Magnepan MG1.7x Review: Exceptional Two-Way Floorstanding Speakers

Experience the remarkable soundstage and clarity of Magnepan MG1.7x speakers, offering superior midrange and dynamic precision for audiophiles.

A Personal Journey into the World of Magnepan

First impressions can be truly unforgettable. Picture a young kid glued to a black-and-white TV, watching The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show—that was me at 12, beside my noisy sister. My first stereo system was a beast of homemade horn speakers hooked up to a Sansui receiver and a Garrard turntable, spinning rock records like The Rolling Stones’ Get Yer Ya-Yas Out! vinyl record. That moment sparked a lifelong passion for music and high-end audio.

By age 19, I experienced my first opera (Das Rheingold in San Francisco), traveled to Europe, and savored an exquisite 1964 Cheval Blanc wine. Around the same time, I encountered my first Magnepans: the three-panel Magneplanar Tympani 1s. Listening to Cat Stevens’ “Morning Has Broken,” I was captivated by the guitar’s crystalline vibrations, the piano’s ringing, and Stevens’ warm tenor filling the room with life-like presence. The early Magnepans had their quirks—limited frequency extremes—but their boxless design and realistic midrange hooked me instantly.

Though I couldn’t afford the large Tympani speakers then (roughly six feet tall and three feet wide), I later purchased MGIIs and even sold numerous Magnepans during my retail days.

The sleek and minimalist design of the Magnepan MG1.7x floorstanding speakers.

Why Magnepans Aren’t for Everyone — But Maybe For You

Magnepans evoke mixed reactions. My colleague Paul Seydor often describes a “glassy” overlay to their sound. I get that, but it’s a minor tradeoff for the immense benefits of Jim Winey’s ingenious design.

Some audiophiles prefer traditional enclosed British speakers for midrange warmth, or the lush, enveloping sound of Italian manufacturers like Sonus faber. Others crave the raw power and deep bass of Magico or Wilson’s high-end beasts.

In the world of open or semi-open speakers, Magnepan faces competition from QUAD and KLH electrostats, MartinLogan hybrids, Apogee ribbons, MBL’s omnidirectional Radialstrahlers, and even Robert Harley’s praised AlysVox full-range ribbons. That’s only scratching the surface of the diverse loudspeaker universe.

Yet, no matter their quirks, Magnepans excel at one crucial thing: vanishing just enough so you’re drawn entirely into the music—sound becomes a transparent portal, not a barrier.

“If one could reproduce the concert sound of an orchestra, then one would be able to reproduce any kind of music at all.” — Editorial in Issue 357

To my ears, Magnepans deliver on this promise with staggering value, especially when compared to sky-high audiophile prices.

The Magnepan 1.7i: An Audiophile Favorite

My current speakers, the 1.7i, have been hailed as an “exceptional loudspeaker” at a modest $2995 (pair). They’re the least expensive major component in my system, yet offer amazing detail, transparency, and a revealing soundstage. They also serve as excellent gear-testing tools, thanks to their clarity.

That said, Magnepan’s original philosophy was “hi-fi for the everyman,” meaning compromises in parts and construction to meet price points. As a result, many owners tweak their speakers—upgrading stands, wiring, or fuses—to eke out better performance. Some mods are practical; others border on extreme, even risky.

It’s surprising how long it took Magnepan to officially enter the upgrade game, but now they’ve done so with a splashy new X series.

The X Factor: Magnepan’s Upgraded Speaker Line

The X series focuses on three key improvements: simplification, better components, and enhanced balance.

• Simplified Circuitry: Shorter, purer signal paths with less wiring reduce mass and signal loss.
• Upgraded Components: High-quality copper-rich polypropylene capacitors, carefully tested and matched for precision.
• Sturdier Frames: Cross-bracing adds rigidity for reduced resonance and better sound integrity.

Coils are now wound in-house from high-gauge copper wire and painstakingly matched for electrical characteristics. Even crossover resistors and wiring are upgraded and tested rigorously. All internal connections use silver soldering and gold-plated input plates, avoiding mechanical connections to minimize signal degradation.

Magnepan credits this trio of metals—gold, copper, and silver—with much of the X series’ sonic excellence.

Currently, six X series models range in price from $4000 for the compact .7x, to $55,000 for the flagship 30.7x. The 1.7x model, which replaces the 1.7i, retails at around $5000.

Owners of previous non-X models can upgrade their speakers at the factory, although cost (e.g., $2000 for upgrading 1.7i to 1.7x) and logistics need consideration.

Importantly, the 1.7x moves from a semi-three-way design with a super tweeter to a simpler two-way design, emphasizing cleaner, more direct signal flow.

Hearing the Difference: Break-In and Sound Quality

Like all high-end gear, Magnepans need a lengthy break-in period. But from the moment I fired up the 1.7x, it was clear they outperformed my older 1.7is by a wide margin.

Everything I admired before—seamless frequency response, rich detail, precise rhythm, vast soundstage, pinpoint imaging—was now dialed up to 11. The 1.7x added new strength in dynamics and bass authority, all delivered with a smoother, more relaxed vibe.

They excel with live orchestral and acoustic music, beautifully conveying the unique acoustics of each venue.

Showcasing the X Series With Masterful Recordings

John Adams’ Piano Concerto Must the Devil Have All the Good Tunes

Recorded at Walt Disney Concert Hall with Gustavo Dudamel conducting and Yuja Wang on piano, this LP captures the hall’s warm intimacy and vibrant dynamics. The 1.7x portrayed the funky, jazzy first movement with clarity, and later the dreamy, chamber-like scenes with a convincing sense of space that transcended speaker boundaries.

San Francisco Symphony’s Harmonium

A choral and orchestral masterpiece recorded at Davies Symphony Hall, it demands spaciousness and brightness. The 1.7x adapted effortlessly, delivering ethereal voices floating above the orchestra with startling realism.

Susan Graham’s Rückert-Lieder

This vinyl pressing vividly recreated Davies Hall’s reverberant air and the unamplified mezzo-soprano voice, with piano accompaniment blooming naturally—a true test of vocal authenticity that the 1.7x aced.

Stephen Stills’ Just Roll Tape

Despite some tape distortion, the 1.7x handled the intimate, closely miked acoustic guitar and vocals smoothly, with highs that felt less edgy and more transparent than the 1.7i.

The Peter Erskine Quartet’s McIntosh Sessions Volume 1

A live, all-analog studio recording with powerful dynamics and upfront presentation, this challenged the 1.7x’s imaging and scale. Each instrument occupied its own space in my listening room, sounding lifelike and balanced.

Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Little Wing

With a known 40Hz bass response, the 1.7x delivered visceral impact: Chris Layton’s drums, SRV’s fiery Fender Strat, and Tommy Shannon’s bass lines all felt realistic, dynamic, and full of physical presence.

Standard vs. X Series: Which Should You Choose?

While Magnepan continues their standard line, the X series represents the pinnacle of their design philosophy today. If you can, audition both. The X models offer clear improvements in every sonic dimension, while maintaining exceptional value.

Coda: The Magic of Magnepans

Just before finishing this review, I received a message from an audio retailer who recently demoed the 1.7i speakers in Dubai. He shared how amazed customers were hearing a Magneplanar for the first time—people would even walk around the speakers, baffled by the seemingly magical realism.

Knowing the impact of the X series, I can only imagine the awe it will inspire.

Specifications & Pricing

• Type: Two-way floorstanding loudspeaker
• Drivers: Midrange/bass section, tweeter section
• Frequency Response: 40Hz–24kHz
• Nominal Impedance: 4 ohms
• Sensitivity: 86dB
• Recommended Amplifier Power: Generous power recommended for best results
• Finishes: Wide variety of wood, metal side strips, and fabrics
• Dimensions: 19.25″ W x 64.5″ H x 2″ D
• Weight: 38 lbs
• Price: Approximately $5000 per pair

Looking for speakers that disappear into your music and bring live performances home? The Magnepan MG1.7x offers a compelling combination of affordability, sonic precision, and immersive soundstage.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What makes Magnepan MG1.7x speakers stand out?
  Their open, boxless design delivers a realistic midrange, wide soundstage, and transparent detail, creating an immersive listening experience.
• How do the 1.7x differ from the 1.7i?
  The 1.7x is a simplified two-way design with upgraded components, offering improved dynamics, smoother highs, and greater bass authority.
• Are Magnepan speakers suitable for all music genres?
  Yes, especially for acoustic, orchestral, vocal, and live recordings, thanks to their natural and spacious sound reproduction.
• Do Magnepans require a break-in period?
  Absolutely. Optimal sound is achieved after extended use, with improvements in detail, coherence, and bass response.
• Can I upgrade my older Magnepans to the X series?
  Yes, factory upgrades are available, though cost and logistics should be considered compared to purchasing new X series models.

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