Magnepan 1.7x Planar Magnetic Speakers

The Magnepan 1.7x is a two-way planar magnetic floorstanding speaker, built as a custom Listening Room Special with hand-upgraded X-Series crossover components that sharpen clarity, tighten imaging, and deepen bass control. It keeps the planar design intent of the standard 1.7i and pushes it further with copper-rich polypropylene capacitors, air-core copper coils, and silver-soldered wiring you can actually hear on your favorite recordings.

This isn't the 1.7i with a cool "x" badge slapped on so we can upsell you based on its place in the alphabet. Every upgrade in the 1.7x targets real gains in precision, balance, and sound quality.

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.

The Listening Room Special

A custom, enhanced version of the X-Series that Magnepan builds for us, included for every customer on our X models.

• Cardas binding posts for a stronger and easier cable connection.
• 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.

That makes the 1.7x unusual. Nearly every X model is the same speaker as its standard sibling with the crossover rebuilt; the driver configuration does not change. Only two Magnepans have their layout changed by the X upgrade: the 1.7x, which goes from a three-way to a two-way, and the Big Mini X, the four-way configuration of the Mini Maggie System X, which goes from a three-way to a four-way.

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.

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.

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.

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 Listening Room Special upgrades.

Magnepan Trade-In Program

We offer trade-up credit of up to 85% of your original purchase price toward a more expensive Magnepan up the line, handled personally and case by case. See our trade-in terms for details.

The Listening Room Difference

We're the #1 Magnepan dealer in the US, and that's exactly why Magnepan builds custom X-Series versions for The Listening Room, with enhancements Mike orders for every customer. 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.

Adding a Subwoofer

If you want more low-end weight in larger rooms, a fast, musical subwoofer extends the bottom end without dragging on the panel's speed. We most often pair Magnepan with REL and Perlisten subwoofers, since both keep up with a planar's quickness rather than fighting it.

Technical Specifications