Here's what Gemini 3 says (don't know if correct but seems reasonable):
"Can my friend fit a set of the largest Magnepan speakers (the wide folding older room divider style) in his Infinity QX80?"
Yes, your friend can very likely fit them, but they will need to prepare the vehicle specifically for a tight fit.
Based on the "folding room divider" description, you are looking at the vintage Magnepan Tympani series (likely the Tympani I, III, or IV). These are famous for being massive, hinged panels that measure 72 inches (6 feet) tall.
Here is the breakdown of the fit and the strategy for moving them safely:
1. The Math: It fits, but use the "Captain's" space
The Speaker Size: When folded, a Tympani speaker stack is roughly 72" Long x 18" Wide x 4" Thick. You have two of these stacks (one for left, one for right).
The QX80 Cargo Space: With the 2nd and 3rd rows folded flat, the Infinity QX80 offers about 86–87 inches of length from the liftgate to the back of the front seats.
The Verdict: You have roughly 14 inches of clearance lengthwise. They will fit lying flat.
2. Critical "Must-Dos" Before Loading
Even though they fit on paper, these speakers are fragile and awkward. Do not skip these steps:
Remove the Feet: The speakers have metal feet (T-shaped or U-shaped) screwed into the bottom to make them stand up. You must bring a screwdriver/Allen wrench to remove these. If you leave them on, the speakers will not stack flat, they will slide around, and the feet could tear the QX80's leather or carpet.
Bring Moving Blankets (Lots of them): Magnepans are essentially mylar stretched over magnets. If something pokes the grille cloth, it can ruin the diaphragm. Lay a thick blanket on the cargo floor, place the first speaker stack, add a layer of blankets, and then the second stack.
Slide the Front Seats Forward: Just to be safe, move the driver and passenger seats forward a couple of inches before loading. This ensures you don't accidentally crush the top of the speaker frame when closing the liftgate.
3. A Warning on "Folding"
Check the Hinges: These speakers are 30-40 years old. The fabric hinges that connect the panels often rot. When you go to fold them, they might separate completely. This is actually good for moving (smaller pieces are easier to handle), but be prepared for them to come apart.
Do NOT stack anything on top of them: These are heavy (approx. 90-100 lbs per speaker). Do not put boxes or amps on top of the planar surfaces during the drive.
Summary for your friend: Tell him to clear the car completely, bring tools to take the feet off, and treating them like panes of glass. They will slide right in.
"Can my friend fit a set of the largest Magnepan speakers (the wide folding older room divider style) in his Infinity QX80?"
Yes, your friend can very likely fit them, but they will need to prepare the vehicle specifically for a tight fit.
Based on the "folding room divider" description, you are looking at the vintage Magnepan Tympani series (likely the Tympani I, III, or IV). These are famous for being massive, hinged panels that measure 72 inches (6 feet) tall.
Here is the breakdown of the fit and the strategy for moving them safely:
1. The Math: It fits, but use the "Captain's" space The Speaker Size: When folded, a Tympani speaker stack is roughly 72" Long x 18" Wide x 4" Thick. You have two of these stacks (one for left, one for right).
The QX80 Cargo Space: With the 2nd and 3rd rows folded flat, the Infinity QX80 offers about 86–87 inches of length from the liftgate to the back of the front seats.
The Verdict: You have roughly 14 inches of clearance lengthwise. They will fit lying flat.
2. Critical "Must-Dos" Before Loading Even though they fit on paper, these speakers are fragile and awkward. Do not skip these steps:
Remove the Feet: The speakers have metal feet (T-shaped or U-shaped) screwed into the bottom to make them stand up. You must bring a screwdriver/Allen wrench to remove these. If you leave them on, the speakers will not stack flat, they will slide around, and the feet could tear the QX80's leather or carpet.
Bring Moving Blankets (Lots of them): Magnepans are essentially mylar stretched over magnets. If something pokes the grille cloth, it can ruin the diaphragm. Lay a thick blanket on the cargo floor, place the first speaker stack, add a layer of blankets, and then the second stack.
Slide the Front Seats Forward: Just to be safe, move the driver and passenger seats forward a couple of inches before loading. This ensures you don't accidentally crush the top of the speaker frame when closing the liftgate.
3. A Warning on "Folding" Check the Hinges: These speakers are 30-40 years old. The fabric hinges that connect the panels often rot. When you go to fold them, they might separate completely. This is actually good for moving (smaller pieces are easier to handle), but be prepared for them to come apart.
Do NOT stack anything on top of them: These are heavy (approx. 90-100 lbs per speaker). Do not put boxes or amps on top of the planar surfaces during the drive.
Summary for your friend: Tell him to clear the car completely, bring tools to take the feet off, and treating them like panes of glass. They will slide right in.