Magnepan 1.7i Planar Magnetic Speakers; Pair

The Magnepan 1.7i doesn’t just play music, it uncovers it. Every pluck, every breath, every reverb-drenched guitar solo that usually hides in the background is suddenly front and center, clear as day. Thanks to Magnepan’s legendary planar magnetic technology, these speakers offer sound so natural and transparent it feels like you’ve been granted access to the master tapes. It’s like being invited into the recording studio and hearing it all as the artist intended.

But here’s the twist: It’s not about being loud. It’s about being real. The 1.7i delivers detail, nuance, and texture with precision and elegance. No bloated bass, no honky mids, just pure, lifelike sound that fills your room like a live performance. And because Magnepan knows that speakers shouldn’t compete with your decor, the 1.7i maintains a sleek, minimalist profile that blends right into your space. Clean lines, sharp sound, and no gimmicks.

Key Features of the Magnepan 1.7i

Planar Magnetic Technology – Full-range drivers deliver jaw-dropping clarity, free from distortion and muddiness.
Uninterrupted Coherency – No tweeter-woofer handoff, just one smooth, continuous sound from lows to highs.
Minimalist Aesthetic – Slim, elegant design that fits in any space while still commanding attention with its sound.
Wide Soundstage – Big, bold sound that doesn’t confine you to a "sweet spot"—every spot is sweet.
Custom Trim Options – Black Wood, Natural Oak Wood, Black Oak, Dark Cherry Wood, Black Aluminum and Silver Aluminum trim with fabric options to match your space.
No-Nonsense Craftsmanship – No ports, no resonance, just pure music the way it was recorded.

Explore the Exciting and Exhilarating Magnepan X Upgrade

If you think the Magnepan 1.7i is exceptional, wait until you experience the X-factor. The Magnepan 1.7X takes everything you love about the 1.7i and expands, excels, and exceeds expectations. With upgraded components, enhanced clarity, and extreme precision, it’s like giving your music an exclusive, executive-level treatment.

Ready to explore the X upgrade? Experience the Magnepan 1.7X here .

History of the Magnepan 1.7

The Magnepan 1.7 didn’t just appear overnight. It evolved from a loudspeaker that already held near-iconic status. After a 12-year run, the Magneplanar 1.6 was reengineered with one clear goal: deliver better sound through smarter design, not unnecessary bells and whistles. In blind listening tests, both audiophiles and casual listeners consistently chose the 1.7 over its predecessor.

It also marked a turning point in Magnepan’s 40-year legacy. For the first time, they moved away from using planar magnetic drivers only for the bass and lower midrange. The 1.7 introduced full-range quasi-ribbon technology throughout the speaker, bringing a new level of sonic coherence, clarity, and low distortion.

What Makes the Magnepan 1.7i Great?

The Quasi Ribbon Tweeter

So what is a quasi-ribbon? Unlike a true ribbon, it uses a very thin backing film to support the ribbon element. This design offers wide bandwidth, exceptional power handling, and a remarkably open sound. The result is a speaker that feels fast, transparent, and natural without harshness or congestion.

The 1.7 also featured a quasi-ribbon super tweeter with a wider sweet spot. Imaging remained stable even when seated far off to the side, which was a major improvement over typical narrow-focus speaker designs. Magnepan encouraged listeners to experiment with tweeter placement, either inside or outside, depending on room layout. This made the 1.7 one of the most adaptable speakers in its class.

With these engineering upgrades and a modern visual update, the Magnepan 1.7 earned its reputation through real-world performance and listener satisfaction, not hype or inflated marketing.

Planar Magnetic Technology

At the heart of the 1.7i is Magnepan’s full-range planar magnetic driver. Instead of pushing air with a piston, it vibrates an ultra-light diaphragm across a wide surface. This uniform motion delivers incredibly low distortion and lightning-fast response. Every detail comes through with startling realism. Strings have bite. Vocals feel alive. Cymbals shimmer without grit.

Wide, Stable Soundstage

Most speakers have a single “sweet spot.” Not the 1.7i. Its full-panel radiation and line-source behavior create a soundstage that wraps around you. Whether you’re seated front and center or off to the side, the experience remains immersive. You don’t lose the magic just because you shifted on the couch.

Seamless Frequency Coherency

Because the same diaphragm handles bass, midrange, and treble, there’s no handoff between drivers. That means no phase shifts, no frequency dips, and no uneven transitions. The 1.7i presents the music as a whole. Everything flows naturally, like hearing a live band locked in perfect sync.

Smart Design with High-Definition Bass

The 1.7i looks large, but it’s surprisingly easy to place. Its slim, vertical form is acoustically purposeful. The tall panel mimics a line source, minimizing floor and ceiling reflections while delivering consistent performance across the room.

Its bass driver is substantial, and that’s a good thing. Magnepan avoids hybrid designs for a reason. A single, full-range diaphragm preserves timing and clarity, especially in the low end. High-definition bass is not about boom, it’s about texture and accuracy. The 1.7i gets that right.

To get the best results, Magnepan recommends placing the tweeter slightly farther from the listener than the bass section. Even subtle tweaks in positioning can elevate imaging and tonal balance.

Magnepan 1.7i Shines in Multiple Uses

The 1.7i is a chameleon in the best way possible: it fits seamlessly into a variety of setups and listening environments. It thrives in medium to large rooms where its expansive soundstage can stretch its legs. Whether you’re setting up a 2-channel listening room or looking for an upgrade for your home theater, the 1.7i has you covered. Here’s where it stands out:

2-Channel Audiophile Systems – Pure, unaltered music the way it was meant to be heard.
Home Theater Front Channels – A cinematic experience with crystal-clear dialogue and immersive effects.
Critical Listening Spaces – If you want to hear the difference between good speakers and great speakers, this is where the 1.7i will blow your mind.

Get the 1.7i Your Way: Trim Options

The Magnepan 1.7i offers multiple trim options. Contact The Listening Room to discuss your preferred trim option and explore the possibilities of bringing the 1.7i speakers into your home.

Magnepan Trim and Fabric Colors and Options

What the Reviewers are Saying

“The 1.7i affords a true high-end listening experience for far less cost than sonically competitive speakers. It is a gem and a real bargain.”

– John Nork, The Absolute Sound

“Magnepan 1.7i are very musical and natural sounding speakers. Fantastic transparency and transient response.”
— Audio Nostalgia, Magnepan 1.7i Review

“The MG 1.7s are among the most transparent and musically involving speakers I’ve heard. Their seamless presentation and incredible soundstaging challenge speakers many times their price.”
— Steven R. Rochlin, Enjoy the Music (review of MG 1.7)

“The soundstage is wide and deep, the image extremely stable... The 1.7 are so transparent and fast that you have the feeling of listening to the signal source directly, without intermediaries.”
— Lucio Cadeddu, TNT-Audio (review of MG 1.7)

“Like the 1.6s, the 1.7s are the most life-like speakers I have heard in their price range—or anywhere near it. I could live with them (and did) in a system that costs 150 times more than they themselves do.”
— Jonathan Valin, The Absolute Sound – TAS Issue 205

The Listening Room Difference

At The Listening Room, we’re more than just the #1 Magnepan dealer in the world (although it's a killer flex), we’re a third-generation small business with a passion for exceptional sound and personalized service. Our deep knowledge of Magnepan speakers means we’re uniquely qualified to help you unlock the full potential of your 1.7i. Whether you’re upgrading from another Magnepan speaker or diving into planar sound for the first time, we’ll guide you every step of the way, from tailored setup advice to ensuring your system delivers the breathtaking performance you deserve. When you choose The Listening Room, you’re not just buying speakers, you’re supporting a legacy of hi-fi excellence and becoming part of a community that shares your love for incredible sound.