I drove a pair of 3.6's with early-generation MA-2s for a while, and they sounded magnificent. I have it on good authority that the MA-1 likewise sounds wonderful on the 3.6.
I don't think you'll need the Speltz autoformers. The MA-1s will almost certainly sound magnificent on your 1.7s... the only possible issue would be if their impedance curve is for some reason really nasty. That would be unexpected; despite their low impedance, modern Maggies generally have well-behaved impedance curves, and work much better with Atma-Sphere amps than most people would suspect based on their nominal 4 ohm impedance and modest efficiency.
You might want to check with Magnepan about the impedance curve just to be safe, then I think you're looking at a superb system there.
Duke
Maggiefan/Atmadealer
I don't think you'll need the Speltz autoformers. The MA-1s will almost certainly sound magnificent on your 1.7s... the only possible issue would be if their impedance curve is for some reason really nasty. That would be unexpected; despite their low impedance, modern Maggies generally have well-behaved impedance curves, and work much better with Atma-Sphere amps than most people would suspect based on their nominal 4 ohm impedance and modest efficiency.
You might want to check with Magnepan about the impedance curve just to be safe, then I think you're looking at a superb system there.
Duke
Maggiefan/Atmadealer