Manufacturer's Comment
I would like to thank Stereophile for this well-written and excellent review.
As a designer and manufacturer of a unique loudspeaker technology, it is satisfying to know that a magazine exists with a well-intentioned and competent editorial staff. In the case of our review, Herb Reichert perfectly describes his perception of the particular sound reproduction abilities of the Manger sound transducer, which is at the heart of all Manger loudspeakers. The research that led to the invention of the Manger sound transducer was all about a better transient response, by avoiding the energy storage of a piston-type driver. The notes from all musical instruments begin with a transient and this is exactly what the human ear perceives.
So why does a discrepancy exist between the measurement comments and the actual review? For decades, all loudspeaker measurements have been based on the steady state of piston-type drivers. I especially missed seeing a positive comment about the excellent step response of the Manger P1.
John Atkinson himself once wrote the following in an article for Stereophile, "There are not that many speakers that produce this good a step response . . . " [(footnote 1)] The comment regarding a missing impedance peak was another disappoint to me. In standard loudspeaker technical literature, like that written by Vance Dickason about loudspeaker design, you will discover the equalization of the resonance frequency of a driver, which is exactly what we are doing in the crossover of the P1. The result leads to a more constant impedance curve that represents a much easier load for an amplifier. JA's comment pointed out that there may be a mistake, since the usual peak was not present, which leads to a wrong impression for your readers.
In general, I had wished for a better explanation so that your readers could have a clearer understanding, especially in the case of measuring a different driver principle. This would have provided your readers with a much better perspective.—Daniela Manger, CEO and speaker designer Manger Audio
Footnote 1: See www.stereophile.com/content/measuring-loudspeakers-part-two-page-3. The step response I was discussing in that article was that of a Vandersteen loudspeaker.—John Atkinson
Footnote 1: See www.stereophile.com/content/measuring-loudspeakers-part-two-page-3. The step response I was discussing in that article was that of a Vandersteen loudspeaker.—John Atkinson
