Overview
Magnepan’s ribbon speakers are usually the toast of the town when they are pitched against similar price (or even pricier) point cone base speakers. Dollar for dollar, Magnepans exhibit a larger, deeper soundstage, richer mid-range, smooth highs and a very respectable bass response. The MG1.7i was declared speaker of the decade and is highly raved about by audio magazines, reviewers and end users. Its the “tipping point” in a range where the three models above it are far larger and the two models below it are smaller. The MG1.7i stands 65″ tall, 19″ wide and 2″ deep (not including the footers) and has a frequency range of 40 Hz to 24 kHz. Sensitivity is 86 dB with a nominal impedance of 4 ohm. They love power and do better when you drive them with a high quality, high powered amp. The speakers do interact with the rooms they are placed in so play around with them to find the sweet spot. In our room, we placed them about 3 feet away from the back wall and 2 feet away from the side wall and about 7 feet apart. That gave the musical presentation a deliciously deep and wide soundstage and a holographic image that belies its $2,400 MSRP. The larger models above it are bigger, deliver deeper bass but require a larger room to sound their best. The .7 model just below it is smaller, delivers bass at 50 Hz and is best fitted to smaller rooms. This is why we call the 1.7i the “tipping point” range model. Not too big and not small and works best in any size room except the overly large ones or rooms that are so small your hands and feet can touch the opposing walls when you lay down.
Cosmetically, the speakers look great. Just the usual minor scuff marks common with use but nothing major. We don’t have the original box so local pickup from our store only.
