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Magnepan 1.7i Impressions

Watched that this morning, good review and I also liked the discussion on addition or not of subs.

Though I've listened to the 0.7i a couple of times, I am looking forward to the opportunity next week to audition the 1.7i. I am trying to make sense of the different configurations and their costs--it seems like they range from $1995 to $2200. As far as I can tell, the higher cost is for the stained strip of wood either side, there is a mid-level cost, like $2095, for the semi-circular aluminum in silver or black, and then the Audio Excellence guys seemed to be talking about a base model for $1995 with black cloth and a strip of "wood" down the side. Its possible that the cost also varies based on the choice of black, grey or off-white shroud--its been hard to find a site that clearly lists the different cost options. I will press the dealer for more details.

it so happens that I will be driving north through Minneapolis in a few months and I'm wondering about the possibility of ordering the 1.7is through a dealer and picking up at the factory in White Bear Lake on my way through--again, I'll ask.
 
renault4 said:
Watched that this morning, good review and I also liked the discussion on addition or not of subs.

Though I've listened to the 0.7i a couple of times, I am looking forward to the opportunity next week to audition the 1.7i. I am trying to make sense of the different configurations and their costs--it seems like they range from $1995 to $2200. As far as I can tell, the higher cost is for the stained strip of wood either side, there is a mid-level cost, like $2095, for the semi-circular aluminum in silver or black, and then the Audio Excellence guys seemed to be talking about a base model for $1995 with black cloth and a strip of "wood" down the side. Its possible that the cost also varies based on the choice of black, grey or off-white shroud--its been hard to find a site that clearly lists the different cost options. I will press the dealer for more details.

it so happens that I will be driving north through Minneapolis in a few months and I'm wondering about the possibility of ordering the 1.7is through a dealer and picking up at the factory in White Bear Lake on my way through--again, I'll ask.
Click to expand...
If you look at the close up pics of mine. Black cloth with black oak edge. It is the base version at $2K. Any other color cloth or wood or aluminum edge are extra.
Your right, there isn't clear info on options. My dealer didn't offer suggestions. I should have asked. I would have added the aluminum.
And the Mye stands, aftermarket are interesting. They make for a triangle shape heavy support.

Why not ask Magnepan for a price list with options. I wouldn't trust the dealers to know what's going on.

Main reason I would prefer the aluminum edge version. When you lift the speakers, no choice but to grip cloth covering. How many times before it gets dirty or stretches. Fingers could slip and go through fabric, if not paying attention. I've thought about checking if I could retrofit add aluminium, myself.

Edit: Besides the after market Mye stands. There are also Magna brand after market stands for Maggies. At a lower price point.
 
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Old Guy8 said:
If you look at the close up pics of mine. Black cloth with black oak edge. It is the base version at $2K. Any other color cloth or wood or aluminum edge are extra.
Your right, there isn't clear info on options. My dealer didn't offer suggestions. I should have asked. I would have added the aluminum.
And the Mye stands, aftermarket are interesting. They make for a triangle shape heavy support.

Why not ask Magnepan for a price list with options. I wouldn't trust the dealers to know what's going on.

Main reason I would prefer the aluminum edge version. When you lift the speakers, no choice but to grip cloth covering. How many times before it gets dirty or stretches. Fingers could slip and go through fabric, if not paying attention. I've thought about checking if I could retrofit add aluminium, myself.
Click to expand...

ok, I finally got to listen to the 1.7i today, after a couple of experiences of the 0.7i (thank you Gifted Listener in Centreville,VA); holy soundstage Batman! One of the best reviews of the early iPhone iOS was that it was “software that got out of the way” —of the user experience. So too was my, utterly non-expert, experience of these speakers, the music was just there, as others have written.

I do like the aluminum accents, and i found that the speakers are (reassuringly) hefty, yet movable.

I am smitten!
 
renault4 said:
ok, I finally got to listen to the 1.7i today, after a couple of experiences of the 0.7i (thank you Gifted Listener in Centreville,VA); holy soundstage Batman! One of the best reviews of the early iPhone iOS was that it was “software that got out of the way” —of the user experience. So too was my, utterly non-expert, experience of these speakers, the music was just there, as others have written.

I do like the aluminum accents, and i found that the speakers are (reassuringly) hefty, yet movable.

I am smitten!
Click to expand...
How was the setup in the room? Was it a dealer? I would think they would be a challenge for most dealers, with other gear in thier sound rooms. With setup being so critical. My dealer just moved them to near middle of room and wiring them up. He had great Mac electronics.
In my home, I adjusted position over a few months. Tweeters outside and inside.
 
Old Guy8 said:
How was the setup in the room? Was it a dealer? I would think they would be a challenge for most dealers, with other gear in thier sound rooms. With setup being so critical. My dealer just moved them to near middle of room and wiring them up. He had great Mac electronics.
In my home, I adjusted position over a few months. Tweeters outside and inside.
Click to expand...

it was indeed a dealer, a registered Magnepan dealer. Setup was ok; ~3ft in from back wall ~5ft apart, toed in, tweeters on the inside, listening position ~8-10ft back. not too crowded by other speakers. Plenty of other models in the different listening rooms so I think this guy knows his Maggies and sells a bunch. I’m sure the listening environment could be further optimized, and no matter what, was still not necessarily reflective of my own listening environment, but I imagine that only leaves room for improvement on an already good experience!
 
I am curious, has anyone configured the 1.7i with the off-white shroud and black aluminum edge? Its quite hard to find images on the Information Superhighway! :-)
 
renault4 said:
I am curious, has anyone configured the 1.7i with the off-white shroud and black aluminum edge? Its quite hard to find images on the Information Superhighway! :)
Click to expand...
Magnepan seems to invest in there manufacturing plant, R & D and less in thier website. Not a bad thing. But they could add photos showing each option and name option below it. I tried to email them to suggest website changes. They don't list an email contact only phone number. Guess they like to keep it to human contact. Think I'll write them a note suggesting changes. If thier website had that information clearly I would have bought aluminum edge option.

You might call Magnepan, ask them to email you some pictures of different options?
 
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to be fair, Magnepan's site does have this image, which though low in resolution, does show the off-white cover with as far as I can make out is the black Aluminum and the wood inset...MG16_01.jpg
 
I just noticed that Magnepan has refreshed their web site, including adding info about their manufacturing process, info on their new "showroom only dealers" and what looks like an online ordering page.....
 
renault4 said:
I just noticed that Magnepan has refreshed their web site, including adding info about their manufacturing process, info on their new "showroom only dealers" and what looks like an online ordering page.....
Click to expand...

The site update was definitely overdue. I'm glad to see they added an online shopping option for USA residents. :thumbsup:
 
I heard some 1.7s at Listen Up! in Albuquerque, when they were introduced. The store had not figured out yet how to set them up properly, but that didn't bother me because I had MMGs already, and knew that the bigger ones would pose no setup problems for me. What did bother me was a small subwoofer they were trying with them that was so localizable it was a joke. They turned it off when I asked.
 
As part of my research into the Magnepan range, I have had the pleasure of visiting Listen Up in Albuquerque a few months ago—pre-Covid-19, seems like years ago!—to audition the .7i; great experience that really let me try out a range of music. In addition to Listen Up, I’ve also had the opportunity to visit the Gifted Listener in Centerville, Va, about 15mins from IAD to audition the .7 and the 1.7 on different occasions. I’ve also talked with a few of their other dealers. Without exception, I have been impressed with their dealer network. I also recently received a call from Wendell Diller, in response to a voicemail I had left. We had a very pleasant conversation and he mentioned that the company has experienced a surge in orders during these times, which they are working to meet while respecting Covid-19 mitigation and safety practices. It’s an impressive company with a heartening story!
 
Could someone who still has the box in which their 1.7i speakers were shipped, please get the exact dimensions of the box? I am trying to see if it would fit in my car, a 2020 Subaru Outback; I know from earlier posts that the box is about 6ft long, but I am at the point where mere inches on either side of that matter a great deal...

Length is probably the most important measurement, but width and height will also be of help.

I have this loosely conceived notion that, given plans to purchase a set of 1.7is and to pass through Minneapolis in about two months time, I could, in principle, stop by the factory and pick them up in person.

Many thanks in advance!
 
6'2" x 24" x ~6+" I don't know if 6" dimension expanded when packed and banded.
And under 100#s shipped.
Now I bought mine Jan 2019. I would VERIFY with Magnepan. A year and half later, things could have changed. And that new aluminum edged version may use different foam packaging in a larger box than mine used?
I had a 98 Outback for 17 years. Not a lot of length. Hope your not tall. Nice cars.
 
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Thanks! I believe that fits--just! might have to squish up the passenger seat a tad. I will of course confirm packing measurements with the factory. It's not clear if this is doable, nor where we'll all be with COVID-19 in July, which could effect many things, including even our route.
 
finally took the plunge! Pair of 1.7i's, grey shroud, black stained oak strip (chosen by my interior decorator and SO) on order, delivery in July hopefully.
 
I'm starting to think about placement in advance of arrival. I'm starting with an empty room. I intend to use the Maggies only in a two-channel system, but they will need to share the room with a 55" LCD run through a Definitive Technology sound bar and an SW--with a couch and armchairs. The room is about 20.5ft x 19ft (see attachment); wall A is likely where the TV will go, and I understand that having a TV and associated furniture in between speakers is less desirable, wall B is a mix of wall and glass sliding doors (no drapes), wall C is an 8ft wall with one side wall while open on the other. The whole room is carpeted with 9ft ceilings.

Any thoughts?
 

Attachments

July 2020:
When I bought my 1.7i, in January 2019, I installed the 1 ohm resistors, that came with them. Installed in place of the tweeter jumpers. Because my room sounded bright. I never got around to trying them without the resistors untill last week. When I did, it was a little bright. So I ordered and received 10 watt .5 ohm resistors. I'm trying them now. As expected it is somewhere in between now. I'll give it some time to hear if I like better than the 1 ohms.

I'm still considering a subwoofer down road. Have to be faster than HT sub I have tried at times.
 
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