Please don’t let these marvelous Maggies escape your attention as you consider new, or additional (!!) speakers.

Maggies simply do some things better than any other speakers. If you would like a tall, wide and realistically deep soundstage with definition to die for, consider the MG 1.7i’s. Their bass is as taut and controlled as you can get. They’re ideal for a piano lover like me (& you?). If you want a bit more thunder for other music, affordable subwoofers (JL Audio) abound.

If you’re after state of the art transparency for $3k, visit to taste test the MG 1.7i. You’ll be impressed by how Maggies can purvey the size and intimacy of a human voice- dead center between the speakers before you. You’ll say she’s (why listen to men sing?) right there- singing TO YOU!

Marketing

Car manufacturers think they need to bring out a new model every year to keep the market moving. Usually the new model has a few style changes and not much more. But it allows them to sneak the price up a tad. It forces the dealer network to move all their current inventory and re-stock with the new versions. It’s a proven business formula that does work for them.

Magnepan… doesn’t think this is the way to do business. Magnepan makes a one of a kind (really!) speaker design and only changes models when substantial enough improvements are implemented. Given their unique and patented technology, this isn’t going to occur every year.

Unlike the car biz, Magnepan won’t change models just to BS the market and make dealers roll over their stock. In fact, sometimes Magnepan will keep a given model going for a decade or more. As they say, if it ain’t broke….

During the lifespan of a given model, Magnepan will make evolutionary changes. The MG 1.7i manufactured today is an improvement from the 1.7i of a few years ago. The boys at Magnepan subjectively decide when- there are enough changes made to call it a new model.

Quasi Ribbons

MG 1.7 was introduced in 2010. It was the first speaker in the line to have the Quasi Ribbon design. The MG 1.6 used the older Magneplanar design.

The Magneplanar design started with a lightweight Mylar diaphragm. Thin wires (think piano wires) were glued on to the Mylar. This panel was fitted closely to another panel of bar magnets.

When the signal was fed into the wires, the panel would vibrate and create music. This Magneplanar design was created by Jim Winey, in his basement, in 1968.

In 2010 Magnepan improved from Magneplanar technology to Quasi Ribbon technology. Instead of using thin piano wires to carry the signal, Magnepan switched to much thicker, wider FOIL strips. The Quasi Ribbon design has much greater coverage over the Mylar diaphragm.

Hence MG 1.7 had superior efficiency, power handling and bass response. Everything that Magneplanars did well, Quasi Ribbons do even better.

Magnepan tinkered with improvements to the MG 1.7. At a point, they deemed the improvements substantial enough to name it MG 1.7i. What were those improvements?

Now, here’s a detail about Magnepan. They vociferously protect their technology. They don’t divulge the full nature of their designs or improvements. Why should they? It’s their baby. They created it. There is only one place on the planet where they are built- in White Bear Lake, Mn.

If they spelled out every nuance of their design and production, it wouldn’t be long before someone on the other side of the globe would make a cut-rate version to try to steal business. Further, they don’t want every DIY audiophile tearing open their MG 1.7s and trying to do sensitive modifications. The majority of guys attempting this would destroy their speakers.

I can tell you this with confidence. I’ve been to the factory to see Maggies being constructed. Working with the materials is difficult. It takes highly trained and skilled craftsmen to build Magnepan speakers. They invite visitors to try to handle the Quasi Ribbon foil. It’s impossible for a mere mortal to work with. It’s like holding Christmas tree tinsel in your hand. It’s so light that you can barely feel it, much less HANDLE it.

Magazine reviewers cry like babies about Magnepan not revealing every mechanical nuance about its speakers. Well let me ask YOU… if you created and patented a one of a kind, innovative speaker technology, would YOU be willing to give away the farm? I support Magnepan in their stance to keep the minutia of their speaker technology in house.

It’s actually quite amazing that we have technology so IDEAL for creating music- that it can be bought so inexpensively.

You might consider replacing box speakers with Maggies for state of the art definition. Or, if you’re a bit spoiled, maybe you’ll put together a second system in your home. You’ll find that no matter how big and expensive your box speakers are- Maggies bring more magic to your system in the critical categories of singers, pianos, guitars and acoustic instruments.

Power

Let’s talk about power for your new Maggies. If you read forums, you’ll mostly be reading nonsense about how much power Maggies need.

First of all, if you’re trying to blast club music at 100dB plus, Maggies are the wrong speakers to buy. No matter how much power you have, they won’t move your intestines like Klipsch LaScalas.

If you are 18 and assaulting your ears till 2am, please buy Klipsches.

If you’re like most hi-fi lovers, we’re of an age where that abuse is long in our past. We’re after singers and acoustical music at a good strong volume, but south of torture. With this in mind, you’ll find that Maggies can be driven quite well by a plethora of integrated amps and separates.

For example, the Rogue Sphinx V3 ($1700, 100×2) is a GREAT, affordable integrated that will do the job for many of us. Dang, it’s just too cheap to be any good, right? Nope. It’s remarkable.

A step up would be the muscular Hegel H190 ($4350, 150×2). It will bring more weight and solidity to your world. Or perhaps the Hegel H390 ($6500, 250×2). Or go all the way and treat yourself to Bryston or McIntosh- who offer a wide array of integrateds and separates.

I’ve blathered on far too long to say “in short.” But…

In short…. No matter what you own for speakers now, you’ll likely prefer the Magnepan MG 1.7i for the most important aspects of musical enjoyment- the human voice being #1. Why not carve out a spot in your house for them?