Floorstanding loudspeakers — Magnepan LRS+

The Magnepan LRS+ is a compact planar-magnetic floorstanding loudspeaker and the most accessible entry point into this technology in the Magnepan catalogue. The company has made planar-magnetic panel speakers since the 1960s.

Key specs that matter

The LRS+ covers 50 Hz to 20 kHz. Sensitivity is 86 dB with a nominal impedance of 4 ohms, a moderate efficiency typical of planar-magnetic designs. The panel measures 121.9 x 33.02 x 2.54 cm.

Engineering and use context

At just 2.54 cm deep, the LRS+ is far slimmer than any conventional box speaker. Being a dipole, the panel emits as much energy backwards as forwards, and Magnepan recommends leaving a metre or more of clearance behind it.

Pairing

The modest sensitivity and 4 ohm load call for an amp that can supply decent current, not a very low-power design, since planar-magnetic panels are not forgiving of underpowered amplification despite their thin profile.

Alternatives

The Magnepan 1.7i sits above this model in the planar range, with a larger panel and deeper bass extension.