgrade path, depending on the analogy you like better. The MMGs have two choices of trim, black or natural oak, coupled with black, off-white or gray fabric.

Set-up is painless. Simply attach the legs (two per speaker) with a Phillips screwdriver and you're off to the races. Should you find the treble a bit too harsh, the angle of the speaker can be adjusted by simply flipping a small metal bracket on the back of each leg. This is not a traditional "box" speaker; it's a one-and-a-quarter-inch thick quasi-ribbon with a planar-magnetic driver. This type of design provides a broad sound field, which emanates from the entire surface area of the speaker (both front and rear). As a result, speaker placement is extremely important. Basically, you want a few feet of space between the back wall and the speaker. By experimenting with the placement, you'll find substantial differences in the sound.

High Points
• If properly driven and positioned, you'll find a soundstage that is absolutely stunning, putting you right there in the concert hall.
• The treble is as open and airy as you're going to find in any speaker, especially in this price range.
• MMGs speakers are not necessarily known for their deep bass response, although I found the bass to be more than adequate on just about any type of music, sans some of the heavy-hitting urban tracks in my collection.

Low Points
• The MMGs need to be driven at four ohms and, due to their design, require a decent amount of good, clean power. I'm using an NAD C325BEE two-channel integrated amplifier (160 watts at four ohms) and it's a great match. You don't have to break the bank, but you do need a proper amp. Most receivers can't cut it on Magnepans.
• For the best performance, you need to get the Magnepans away from walls, so make sure this is feasible in your room.
• For any level of home theater application, you will need a subwoofer, which other speakers at the MMGs' price point might not fully require. Personally, I think everyone needs a sub, even for a music system, but with MMGs, you really need one.

Conclusion
As I write this review, I'm listening to older Peter Gabriel on my Magnepans and they're putting a smile on my face. These speakers make listening to music fun and engaging, just as it should be. The economy is a mess, so why spend a fortune on speakers when you can pick up a pair of Magnepan MMGs for well under a grand? With this type of sound quality and price point, not to mention a 60-day trial period, it's sort of a no-brainer. I try not to be overly effusive in my reviews, lest I convince someone that I have an ulterior motive. In this case, I'm throwing that out the window in order to make it clear that these speakers have no audiophile rival at this price point.