Floorstanding loudspeakers — MAGNAT SIGNATURE 999

The MAGNAT Signature 999 is a passive floorstanding loudspeaker developed in the German labs of the company and listed at EUR 2,499 per unit. MAGNAT describes it as a stereo main system for both music and film. Its cabinet is finished in matt black on black, and the fabric grille is removable, held by a system of hidden magnets.

Key specs that matter

The layout is 4.5-way with dual woofers in a bass reflex cabinet. Two 20 cm woofers are joined by a 17 cm midwoofer, two 30 mm dome tweeters and a 20 mm super tweeter. MAGNAT quotes a frequency range of 22 Hz to 55,000 Hz, efficiency of 93 dB and nominal impedance of 4 to 8 ohm. Power handling is 280 W nominal and 500 W peak, with more than 30 W of amplifier output recommended. Each speaker weighs 37.5 kg.

Engineering and use context

The top end comes from a new high resolution triple tweeter module. Its three fmax domes are arranged in a modified D'Appolito configuration and are controlled by separate crossover circuits. The two larger domes use linearised drivers for low distortion, and their extended surrounds give a deep link to the midrange driver. The super tweeter spreads output in all directions. Every tweeter has a composite double dome and a neodymium ring magnet. The woofer and midrange units share generously vented die-cast aluminium baskets that prevent turbulence and compression, magnet systems tuned for low distortion and voice coil ventilation for high load and long life. Their 3L sandwich membrane layers ceramic, magnesium-aluminium alloy and ceramic, plus an inverted dust cap, and the whole design is Klippel optimised. A decorative ring of solid ABS and aluminium, fixed with eight screws, frames each cone. The cabinet is built from multiply braced MDF, and two wide Magnat Airflex openings on the rear vent the bass. Buyers can stand the speaker on adjustable metal spikes or on silicone feet.

Pairing

The crossover is a phase and amplitude optimised APOC design, wired internally with low resistance oxygen-free copper of type OFC-N4 and generous cross sections. A large connection panel carries encapsulated terminals rated for thick cables, and it is split, so owners can use two cable runs or separate amplifiers for the upper and lower sections.

Alternatives

MAGNAT also builds the Signature 809, a four-way floorstanding speaker with dual bass and bass reflex that uses the same 3L sandwich membrane idea in its woofers and midrange.