The 1.7 is a departure from Magnepan's 41-year history of using
planar magnetic drivers for the bass or lower midrange. The use of quasi
ribbon technology down into the lower midrange and bass will provide a
new level of coherence.
What is a quasi-ribbon? The quasi ribbon
driver is a deviation from the true ribbon design. A very thin film
backing is used to hold the delicate ribbons in place. One of the
advantages of quasi ribbon drivers is extremely wide frequency band
width and high power handling. The result in the 1.7 is low distortion
and seamless ribbon clarity--a sound so clear and effortless that it has
changed the thinking of thousands of audiophiles about planar speakers.
The
1.7 also boasts a quasi ribbon super tweeter with a wider "sweet spot,"
and one step closer to the delicacy and detail of Magnepan's true
ribbon design.
A new, modern styling with wrap-around aluminum
trim on the 1.7 is also a departure from Magnepan's more conservative
cosmetic styling. The standard wood trims of the 1.6 (as shown below)
are available upon special order and an upcharge. Aluminum trim is
available in silver or black or primer coat for custom finishing. Wood
trim is available in natural oak, black oak or dark cherry. Fabric
choices are off-white, black or dark gray.
