• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Magnepan 1.7i Impressions

rmsanger said:
I just purchased a pair of 1.7i's ... Now I'm starting to research various integrated amplifier options to power them. By default I'm looking at the Hegel H160 and H190 due to the known synergies, damping factor, high current, and stable down to 2 ohms. I have my own Dac so can bypass the internal ones in the Hegel. With that said Magnepan is released a new passive subwoofer that integrates well with maggie panels. So now I'm thinking perhaps down the line I want to look at something like the Anthem STR Integrated that has lesser damping/current than Hegel but still stable down to 2 ohms. But the Anthem has ARC (dsp) and a pair of sub outs that perhaps would do better an integrating for bass management and sub integration.

What are your thoughts on Hegel vs. Anthem? Any other Integrateds that I should be looking at?
Click to expand...
I know nothing about either of those amps.

I alternate Rogue Cronus Magnum I tube, KT120 quad, integrated @ 100 wpc. And Bryston preamp with 3b NRB power amp from 1995, 125+ wpc @ 8 ohms, 200 wpc @ 4 ohms. Playing Bryston at 65 dbs average in 400+ sf room, it doesn't get more than luke warm.
I think both amps sound great with 1.7i. But as you would expect, quite different sound. I use tube phono preamps. I listen to mostly vocals and jazz.

Do you have amps you can use to help you setup the 1.7i and your sitting positions? So you can get idea of 1.7i sound, before investing in an amp. Maggies are very position critical. Not like box speakers. Took me months to finalize positioning. Tweeters inside or outside?

I thought about REL T7 or T9 subs, but never bought. Wondered if they would integrate well. Given how fast the Maggies are.

Enjoy your new speakers.
 
Last edited:
Old Guy8 said:
I thought about REL T7 or T9 subs, but never bought. Wondered if they would integrate well. Given how fast the Maggies are.
Click to expand...

FWIW, I have a pair of REL T/7x subs set up with mine.

It took a bit of work but I think I finally have them dialed in to play nice with the Maggies. No complaints with the RELs...

RSL Speedwoofers or Rythmik subs may also work at a more budget friendly price. If I were to do it again I would probably go with an open-baffle (H-frame) sub-woofer kit from GR Research or others.
 
I ended up purchasing the Anthem STR integrated instead of the Hegel. I got a deal "I couldn't refuse"... even if it is a tier below hegel on the amp stage the room correction, bass management/sub integration, and dac quality will more than make up for it.

I will end up need dual subs down the road. The 1.7is have fantastic quality bass and speed but lack the impact. Not every genre band needs the subs but many do and I will used it for home theater a portion of the time. Based upon the Rel/Rythmik suggestions I will be looking at something like these:

https://classifieds.ksl.com/listing/69820984

or

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649887037-rythmik-f8-subs-pair-local-pickup-only/images/3995635/

Any suggestions on specific models within their lineups that I should target?
 
rmsanger said:
Ok still looking at a few sub options and was wondering if there is any feedback on 1.7i owners on these:

RSL Speedwoofer 10S Mk2 $450/each x2
https://rslspeakers.com/speedwoofer10s-mkii/

Rel T/5X $700/each x2
https://rel.net/shop/powered-subwoofers/serie-tx/t-5x/

Rythmik L12 $630/each x2 (could go F12 if that is better)
https://www.rythmikaudio.com/L12.html
Click to expand...

Looked at all three you are considering. Decided to focus up 1-2 models for my system.

I am on a similar quest. I have the Acoustat 1+1 (see my icon) with a Vandersteen 2W sub. Upgraded my Pre-Amp and Power Amp (Stasis) and the Vandersteen performance declined steeply. Fixed the issue with a different Vandersteen X2 filter, but finally decided after 28 years to upgrade the sub. I have a large great room 20x15 with 20' ceiling and openings up the stairway, plus large openings to two other 12x12x10 room. Effectively well over 6000 cf. Determined I wanted two subs to provide fuller bass and decrease directionality in this relatively large space. This is an audio only system. The HT system is 7.1 in another room, but open to this space.

Did an A/B test between my 2W and the Vandersteen Sub 3 at my audio dealer. Really liked the Sub 3, but it still suffers some directionality (dealer said this could be corrected with the subs 11 band equalizer, but I prefer analog solutions). I purchased a dealer demo SPL Crossover analog unit from England for less than 50% of new here in the US even after import duties etc. It will allow me the flexibility and control of the crossovers for the subs and the Acoustats.

I looked at the pairs of REL T/9x, Revel Concerta 2 B 10, and a few others. I settled on the Rythmik F12SE. The Rythmik are the most affordable and based on reviews, specs, size, appearance, and sub controls. I truly need to limit the bass signal to Acoustats so the mids sing, thus the SPL Crossover. I prefer XLR connections. The Rythmik and others help reduce base nodes due to room configuration. I wanted really deep bass on demand, while having detailed bass from 30 Hz and up. The Rythmik should work. Proof will be in the install. Can always return them and try something else if they don't perform. I like that option.

Should have them in a month or so. Looking forward to installing them. Will provide an update once all is functional.
 
ThriftyAudio said:
I have the Acoustat 1+1 (see my icon) with a Vandersteen 2W sub...Determined I wanted two subs to provide fuller bass and decrease directionality in this relatively large space.
Click to expand...
That's what I use in the HT system using two powered subs. They're positioned near diametric corners of the space.

Not being able to use the Rule of Thirds placement, there's a nasty room mode spike around 65 hz that's tempered using the processor's parametric EQ.
 
New 1.7i owner here. Got my pair 2 weeks ago already fitted with Magnerisers. They replaced a pair of Infinity RS-IIb's that had been my reference speaker for more than 15 years. It was a somewhat emotional moment when I moved the Infinity's, a model that for many years I felt would be my end-game speakers, to make way for the new Maggies. But after two weeks with them, I'm pretty sure the change will be permanent. The 1.7i's improve on pretty much everything the IIb's are good at, with the exception of deep bass. But then that's what subwoofers were made for.

My Maggies are powered by a Plinius SA-100 Mk III amp. I have them paired with a single Genesis G928 subwoofer at the moment. It's a very musical servo-subwoofer that has the speed and finesse to mate perfectly with planar speakers, and I would love to eventually find a second one so I can run stereo subs. If that does not come to fruition, I figure I will wind up with a pair of REL subs at some point.
 
Tedrick said:
New 1.7i owner here. Got my pair 2 weeks ago already fitted with Magnerisers. They replaced a pair of Infinity RS-IIb's that had been my reference speaker for more than 15 years. It was a somewhat emotional moment when I moved the Infinity's, a model that for many years I felt would be my end-game speakers, to make way for the new Maggies. But after two weeks with them, I'm pretty sure the change will be permanent. The 1.7i's improve on pretty much everything the IIb's are good at, with the exception of deep bass. But then that's what subwoofers were made for.

My Maggies are powered by a Plinius SA-100 Mk III amp. I have them paired with a single Genesis G928 subwoofer at the moment. It's a very musical servo-subwoofer that has the speed and finesse to mate perfectly with planar speakers, and I would love to eventually find a second one so I can run stereo subs. If that does not come to fruition, I figure I will wind up with a pair of REL subs at some point.
Click to expand...
When I demoed Magnepan, I was advised not to use a subwoofer as they are very fast speakers, so a sub would likely be out of sync. Do you notice any improvement with the sub or are things just getting muddied? Also, it was my impression that the bass coming from the 1.7 was perfectly fine. I suspect that had a lot to do with the amplifier which I don’t recall.To an earlier posters point, it may be certain amps play well with these speakers and not simply those with high watt ratings. I also demoed the .7 and it seemed, well, beside the point compared to the 1.7.
 
Djm2_98 said:
When I demoed Magnepan, I was advised not to use a subwoofer as they are very fast speakers, so a sub would likely be out of sync. Do you notice any improvement with the sub or are things just getting muddied? Also, it was my impression that the bass coming from the 1.7 was perfectly fine. I suspect that had a lot to do with the amplifier which I don’t recall.To an earlier posters point, it may be certain amps play well with these speakers and not simply those with high watt ratings. I also demoed the .7 and it seemed, well, beside the point compared to the 1.7.
Click to expand...

If you have the room for Magnepans, it's hard to beat them $ for $. You need them several feet off the front wall. I'm at around 6 feet.

I ran my 1.7i on a 25-watt tube amp and they sounded sweet! Just not that loud, or that much bass. Also used a 50-watt tube amp with good results. They both were equipped with pretty heavy transformers.

I never planned on keeping the tube amps on the Maggies. I had them, so I wanted to see how they sounded.

I'm using larger SS mono-blocks (850 watts @ 2 ohms). Bass is fine.

I also have stereo subs.

IMHO, they are not necessary. I have them, so I use them, but not all the time.

I found I run them with the crossover almost all the way down (34 Hz for mine). Volume just to fill out the bottom (organ music, classical, etc.).

Much of the time the subs are off.

I listen to all kinds of music.
 
INTE
Ross6860 said:
If you have the room for Magnepans, it's hard to beat them $ for $. You need them several feet off the front wall. I'm at around 6 feet.

I ran my 1.7i on a 25-watt tube amp and they sounded sweet! Just not that loud, or that much bass. Also used a 50-watt tube amp with good results. They both were equipped with pretty heavy transformers.

I never planned on keeping the tube amps on the Maggies. I had them, so I wanted to see how they sounded.

I'm using larger SS mono-blocks (850 watts @ 2 ohms). Bass is fine.

I also have stereo subs.

IMHO, they are not necessary. I have them, so I use them, but not all the time.

I found I run them with the crossover almost all the way down (34 Hz for mine). Volume just to fill out the bottom (organ music, classical, etc.).

Much of the time the subs are off.

I listen to all kinds of music.
Click to expand...
Interesting - when you switched from the lower lower watt tube to the high watt mon-blocks, what were the specific changes in sound quality. It would seem that the 850 watts would just give you more volume, if you need that, and that if the sound quality changed at lower volumes, it was due to other characteristics of the mono-blocks. Are you hearing more detail with these SS amps, or does it sound fuller, etc. Also, what make/models?
 
Djm2_98 said:
INTE

Interesting - when you switched from the lower lower watt tube to the high watt mon-blocks, what were the specific changes in sound quality. It would seem that the 850 watts would just give you more volume, if you need that, and that if the sound quality changed at lower volumes, it was due to other characteristics of the mono-blocks. Are you hearing more detail with these SS amps, or does it sound fuller, etc. Also, what make/models?
Click to expand...

Tube amps were a Jolida JD-302B and an AES (Carey Audio) AE-25 with an AE-3 DJH Pre-amp. Plenty of tube rolling.

It's been several years, I got rid of all my tube audio gear so my ears don't remember those details. I have tube guitar amps, and that is enough. I just want my stereo to work, no fiddling with bias, no red-plating tubes, etc.

I am using a pair of restored ADCOM GFA-565 power amps. New driver boards, re-capped, etc.

Pre-Amp is a Parasound JC 2 BP. Yamaha CD-S300 CD player. Musical Surroundings Phono-Pre, Technics SL-1200

Plenty of detail. They are not Focals. They image great and have a great soundstage. They disappear. Sounds appear to come from well beyond room boundaries. Even from behind the listener with the right recording. They play loud enough.

My room is roughly 11 X 14. Open on one short end, so no "rear wall".

They have a sweet spot IMHO. Not for quiet, barely there listening, nor for filling a party barn.

I like them comfortably loud. They get harsh to me if I try to push them. I want to listen to The Wall all the way through without having to turn it down.

I don't trust iPad and Android dB meters, so I have no idea how loud I actually listen.
 
20240527_130654.jpg
I revisited the Magnepan site recently. Found that they have revised the manual for 1.7i, since I bought in '19.

They recommend triangle positioning, with all sides equal, as starting position. After over four years of experimenting. Have moved the closest I have been to speakers. 7' between and 8' to each Maggie. The soundstage seems more realistic.
 
Last edited:
Doing research on Maggies Rogue tube amps were recommended by Magnepan. I use a Parasound amp and Pre that does 400 watts into 4 ohms. The LRS+ need the power. They start coming alive around 65 dB. They sound good at low volume but the magic happens at higher volumes. I usually listen at an average of 75 dB. I use TV stands that are 45-50 bucks for 2 pair and work great.

53656346038_94e12e8118_c.jpg
 
sanford12 said:
Doing research on Maggies Rogue tube amps were recommended by Magnepan. I use a Parasound amp and Pre that does 400 watts into 4 ohms. The LRS+ need the power. They start coming alive around 65 dB. They sound good at low volume but the magic happens at higher volumes. I usually listen at an average of 75 dB. I use TV stands that are 45-50 bucks for 2 pair and work great.

53656346038_94e12e8118_c.jpg
Click to expand...
I've visited the Magnapan rooms at Axpona Audio Shows in recent years. They and Rogue often show their gear paired at the shows.

Because of tinnitus, I don't listen above 70 db's. But do agree Maggie's like a little higher volume. But, they can be over driven. If you hear a slap with the mylar, do back off.

I've been experimenting with 1/2 ohm resister tweeter attenuation. Middle ground between none and one ohm. I usually use the one ohm that came with 1.7i. I have a bright basement room. Concrete on three sides.

Have you tried sitting in a near equalateral triangle to speakers? I find the closer to that, the more amazing they sound. I find it difficult to discribed with audio vocabulary. Sound stage? The panels, as the source nearly disappears. Especially if an instrument is miked to both channels. It seems to float between the panels.
Multipurpose rooms present more limitations. But do a test if you haven't.
 
Last edited:
Old Guy8 said:
I've visited the Magnapan rooms at Axpona Audio Shows in recent years. They and Rogue often show their gear paired at the shows.

Because of tinnitus, I don't listen above 70 db's. But do agree Maggie's like a little higher volume. But, they can be over driven. If you hear a slap with the mylar, do back off.

I've been experimenting with 1/2 ohm resister tweeter attenuation. Middle ground between none and one ohm. I usually use the one ohm that came with 1.7i. I have a bright basement room. Concrete on three sides.

Have you tried sitting in a near equalateral triangle to speakers? I find the closer to that, the more amazing they sound. I find it difficult to discribed with audio vocabulary. Sound stage? The panels as the source nearly disappears. Especially if an instrument is miked to both channels. It seems to float between the panels.
Multipurpose rooms present more limitations. But do a test if you haven't.
Click to expand...
The speakers are about 7' apart and the couch is about 8' away so close. It can be hard to describe the maggie sound if you've listened to box speakers your whole life. When Instrument and vocals are hanging there right in front of you and doesn't seem to be emanating from the panels. They just don't present sound like other speakers. They aren't perfect but their limitations are acceptable because of what they can do. With some recordings the sound stage is so stunning I'll mouth WOW while listening and when something especially good is over I'll say to myself that was amazing.
 
FWIW, Magnepan used to use Bryston power amps for their demos.

Big SS power (4B series), no tubes.

I also have my speakers (1.7i) about 6' apart, center-to-center, sit about 7' away. They are nearly 6' off the front wall. Dedicated room.

I'll keep them until we downsize.
 
FWIW, audio research and Magnepan where sold together back in the 70's, especially in the beginning days of Magnepan. They were paired together at shows for many years, and during that time they were a tough combination to beat.

IMHO, it seemed an unwritten rule back then that ARC and Magneplaners had to go together, which from a marketing perspective limited Magnepan's clients to primarily ARC owners. So I would think the separation would be inevitable, particularly once Magnepan got a foothold in the market. Again, my opinion.
There are alot of great amps, both tube and solid state, that make Magneplaners sound awesome. The trick is getting it all set up properly to get the most out of it, and when it comes to planers it's a game of inches and patience.

OBTW, That reasoning of subs not being "fast" enough for Magneplaners may have been true back in the 80's, or if you are trying to integrate an HT sub, especially a bargain priced/GW find. Some things are there for a reason and maybe should stay there. :biggrin:
Since the 80's driver technology, recording, amplification, DSP, acoustics analysis, and placement research have all matured. I've used sealed subs (not a basshead) for several years with my MMGs and 1.6QRs, of which both of my Magneplaners don't produce significant signal below 50Hz. The addition of subs has pleasingly rounded out the bottom end in my system giving a fuller and richer presentation.
So, that analogy of "too slow" may now be less than accurate today. Some like subs and some don't. I know there are several AKers that run subs with their planers getting excellent results. I like my set up and so do others that have listened to it. Try it for yourself, don't let the "parrots" dictate what you should buy or listen to.
 
Last edited:
ThriftyAudio said:
Looked at all three you are considering. Decided to focus up 1-2 models for my system.

I am on a similar quest. I have the Acoustat 1+1 (see my icon) with a Vandersteen 2W sub. Upgraded my Pre-Amp and Power Amp (Stasis) and the Vandersteen performance declined steeply. Fixed the issue with a different Vandersteen X2 filter, but finally decided after 28 years to upgrade the sub. I have a large great room 20x15 with 20' ceiling and openings up the stairway, plus large openings to two other 12x12x10 room. Effectively well over 6000 cf. Determined I wanted two subs to provide fuller bass and decrease directionality in this relatively large space. This is an audio only system. The HT system is 7.1 in another room, but open to this space.

Did an A/B test between my 2W and the Vandersteen Sub 3 at my audio dealer. Really liked the Sub 3, but it still suffers some directionality (dealer said this could be corrected with the subs 11 band equalizer, but I prefer analog solutions). I purchased a dealer demo SPL Crossover analog unit from England for less than 50% of new here in the US even after import duties etc. It will allow me the flexibility and control of the crossovers for the subs and the Acoustats.

I looked at the pairs of REL T/9x, Revel Concerta 2 B 10, and a few others. I settled on the Rythmik F12SE. The Rythmik are the most affordable and based on reviews, specs, size, appearance, and sub controls. I truly need to limit the bass signal to Acoustats so the mids sing, thus the SPL Crossover. I prefer XLR connections. The Rythmik and others help reduce base nodes due to room configuration. I wanted really deep bass on demand, while having detailed bass from 30 Hz and up. The Rythmik should work. Proof will be in the install. Can always return them and try something else if they don't perform. I like that option.

Should have them in a month or so. Looking forward to installing them. Will provide an update once all is functional.
Click to expand...

I also ended up with a pair of Rythmiks as well.. After demo'ing a bunch in my room I just couldn't beat these for the value. The servo tech and ARC room correction made integrating these seamless. I tried Kef and Rel as well but neither of them disappeared in the room like the rythmiks did. The Rels were beautiful but ultimately more $ than I wanted to spend.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom