Magneplanar Listening Comparison 1.7 vs. 3.7 Speakers

Priced just slightly higher than the 1.7i, the Eminent Technology LFT-8b Magnetic Planar speaker ($2499 retail) is not only considerably better than the 1.7i imo, but some feel also better than the 3.7i in some ways. Worth endeavoring to hear.

Well, time for another POV.

I've owned both 1.x and 3.x in the past (in both cases, it was roughly 10-15 years ago, so I don't want to swear to the specific generation).  I liked both, but the threes eventually ended up in a difficult room where they weren't doing what they're capable of doing. 

These days, I digitally cross room corrected subs to MMGs.  There's no doubt that - to my taste - this is the best sound that I've gotten out of Maggies at any price.  A DSpeaker, a pair of SVS sealed subs, and a pair of MMGs runs about $2400 right now (Underwood is selling the DSpeaker at $800) - and I believe that all come with an in-home trial.  I'd strongly recommend that you think about this set-up, especially if you use only/primarily digital sources.

NOTE -  This involves ADC/DAC for analog source material, so it may not work for LP types.  Either way, it's another Maggie based option to consider.

If you love it, you've saved a bunch of $.  If it's not your cup of tea, box it up and send it back.

I have compared the 1.7, the 1.7i and the 3.7 and the 3.7i before purchase. I really believe that both, 1 and 3 series the I-s are better. In fact I almost did not like the 1.7 and the largest difference I found was between the 1.7 and the 1.7i. The 3.7i was all around the best sounding speaker particularly for bass. Soundstage was not a huge difference but perhaps noticeable. Clarity and detail was much the same in all of them. I have a room that is 14 x 19 and it has vaulted ceilings to 16 feet high. I purchased the 1.7i thinking that it still leaves enough space in the room to walk around them and if I wanted more bass I could perhaps add the DWM panels. in the end I found the 1.7 i delivers tons of clean tight bass and I cannot say how happy I am with the setup i own now. No matter how tired I am at night I still have difficulty leaving it all behind and go to bed. It is that nice. 

I'm considering to change from 1.7i to used 3.6. Has somebody heard them side by side or have owned both?

One advantage of the 3.6 is that it can be bi-amped. It has that advantage over the 3.7 as well. None of the .7 Maggies can be bi-amped, as their crossovers are series, not parallel.