Magnepan 1.6QR vs .7 speakers

Nonsense.

I hate to once again beat this dead horse (why do I bother? ;-), but a used pair of Eminent Technology LFT-8b loudspeakers (like Maggies, a magnetic-planar design, though with a dynamic woofer for 180 Hz down) can be had for around $1500. Considerably better than the named Maggies, imo. This is coming from a  longtime Maggie lover/owner.

"...By M-L do you mean Martin Logan?..."

Yes I do. All the M-L speakers are very good and less finicky than Magnepan. Easy placement and easy to drive. I like my Electromotion ESLs and the newer ESLX looks interesting. Get a demo to make sure you like what you hear. I'd also look at Eminent TechnologyLFT-8s.

By M-L do you mean Martin Logan? I am not familiar with those speakers. Any recommendations.
Thanks.

I agree. I have 1.6s and a friend just bought .7. The .7 NEEDS a sub.

Do not downgrade. The 1.6/1.7 are much better than the lower model speakers. If the bigger panels don't fit your space, look for another product like a M-L.