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Q Acoustics 3050i & Magnepan LRS: The Audiophile System Builder

Can you build a great sounding system in 2022 for under $4,000? The Magnepan LRS and Q Acoustics 3050i prove that you can.

Q Acoustics 3050i and Magnepan LRS Loudspeakers

Let’s have a discussion about context and system building. Both are topics that have bothered me tremendously over the past 23 years as a reviewer and editor within the consumer electronics category.

One of the biggest failings of the audio/video press is that we don’t do enough to present equipment in the context of a system that people might actually want to buy.

Reviewing products like the Magnepan LRS, or Q Acoustics 3050i is a pointless exercise if we don’t explain how to build a system around them.

Telling you that a $750 pair of loudspeakers sound great only gets you so far.

How can you maximize that purchase if you don’t know what to partner them with.

You have to create a path for people who are new. And it has to be a reasonable one. 

Does it benefit the reader and industry more to discuss $800 products or $50,000 components? 

As much as we enjoy reviewing state-of-the-art products (because who wants to review a Prius when you can spend time with a Porsche) that very few people on the planet can afford, there needs to be greater focus on the products that might help increase the size of the base – who might eventually have the money to buy much better products.

My listening priorities as a 52 year-old with 3 kids in private school and college are not the same as a 25 year-old living in an apartment (or parent’s basement…time to get out).

We agree, however, on one important concept; we both want to enjoy the music that we love with the highest level of sound quality that we can afford.

The concept of “affordability” is slightly tricky.

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Everyone has a different budget. Some people can afford to spend $100,000 on a stereo system and that gives them the ability to try components that 99% of the population will never get to experience. It’s not a contest.

I know people who have spent that amount of money and have been stuck on the high-end merry-go-round for years. They’re never happy with the sound of their system and clearly care more about the equipment than the music.

Most people that I know have a very specific budget for their home stereo system. $3,000 to $5,000 is the most they would ever consider spending on a system and that’s actually a very good place to be.

Tune out any audiophiles who tell you online that you’re not really “serious” about music or hi-fi if you don’t spend a lot more. These are the same people who justify spending $3,500 on power cords before selling them at a loss on Audiogon or go through components like you have gone though masks during the pandemic.

Run away from reviewers who only seem to review products that are equivalent to one semester in a private U.S. college. They don’t care about helping you build a system or expanding the knowledge of consumers in regard to better sound quality.

It’s about playing with expensive stuff they can’t afford.

At the end of the day, the only opinion that matters is your own.

Chapter One: The Kid

Grogu (aka Baby Yoda)
Grogu (aka Baby Yoda, The Kid)

Some audio experiences are transformative. Listening to the Magnepan MG-III loudspeakers for the first time in 1989 at a local dealer was utterly jaw dropping. The rest of the system was a mixture of Mark Levinson and Proceed electronics and I’m pretty sure the dealer was taking human organs in trade.

Having worked the previous four years during weekends and summers at my parent’s pizzeria, I had actually saved up enough money to afford this monstrosity of a system. Sadly, that money was earmarked for 4 years of college in another country so I had to settle for what I already had at home.

What struck me at the time was the mind-blowing transparency of the loudspeakers. Certain aspects of the music just sounded real; the imaging, clarity, and sensation of a real person singing in the same room actually made me laugh in front of the dealer. 

I wasn’t some high-end virgin at the time, having spent my childhood inside one of the best stereo stores in the country. I had just never heard anything like that.

Magnepan LRS Speakers in room
Magnepan LRS Speakers

What also struck me was the amount of power that those large panel loudspeakers required.

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There are a million opinions online about the topic but the simple truth is that you can drive a loudspeaker like the Magnepan LRS (Little Ribbon Speaker) with any amplifier that can double its output and is stable into a 4 ohm load. A/V receivers are not great choices in this scenario. Their actual power output into a 4 ohm load is rather iffy.

Emotiva, NAD (not the C 316BEE V2), Schiit Audio, Bryston, Audio Research, and Pass Labs all work well with Magnepan.

The LRS need a lot of space. A minimum of 3 feet from the wall behind them. You also need to angle the panels so that the tweeter potion of the panel are further from your ears than the woofer. I have my LRS turned so that the woofer panel is almost 2 inches closer to my listening position.

The LRS also benefit from either a heavy paving stone placed underneath the legs or a dedicated stand like the Magna Risers.

Audio systems need to be forward thinking and reliable so it’s easy to suggest this pile of Schiit Audio components to be the heart of this rig. Having tried my Schiit Ragnarok 2 Integrated Amplifier with the LRS, the issue that reared its head was power.

The tonal balance and overall sound quality was excellent, but the Ragnarok 2 ran out of steam rather quickly. If you don’t mind limiting the volume to conversation levels, the combination can work rather well.

The Schiit stack is more money but it will deliver greater headroom and dynamics.

It has more than enough power, the right tonal balance, and a plethora of inputs (both analog and digital) for any source that you might already own or plan on adding in the future. 

Don’t expect a lot of deep bass from the LRS – that’s not why you are buying it.

Magnepan has also introduced the LRS+ for $995.95 USD but we have yet to listen to them so it is impossible to recommend a model that we have not heard.

There is also a 5 month waiting list right now for the LRS or LRS+.

Magnepan LRS Loudspeakers ($650/pair, locate dealer)

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Schiit Audio Vidar Stereo Power Amplifier ($799 at schiitaudio.com)

Schiit Audio Saga+ Pre-amplifier ($399 at schittaudio.com)

Bluesound NODE Network Streamer ($499 at Amazon | Crutchfield | read our review)

Pro-Ject Debut PRO Turntable ($999 at Amazon | Turntable Lab | read our review)

Moon by SimAudio LP110 V2 Phono Preamp ($600 at Amazon | read best phono preamps)

Total: $4,046 (not including cables)

Hot Veal Sandwich

Chapter Two: The Hot Veal with Extra Sauce 

I didn’t grow up kosher. My parents sent us to Hebrew school for over a decade, but we were in the pizza business and professional “foodies” long before that term ever came into vogue. I also grew up with Italians and Portuguese and my daily eating habits were heavily influenced by that crossover of cultures. Dim sum was a weekend thing. Hot veal sandwiches with extra sauce were a permanent part of my diet growing up in Toronto.

NAD was a big part of my listening experience growing up as well. I spent countless hours listening to stereo systems as a kid at Bay Bloor Radio and there was always a piece of NAD gear in my father’s equipment rack at home. 

It’s hard to build a bad sounding system around a NAD amplifier. 

Q Acoustics 3050i Floorstanding Speakers Gray
Q Acoustics 3050i

The Q Acoustics 3050i work exceptionally well with the NAD C 316BEE V2 that has some extra punch in the midrange. The internal phono stage is a good tonal match for the Goldring E3, Ortofon 2M Blue, Sumiko Wellfleet, and Nagaoka MP-110.

The price differential between the NAD and 3050i might raise a few eyebrows but I’ve run that specific combination for over 2 years and swapped out the C 316BEE V2 for 9 other amplifiers and it is the best affordable option.

Rotel A12MKII Integrated Amplifier Silver Front Slight Angle
Rotel A12MKII Integrated Amplifier

The Rotel A12MKII would also make a lot of sense in this scenario but it does raise the system price by almost $600.00 USD.

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The 3050i does not get enough respect from the hi-fi press and that’s problematic because it offers so much value for the money. The build quality is quite high for the price and they do feel rather substantial when you set them up. The feet can be somewhat wobbly on carpet and I would stick with a hardwood floor if you can.

Ditch the foam port pucks that are designed to be inserted if the loudspeaker has to be placed closer to the wall due to space limitations. I have my 3050i set up in my dining room along the long wall and there is only 8″ between the wall and the rear of the cabinet.

They sound more open and spacious without the pucks and the low end impact is more than enough in a room that is 16 x 13 x 9 with two openings into the living room and kitchen.

The 3050i have a rather polite presentation unless you drive them with the right amplifier and they can become almost boring if the rest of the system doesn’t have some top end energy and the midrange is fleshed out. The NAD just works on both accounts.

Cambridge Audio CXN V2 front view
Cambridge Audio CXN V2 Network Streamer

The Cambridge Audio CXN V2 Network Streamer is more expensive than the Bluesound NODE, but it also delivers the right tonal balance for the amplifier and loudspeakers. It also scales up really well with more expensive components if you decide to upgrade in the future.

Tip: The CXN V2 has been replaced by the CXN100 Network Streamer.

NAD C 316BEE V2 Integrated Amplifier ($399 at Crutchfield | Amazon | read our review)

or

Rotel A12MKII Integrated Amplifier ($1,199.99 at Crutchfield | read our review)

Q Acoustics 3050i Loudspeakers ($999/pair at Amazon)

Cambridge Audio CXN100 Network Streamer ($1,099 at Amazon)

Pro-Ject Debut PRO Turntable ($999 at Amazon | Turntable Lab | read our review)

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QED Reference XT40i loudspeaker cable ($159.95 at Amazon)

Total: $3,655.95 or $4,456.94

Related Reading

Next article in this series: Audiophile System Builder: Linear Tube Audio, Decware, Omega

See all Audiophile System Builder recommendations.

16 Comments

16 Comments

  1. ORT

    January 26, 2022 at 11:16 am

    Magnepan LRS…At the beginning of the scamdemic I auditioned a pair locally and used my Onkyo TX-NR818. I should have bought them then but I did not have the money saved. I have to have the money saved as I do not like having too much debt and a house is debt enough!

    The Onkyo is THX certified and easily drove the wee Maggies. I like the looks and musical reproduction of the LRS and still want a pair but…And every body has a big but so here comes mine, The waiting list is even longer and I know some thing will come up that is more important to my family than me and my musical satisfaction. Shocking, I know. 😉

    As for Schiit products? I am a fan having given their DACs and Amps to family and friends. I just gave my Valhalla 2 to my son as I no longer want it. I want some thing with VU Meters and tubes and that ain’t gonna happen with Schiit. No hard feelings as I still THINK their equipment is superb, I just have a look I prefer.

    I still have the Onkyo in its box. In storage. Who knows? Perhaps this time I will save and actually order a pair?

    And Grogu? Now that is story telling.

    Thank you for this review/report and for providing the desire to once again save for that which I have long desired. Magnepans.

    ORT

    • Ian White

      January 26, 2022 at 3:36 pm

      The more I listen to them — the more I realize just how overpriced other loudspeakers are.

      They definitely need some power behind them. Bryston, NAD, Schiit, Parasound, etc…

      You can build an exceptional system around them — which is why they will be with me forever.

      Ian

      • Steve

        January 26, 2022 at 4:45 pm

        Ian, I REALLY appreciate you factoring value into the hifi equation. After retiring, downsizing, and researching for an affordable small room system, would either the Q 3030i or Wharfedale 12.1 work within 10″ to 12″ of the wall behind them? Thank you. Steve

        • Ian White

          January 27, 2022 at 12:13 am

          Steve,

          The 3030i can be used closer to a wall with the supplied port bungs but I’ve never had success with them. I found the sound to be quite muddy with 3-4 different amplifiers.

          Wharfedale for sure in that scenario.

          Ian

      • ORT

        January 27, 2022 at 10:45 am

        I know that my THX smurtified Onkyo TX-NR818 had no problem driving the LRS for approximately 30 or so minutes at a moderate level and the AVR did not over heat, clip or other wise distort the experience.

        THX is stable at 4 ohms. If ever I save the money and the LRS are available at that moment in time, I will buy them and use the Onkyo to play music through them. I am not too certain about the cool looking stands just because I would once again have to save up for them.

        If I had cats?

        If I had cats and the LRS, the cats would not have front claws or I would not have cats and the LRS. I have a dog.

        Cool speakers the LRS.

        ORT

        • Ian White

          January 27, 2022 at 12:12 pm

          Our dog knows to stay away.

          The stands are interesting. They do change the sound a lot but I’m not sure that everyone will like the change depending on the rest of their system.

          They do improve the clarity and detail but at the expense of some midrange warmth.

          Ian White

          • john tolbert

            November 6, 2022 at 4:13 pm

            Hi Ian,
            I really enjoyed your discussion with the British Audiophile regarding the LRS speakers. I own a pair and really enjoy them. Right now I have them set up with the Rotel RB-1582 and the Rotel RC-1590 preamp.Im pleased with it. But after listening to you mention other power amps that match well with the LRS,which NAD, Schitt or Emotivia works best with them or…am I ok power wise with the Rotels I currently have? Much appreciate any thoughts or suggestions you offer! Oh…I feel you on the college tour thing, been there, done that twice.
            Best,
            John

          • Ian White

            November 6, 2022 at 7:48 pm

            John,

            The LRS work well with any class AB amplifier that can truly double their output into 4 ohms…with the exception of AVRs that fail rather miserably at that task.

            Bryston, NAD, Schiit, Emotiva, and Cambridge Audio — and Rotel…are all good options.

            Older Bryston amplifiers are a good match. The Schiit Audio Ragnarok 2 is a good match from a tonal balance perspective, but it does run out of steam.

            The NAD digital amplifiers (outside of the Masters Series) are not a good match.

            Best,

            Ian White

        • Tim

          January 27, 2022 at 1:34 pm

          Hi Ian, another great read. Like you say, value is relative. For some, a $60,000 pickup for basically going to the supermarket is a worthwhile purchase. I’d rather have a high end system and an electric bicycle. I’m not interested in boats, Jet Skis, skiing in Colorado, or paying $400 for a Broadway show ticket. But I consider the Q Acoustics Concept 500 to be a steal at $6500. Doesn’t mean i can afford them, but….T

          • Ian White

            January 27, 2022 at 2:53 pm

            Tim,

            I’m rather similar. I drive my cars into the ground (Ford Explorer and Prius), and have zero need for any boats or $400 Broadway shows.

            I’ve simplified my wardrobe during the pandemic. I don’t work in an office anymore and spend my wardrobe budget differently.

            I would rather own a JVC 8K projector than a Range Rover.

            Ian

    • Rex

      September 25, 2022 at 2:23 am

      You were obviously lucky not to have someone close to you die alone in hospital due to covid.

  2. tonyE

    February 22, 2022 at 5:04 am

    Maggies require REAL power.

    Stuff that can suck current from the wall and somehow turn it into motive EMF.

    I got two pairs of Maggies… 12 and 1.7s. They need big beefy power supplies. Usually, the price of the amplifier (and the heft) is much more than the speakers themselves.

    So, in your choice of amp, I demurr. In my case, when I built the system for my son’s Maggie 12 based set up, I went with a used Conrad Johnson MF2100 (a true and solid 200 watts into 4 ohms). I don’t care what Schitt and others claim, but no Class AB amp is gonna drive those speakers unless you have some huge power supplies.

    Of course, you could do a Class D amp, but be careful, as my ICE amps just didn’t like the Maggies so well. Excellent bass but closed in treble.

    The entry level for Maggies is considered something like a Nakamichi PA7 MkI or beefy class AB amps. Recently, the stuff from NCore and Purify are hitting the shelves.

    The CLS is price point deceiving, it needs a big amp. BTW, I run my 1.7s quite well with custom Aleph 5 monoblocks.

    Oh. Acoustic Energy AE1s. Yep, I got a pair of the original Reference units. They sound fantastics with an Audio Research D70 MkII. Imaging to kill for. I have not heard the actives though.

    • Ian White

      February 22, 2022 at 5:28 am

      Tony,

      Driving the LRS with the Cambridge Audio Edge A that is Class A/Class A/B and almost 300 watts/4 ohms.

      I can barely get to 11 on the dial before I have to turn it back. The Schiit Ragnarok 2 was another story. I had to run all the way to 3 on the dial before the sound came alive.

      I also like Bryston will Maggies.

      The new AE1 are fantastic. Need a tube preamp to calm them down a tad.

      Best,
      Ian White

  3. Tommy

    February 16, 2024 at 6:36 pm

    A thorough review of the LRS+

    https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/magnepan-lrs/

    Needless to say, if you want to hear the bass in your music, either get a sub or another pair of towers.

    • Ian White

      February 16, 2024 at 7:22 pm

      Tommy,

      I have used the LRS with a REL subwoofer and ultimately decided to disconnect it. I knew about the limitations because this was not my first rodeo with Maggies and having owned 5 pairs of electrostatic loudspeakers since 1989 — you really need a properly integrated woofer or it sounds like the bass is trailing the rest of the sound.

      Still love the LRS and LRS+ for what they do.

      Best,

      Ian White

  4. Pier

    March 24, 2024 at 3:19 pm

    At this very moment I am listening a white pair of 3050i with a c316bee v2.
    These are way underatted speakers. Easy on the ears, they add very little of their own, balanced and if youmfind the right place in the room they remind me of a esl quad.No, it is not a joke, and they are not equal,but they reminded me my 57 and 988.
    Nad works with them really good.
    If I ‘ll move to a rega brio what will I (if) gain ? I assume you have listened them with rega.
    More fluid? Balance? Tonality maybe?

    Thanks

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