Differences between Magnepan 1.6qr and 1.7i

The later generation Magnepans are using true ribbon tweeters for a substantial improvement in treble response. So if you want "detail", there it is!

Last time I checked the true ribbon tweeter started with the 3 series, the 3.7i being the current version. Also in the 20 series and recently the ’all out’ 30.7. The smaller Maggies always had quasi ribbon tweeters.

Some say this actually results in a more integrated sound. The ribbon tweeter is much lighter and faster than the other drivers, so it has a tendency to ’stick out’ a little in some systems. But I have to say that the latest generation 20.7 I now own is more of ’one cloth’ than the 20 which I previously had for many years. It’s not entirely clear how Magnepan accomplished this, but I think the much simpler crossover may have something to do with that.

I don’t exactly know what changes Magnepan made going from the 1.6 to the 1.7i, but according to the reviewers the new version is far better. Than again, that’s what they always say. Better to listen to what ’real world users’ have to say about this. Lucky for you there are plenty of those around here...

Thanks, Robergerman2 and Edgewear.  I'm hoping some of those folks who've had both will weigh in.

I replaced my 1.6s with 1.7s.  I remember the 1.7 being a nice improvement.  It was a much more coherent speaker.  The tweeter on the 1.6 could sound a little too prominent.  That issue was addressed nicely with the 1.7s.  I have to tell you that I had them in a 12 X 22 room and there were times I wished for more space.  I don't see the dimensions of your room listed but if you feel it is going to be tight, I would try to get a home audition before committing.  Both the LRS and the .7 get great reviews; either one might be a better fit.

Thanks BDP24, but I intend to stick with Maggies.

Thank you, Direwolf336.  My room is 12 x 16 ft.  Clearly the MG 1c's were too large, although the room has good acoustics and the bass was okay.  But the imaging clearly suffered.  The room has large-ish openings into a front hallway and my dining room, so may explain why the bass was okay.  But I can only sit about 8' from the speakers, which must be 3' out from the long wall.  I've thought about the .7, but the review of the 1.7i even mention that they might be bass-light, and given that the MG 1c did pretty wll in bass, i'm not sure I want to give up a lot of bass.

In any case, your comments on the 1.6-1.7 difference are much appreciated.  They reflect one comment I have heard elsewhere as well, and I've also noticed sometimes the use of an external crossover with the 1.6i.  I presume this is to get better integration.

The 1.7 uses a quasi ribbon in all 3 sections.

Thanks secretguy.  Apparently that is what minimizes the crossover issue.