Magnepan 1.7x Planar Magnetic Speakers

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$5,000.00

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Mike's Take

The stock MG 1.7i is a three-way quasi ribbon design. There are three completely separate voice coils and a three-way crossover network.

For the MG 1.7X, Magnepan changes the driver configuration to a two-way design. This reduces complexity in the crossover. A proper two-way speaker has coherence that is very hard to match, and that is why I always loved two-way studio monitors. The 1.7X behaves much more like that kind of design.

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Magnepan Speakers are large and most incur a fee unless delivered.

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Items not in stock may take 5-6 weeks. See our shipping policies for details. We will contact you after your order.

Color Options

Magnepan offers an array of variants and colors. If you have questions or want to see more of what Magnepan can do with visual choices, contact us.

Contact Mike at the LIstening Room Product photo with phone number and Michael Hoatson's face

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The Magnepan 1.7x takes everything you love about the 1.7i and cranks it up several notches. It's the result of Magnepan asking, "What if we pushed our already great design even further?" The answer is the 1.7x: a carefully refined two-way planar magnetic speaker designed to bring out the absolute best in your music.

This isn't just the 1.7i with a cool "x" badge slapped on it so we can upsell you based on its place in the alphabet. The upgrades in the 1.7x are all about improving precision, balance, and sound quality to deliver something you can actually hear on your favorite recordings.

Magnepan 1.7x Key Features

Simplified Two-Way Design: Moved from the 1.7i's semi-three-way layout to a cleaner two-way circuit with fewer components and less signal loss.
X-Series Crossover Upgrades: Copper-rich polypropylene capacitors, air-core copper coils, and precision-matched resistors, all hand-tested.
Quasi-Ribbon Technology: Aluminum foil on Mylar diaphragm for full-range sound with speed and transparency.
Silver-Soldered Connections: Solid copper bus wiring with shortened signal paths for cleaner signal transfer.
Compact Footprint: 65 inches tall, 19 inches wide, 2 inches deep. Fits rooms where larger Magnepans won't.

Magnepan X-Series binding posts - upgraded Audio Research terminals

The Listening Room Exclusive Magnepan X-Series Upgrades

Magnepan builds exclusive X-Series versions for The Listening Room with custom parts and enhancements not available from any other dealer.

Audio Research binding posts for a stronger and easier cable connection.
Custom 3D printed base plates for improved stability and cleaner installation.
Enhanced QC and driver matching for tighter tolerances and more consistent performance.
Upgraded packaging on large models (2.7x, 3.7x, 20.7x, 30.7x) with one speaker per box for safer delivery.

What's New in the Magnepan 1.7x?

A Simplified Two-Way Design

The first big change? The 1.7x moves away from the 1.7i's semi-three-way design, replacing its super tweeter with a cleaner two-way circuit. Fewer components mean less signal loss, less distortion, and more of your music coming through pure and unaltered. It's like taking off sunglasses on a cloudy day, suddenly everything feels clearer and more vibrant.

Upgraded Components

Magnepan left no part untouched. The 1.7x features premium copper-rich polypropylene capacitors, high-gauge air-core coils, and upgraded resistors, all hand-selected, measured, and paired to perfection. Every crossover component is tested to ensure both speakers match within impossibly tight tolerances. This meticulous balance between the left and right speakers ensures imaging so accurate you'll think the performers set up camp in your living room.

Magnepan X-Series Capacitors - copper-rich polypropylene, individually tested

Precision Wiring and Connections

Gone is any excess wire or mechanical connections that could compromise sound quality. Instead, the 1.7x uses solid copper bus wiring and silver-soldered connections to minimize resistance and maximize fidelity. Even the green and yellow wires on the ribbon tweeter are optimized to preserve skin effect for high-frequency purity. Cleaner paths, cleaner sound.

Magnepan X-Series Wiring - 15-gauge solid copper, silver soldered connections

Tuned and Balanced

Magnepan obsessively fine-tuned the crossover, ensuring the bass and midrange integrate cleanly with the highs. Smoother transitions between frequencies, a wider soundstage, and both speakers performing in lockstep. Nobody wants the left and right sides arguing over which one sounds better.

Magnepan X-Series Crossover - hand-built with matched components

What the Magnepan 1.7x Means for Your Music

The upgrades in the 1.7x aren't just technical. Compared to the 1.7i, you'll notice:

Improved clarity and detail: Instruments and vocals are more defined, with better separation.
Enhanced imaging and soundstage: The 1.7x fills your room with music, placing you in the center of the performance.
Deeper, tighter bass: While still benefiting from a subwoofer for low-end rumble, the 1.7x's improved bass response has more punch and control.
Greater overall balance: The sound is smoother and more natural, letting you focus on the music rather than the equipment.

Built for Your House or Apartment or Abode

The 1.7x combines great sound with Magnepan's signature minimalist design. Slim and sleek, these speakers fit into your space without dominating it visually. But don't be fooled by their understated appearance: once you turn them on, they'll command all the attention.

Style Out: Trim Options

The Magnepan 1.7x offers multiple trim options. Contact The Listening Room to discuss your preferred trim option and find the right look for your space.

The Magnepan X-Series Lineup

The 1.7x is part of the Magnepan X-Series lineup, which includes the .7x, 2.7x, 3.7x, 20.7x, 30.7x, and CCRx. Each model receives the same exclusive X-Series upgrades from The Listening Room.

The Listening Room Difference

We're the #1 Magnepan dealer in the world, and that's exactly why Magnepan builds exclusive X-Series versions for The Listening Room with custom parts and enhancements not available from any other dealer. When you buy a Magnepan X-Series from us, you're getting a speaker built to a higher standard and backed by a third-generation family business with exceptional service and a real commitment to getting your system right. We don't just ship boxes. We help you set it up, match it to the right amplification, and make sure it sounds the way it should. First Magnepan or fifth, we're here to get it right.

Magnepan X-Series binding post panel with cables connected - The Listening Room

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Description	2-Way, Quasi-Ribbon
Frequency Response	40 Hz - 24 kHz
Recommended Power	See FAQs or call us at 410-239-2020
Sensitivity	86 dB/500Hz/2.83V
Impedance	4 Ohms
Dimensions	19 x 65 x 2 inches

What changed from the 1.7i to the 1.7x?

The 1.7x received a significant design change beyond the standard X-Series component upgrades. It moved from a semi-three-way design (with a super tweeter) to a simpler two-way configuration, reducing the number of crossover components and shortening the signal path. Combined with upgraded copper-rich polypropylene capacitors, precision-matched coils, and silver-soldered connections throughout, the 1.7x delivers smoother highs, greater transparency, and improved bass authority compared to the 1.7i.

What amplifier should I pair with the Magnepan 1.7x?

The 1.7x needs an amplifier that delivers solid current into 4 ohms. At minimum, look for 120 watts per channel into 4 ohms. The Rogue Audio Sphinx V3 or Primare I35 Prisma are well-matched integrated options. For separates, the Rogue Audio Stereo 100 pairs beautifully with the 1.7x's revealing midrange. Call or text Mike at 410-239-2020 for system matching.

Is the Magnepan 1.7x worth upgrading from the 1.7i?

If you value midrange transparency, imaging precision, and high-frequency smoothness, yes. The X-Series upgrades go beyond incremental improvement. The redesigned two-way crossover with hand-matched components produces noticeably tighter channel balance and lower distortion. Listeners consistently describe the difference as immediately audible, with better separation, clarity, and three-dimensionality.

How much space do I need for the Magnepan 1.7x?

The 1.7x stands 65 inches tall and 19 inches wide. For optimal performance, place them at least 3 feet from the rear wall and 2 feet from side walls. A room of 13x16 feet or larger gives them breathing room. The 1.7x is a dipole, so managing the rear wall reflection with appropriate distance is key to getting the best bass response and soundstage depth.

Can I bi-wire or bi-amp the Magnepan 1.7x?

The 1.7x has a single pair of binding posts (upgraded Audio Research terminals on the X-Series), so bi-wiring is not supported in the traditional sense. However, you can bi-amp using an external active crossover before the binding posts. Most owners find that investing in a single high-quality amplifier with strong current delivery produces better results than bi-amping with lesser amplifiers.

How does the 1.7x compare to the 2.7x?

The 2.7x is a three-way design with a 40-inch True Ribbon Tweeter, whereas the 1.7x uses a quasi-ribbon configuration. The larger panel area on the 2.7x (22 inches wide vs 19 inches) gives it more bass weight and dynamic headroom, and the True Ribbon tweeter delivers high-frequency extension and detail that the quasi-ribbon tweeter approaches but cannot fully match. The 2.7x also has a larger physical presence at 71 inches tall vs 65 inches. Whether the step up is worth it depends on your room size, amplification, and how much you value that True Ribbon treble quality.

Black / Black Aluminum

x marks the spot!

now that they are fully broken in, I can tell you they sound awesome. the biggest differences i notice between the 1.7x and my old 1.6qr's is the seamlessness and the fact that the music is more involving. all I can say is wow!

Black / Black Aluminum

The Magnepan 1

The Magnepan 1.7x speakers are incredible. I’ve been taking leave from work here and there just to plan entire days going through my favorite albums. I couldn’t be happier with the purchase and the help from Mike setting things up was greatly appreciated as well! Thank you!

Off White / Natural Oak

I couldn’t imagine a speaker that could sound better than my 1

I couldn’t imagine a speaker that could sound better than my 1.6’s. Well, the 1.7x’s do by a surprisingly wide margin. My favorite word to describe them is crisp. Snare drums and high hat cymbals are especially dynamic, and acoustic instruments are especially magical. Sierra Hull’s mandolin never sounded better. The soundstage is impressive. The height, width, and depth of field are tightly focused. Clarity and separation are also superb. All in all, I made an excellent investment.

Black / Black Aluminum

Superb all around!

Mike was very helpful. He demoed the speakers for me so I knew exactly what I was purchasing and the pricing was great. Ordering and delivery to my home in Florida was seamless and the speakers? They are phenomenal!

Cherry White / Dark Cherry

Michael is always a pleasure to deal with

Michael is always a pleasure to deal with. His knowledge, and obvious love for what he does, comes through and everything. He is a great “go to guy” for all of your high-end Audio needs.