Experienced Maggie Lovers Please Advise

@aniwolfe: Your wise recommendation (and choice) of the Eminent Technology LFT-8b will no doubt be ignored, as always. I’m a long-time Maggie owner, starting with the Magneplanar Tympani T-I purchased in 1973, and currently the Tympani T-IVa (the current MG30.7 is very similar).

The ET LFT-8b is priced only $200 more than the MG1.7i, and is (imo) significantly better (I compared the two). Review by Steve Guttenberg on YouTube. In print by Robert Greene in TAS, as well as a few reviews in UK mags, all very positive.

While the 1.7i can use as much power as you can afford (83dB sensitivity, 3-4 ohm impedance), the LFT-8b doesn’t need an arc welder amp. The planar-magnetic panel presents an 11 ohm load to the power amp, making it a better choice than Maggies for those who prefer tubes. Dual binding posts for easy bi-amping. And most importantly, the LFT driver, unlike that of the single-ended/unbalanced MG1.7i, is a push/pull magnetic design. That is a BIG deal. Would you buy a dynamic loudspeaker (cones) with non-push/pull drivers?! On top of that, the LFT driver reproduces 180Hz to 10,000Hz, with no crossover in it's operating range!

The 3.7i is the sweet spot in the Maggie line up, the best value. If you are a Maggie lover with the right amp, I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Examples of amps that make them shimmer are the Bricasti Design M25, The Parasound JC 5, and the Pass X250.8. 

The speakers should be in symmetrical corners 3 feet off the front wall and at least 1 foot off the side wall aimed directly at the listening position. The wall behind the speaker needs to be deadened with 6 or 8 inch thick acoustic foam tile floor to ceiling to limit comb filtering and provide the best image specificity. 

I have to add that the Eminent Technology LFT-8B's or LFT-8C's are the ticket as they are easier to drive, sound real nice at lower volumes, do not require a monster amp to drive them, and with the dynamic woofer or powered woofer provide plenty of bass.