Retro Speaker Test

https://www.hifi-voice.com/testy-a-recenze/reprosoustavy-podlahove/2264-magnat-transpuls-1500

Magnat Transpuls 1500

The well-known saying that history repeats itself seems to hold true – in 2019, the world saw several variants of classic old-school loudspeakers. These are speakers with large cabinets, large internal volumes and large diaphragm areas – a concept that most manufacturers have abandoned over the past 30–40 years as technology has evolved. Not least because it can be difficult to accommodate such large cabinets in modern homes, unless this is a high priority for you. However, there is clearly still a demand for "the good old days", and the most affordable version of this concept so far has been presented by the German company Magnat with the Transpuls 1500, which builds on the tradition of the late 1970s and early 1980s.

The Transpuls 1500 is a loudspeaker with classic characteristics from an era when size was a prerequisite for achieving a reasonable frequency response. The cabinets are made of relatively thick MDF and are surprisingly well built. The most distinctive feature is the unusual width of 51.4 cm, although the height of 100 cm is hardly modest either. On the other hand, the depth of 38.5 cm and the "everything on the front" concept mean that the speakers do not need to be placed particularly far from the wall. The weight of 37 kg per speaker also brings back memories of the past. Quite simply, you get a lot of speaker for your money here.

The speakers are completely rectangular and stand on a base just over 10 cm high that runs around three sides and features a plate and the company logo. The technically styled, grey-black front is slightly recessed between the dark wood-veneered side panels. If you do not want to see the technical aesthetic, you can simply attach the slightly angled front grille to the sturdy MDF frame, preserving the speaker's retro character.

The rear of the simply and neatly designed Transpuls 1500 contains only a small connection panel with a pair of high-quality speaker terminals. High efficiency is clearly a central part of the design.

The Transpuls 1500 is designed as a three-way loudspeaker, but has a total of four drivers and two separate working chambers. The designers have chosen an unusual solution for reproducing the highest frequencies. In a narrow, vertically positioned compression channel, there are two 2.5 cm fabric-dome tweeters, angled slightly towards each other. At the same height, on the other side of the front baffle, sits the 16.5 cm midrange cone. The paper diaphragm is mounted in a small but very robust dual suspension in order to reduce breakup and distortion while increasing power handling.

Many people will undoubtedly be impressed by the bass driver's diameter of no less than 38 cm. It also has its own working chamber, connected to a pair of – at least visually – very heavily damped bass-reflex ports. Magnat calls the system Controlled Reflex Alignment, and even at high volume levels there is no obvious air turbulence coming from the ports. The bass driver also has a paper diaphragm with a rigid dual suspension.

Magnat has developed all of the drivers specifically for this model, partly with the help of Klippel's laser-based measurement and analysis system. The goal was to design sensitive drivers capable of handling high sound pressure levels and high power. The manufacturer therefore specifies amplifier recommendations of up to 500 watts per channel and a continuous power handling of 250 watts.

The listening impressions really do show that the Transpuls 1500 enjoys high volume levels, but not necessarily large amounts of amplifier power. Paradoxically, less powerful and less expensive amplifiers sound noticeably more pleasant with the Magnat.

The crossover frequencies are 920 Hz and 4,800 Hz. The crossover between the midrange and bass is 12 dB/octave, while the tweeter crossover is a full 18 dB/octave. Phase-linear solutions are used throughout the frequency range. The manufacturer specifies an overall frequency response of 16–35,000 Hz, without stating a tolerance, as well as a sensitivity of 95 dB/2.83 V/m and an impedance of 4–8 ohms.

We listened to the Magnat Transpuls 1500 in the HIFI CZ studio in Prague. As amplifiers, we initially used the MBL Noble C51 – definitely not an ideal combination, since the Transpuls 1500 does not really cope well with its impressive power reserves. We then tried the Magnat RV-4, the Marantz PM6006, which proved to be an exceptionally good combination in terms of price and performance, and the Sonos AMP, which did not work particularly well.

Signal sources included the Magnat MCD 850, EAT Prelude and Audio Pro Link 1. For comparison, we used, among others, the Q Acoustics 3050i as well as the Audio Pro AddOn T20 and AddOn T14. Power was supplied through an ISOL-8 SubStation Integra, with cables from WireWorld, while the speakers were connected using higher-quality cables from Oehlbach and WireWorld.

Bass

Considering the large bass driver and substantial cabinet, one might easily expect a powerful, booming and rumbling bass presentation. However, the Transpuls 1500 handled the deep tones in Jennifer Warnes' "Way Down Deep" (The Hunter | 1992 | Private | 1005-82089-2) without becoming boomy, oversized or rumbling.

On the contrary, the bass is fast and somewhat softer, with sufficient – perhaps even slightly elevated – level compared with the other frequency ranges. The overall impression, however, is not that the room is flooded with excessive bass. What matters here is rather speed, definition and the ability to deliver a physically tangible impact.

It is also interesting how much the character changes depending on which amplifier is used. The Marantz added a little warmth and fullness; the bass became rounded and pleasant. With the MBL, the bass became considerably tighter – but not hard – while also becoming more physically tangible, perfectly controlled and coherent. At higher volumes, however, it felt as though the amplifier had considerably more power than the speaker actually needed.

In practice, you probably do not need particularly much power, since the Transpuls 1500 reproduces sound clearly and with relatively little effort. That is not entirely common among affordable hi-fi speakers.

Midrange

Eleanor McEvoy's vocals in "Leaves Me Wondering" (System Solution | 2019 | Nordost) sounded somewhat subdued with the Magnat tube amplifier, stable but not dominant. At the same time, it is clear that the speaker is sensitive in practice, not just on paper, and responds very readily to the signal. Details are therefore highly audible.

When the Marantz was connected, the sound literally blossomed in fullness and expressiveness without becoming intrusive. The midrange remained relatively calm and balanced. It is a sound that is presented tastefully and richly, while at the same time remaining robust, clean and clear.

The MBL, on the other hand, tightens and cleans up the midrange. The sound then becomes somewhat rawer – many details and very good intelligibility provide a more monitor-like experience. However, when the amplifier's power begins to approach its limits, a certain hardness appears that is not entirely pleasant.

Treble

The dual tweeter reproduced the ringing vibraphone in "Sex Without Bodies" (AUDIO Digital Masters I | 2010 | AUDIO | 01-10) with a clear sense of presence. The speakers do not become drowned in reverberation; instead, the highest frequencies remain clearly present at all times.

The sound does not, however, become sharp or aggressive, even at high volume levels. Here too, the MBL can occasionally make the sound somewhat harder, but the level of detail is impressive for this price category.

When the Marantz is connected again, the treble becomes softer but at the same time very airy, calm, clear and sensitive, with good transparency.

Dynamics

Regardless of the combination, the Transpuls 1500 is a genuinely dynamic loudspeaker. The electronic pulse in David Guetta's "Love Is Gone" (Focal CD No. 8 | 2009 | Focal | 509999680442) was wonderfully stable, powerful, punchy and fast.

This is exactly what one expects from large, easy-to-drive speakers. Although the Transpuls 1500 can retain some of its dynamic contrast even at low volume – which is impressive in this price range – they definitely feel most at home when played loud.

These are speakers that play loudly with enthusiasm and ease without feeling overloaded. The MBL's enormous control and power did make the sound even tighter and more decisive, but at the same time it became almost too heavy-handed for them.

The Marantz, with its rated 45 watts, on the other hand, already has more than enough power to make the drivers work properly. The sound becomes physical and powerful while remaining coherent. It never becomes wild or uncontrolled.

Resolution and Detail Retrieval

The high sensitivity also reveals itself in very good detail retrieval, at least in this price range. The speed and clarity with which the Transpuls 1500 reproduced the individual instruments in The Soundscapers' "A Rose for Me" (FIM Super Sounds! III | 2006 | FIM | FIM XR24 073) were excellent.

The sound is not the slightest bit flashy, perhaps rather somewhat matter-of-fact, but very dignified, clean and precise. Even the softer character of the Marantz amplifier does not "dirty" the sound. On the contrary, it adds colour and richness to the Transpuls 1500's already fairly sophisticated presentation.

With the MBL, the sound becomes more analytical and studio-like, with very good transparency. Naturally, the Transpuls 1500 cannot offer the very highest level of analytical resolution when it comes to the tiniest details in a recording, but for the price they are fantastically good – including their ability to reveal what they are capable of.

Placement and Soundstage

Finding the right placement in the room is somewhat challenging. Above all, the speakers' considerable width makes it difficult to find the optimal position for both you and the speakers.

A slight toe-in is definitely recommended. As for room acoustics, you simply have to experiment until the soundstage "clicks" into place.

In Hoff Ensemble's "Innocence" (Polarity | 2018 | 2L | 2L-145-SABD), the soundstage spread out between the speakers and far behind them. Surprisingly, the combination with the Marantz once again worked best. The physical size of the speakers was then not apparent in the soundstage, and the presentation had plenty of air.

The more stable and considerably more precise MBL amplifier created a better sense of depth, but without the same airiness and lightness.

Musical Enjoyment

Perhaps the most impressive thing is how entertaining the Transpuls 1500 actually is with music, regardless of genre.

Even Caro Emerald's relatively mediocre "That Man" (Deleted Scenes from the Cutting Room Floor | 2010 | Grandmono | 88697776142) simply became entertaining. It flowed smoothly without excessive sharpness, while remaining lively, energetic and explosive.

Even the "small" Marantz amplifier is more than sufficient for both low and very high volume levels, even at concert-like levels. The Transpuls 1500 plays easily and effortlessly.

The MBL naturally tightens and reinforces the sound considerably, but it also becomes somewhat more technical, even though the precision is impressive. The Transpuls 1500 simply works best when allowed to play in a relaxed manner.

Conclusion

The Magnat Transpuls 1500 is an excellent tribute to design ideas that are 40 years old – or even older – while simultaneously demonstrating that old does not necessarily mean obsolete.

Modern technology can certainly offer similar frequency response and dynamics from smaller and therefore more easily positioned speakers, but the sound of large speakers is simply somewhat different.

Not better – just different. Somehow, it feels a little less "compressed".

The Transpuls 1500 is, in any case, a highly original offering on today's market. Although some brands offer similar concepts, they are generally available at a considerably higher price level.

Magnat has succeeded in creating something different, while at the same time producing speakers that work extremely well for music listening. They work particularly well with affordable electronics and are not especially demanding when it comes to either musical genre or volume level.

They therefore represent a very solid hi-fi option for everyday listening.

This really is an excellent example of "a lot of music for the money."

Measurements – Frequency Response, Impedance and Waterfall

The frequency response was measured at a distance of one metre along the axis between the tweeter and midrange driver, in a closed and semi-damped room of approximately 60 m². The room had normal acoustic treatment, including carpeting, large seating areas, numerous shelves containing components and several acoustic panels, but without extensive acoustic modifications.

The measurement can be considered 100% reliable from approximately 200 Hz upward. Between 10 and 200 Hz, however, the acoustic influence of the room is clearly visible.

The measurement was performed using Clio Pocket software and a calibrated microphone. The speakers were positioned in the listening position shown in the accompanying photographs.

The software does not measure the speaker's response in a fully anechoic chamber. Instead, it measures the frequency response with consideration given to the energy balance over time. It is therefore not a theoretical measurement of the speaker's maximum capabilities, but rather an indication of how the speaker behaved under the particular acoustic conditions.

Frequency Response – On-axis (red) and 30° off-axis (black)

Under normal listening conditions, the Transpuls 1500 is perceived as considerably more linear than the measurement suggests, which is not necessarily a positive thing. It is also clear, however, that if the microphone is moved, for example, to the midrange/bass axis, the peak in the highest frequencies is significantly reduced.

Similarly, the emphasis in both the bass and treble decreases noticeably at a distance of approximately three metres or more.

It is clear that the Transpuls 1500 delivers full energy down to approximately 40 Hz, with increased energy between roughly 50 and 120 Hz – the region responsible for the "pleasant" and full-bodied bass.

From approximately 3,800 Hz, the dual tweeter section is gradually boosted. As the off-axis measurement shows, the frequency balance is not entirely optimal for listening without some degree of toe-in.

Impedance (red) and Electrical Phase (black)

The speaker's impedance curve is more reminiscent of what is normally associated with a sealed cabinet, suggesting that the bass-reflex system is either very heavily damped or primarily decorative in function.

The tuning frequency is around 50 Hz, from which point full usable performance can be expected.

The speakers remain above 5 ohms across most of the frequency range. Only in a very narrow region around 3,800 Hz does the impedance fall to approximately 3 ohms, which should not cause any problems.

The overall impedance curve is clean, with no obvious signs of resonances, vibrations or standing waves.

The electrical phase also remains within safe limits. The Transpuls 1500 therefore does not present an unusually difficult load for the amplifier.

Suitable Room Size

Small room – under 20 m²: ±Medium-sized room – 20–40 m²: ✓Large room – over 40 m²: ±

Advantages

Fantastic, highly entertaining sound at a surprisingly low price

The feeling of getting "a lot of speaker for the money"

Good build quality for the price

An original concept in today's market

Capable of very high sound pressure levels

Very good dynamics

Exceptionally good detail retrieval even at low volume for this price range

Very good overall price-to-performance ratio

Disadvantages

Requires careful placement to achieve a really good soundstage, which is logical given the speakers' size

Does not require particularly much amplifier power