Magnepan 1.7 Upgrade Kit (Pair)
$449.00 – $549.00
This kit is compatible with both 1.7 and newer 1.7i models.
This kit includes everything you need to correct a number of issues and take this speaker to another level across the board. Please see the videos and measurements in the accordion below. The kit includes all new parts, a set of tube connectors and new wiring.
Check out this 1.7i before/after comparison video:
Youtube
Pass through plate: Single hole for all wires for direct connection from external crossover to driver terminals.
Single plate: Plate with 2 holes for the included connectors for internal mounting of crossover: Thread
Double plate: Plate with 4 holes +2 extra sets of tube connectors, allowing for removable external crossover.
Frequency Response Before
Frequency Response After
3 reviews for Magnepan 1.7 Upgrade Kit (Pair)
Upgrade Kit Measurements
Paul Brunson (verified owner) –
I just wanted to let you know that I just received my 12 year old Magnepan 1.7 speakers back with the new crossovers from you installed. There is a definite improvement in the separation, detail and dynamics. I am thoroughly enjoying listening – crossovers DO matter! Good job on your design and prompt attention. I am happy to recommend you to any Magnepan owners!
Glenn Thodé (verified owner) –
Just before Christmas I received the upgrade kit which I proceeded to build into my 14 year old Magnepan 1.7’s. It took some work and puzzling to deconstruct and reconstruct the speaker and the crossover, but it is possible to do this modifications with solder gun, jig saw for the crossover plate, drill, tie-wraps and stapling gun. The speaker does not look modified at first glance.
The moment I turned on the music, I noticed a significant different and much more pleasing presentation in the mids and highs. Compared to the more ‘fluid’ sound of this new crossover the old crossover sounded ‘granular’. The change in texture (more realistic sound signature) for acoustic instrument is astounding. It has been only a few weeks since the modified crossovers, and the highs on cymbals, the air and ambience (spatial) cues, the complexity of wood and string instruments and ‘humanity’ of voices are now simply more evident and have an even clearer place in the soundscape.
Thanks GR Research for providing such a valuable improvement path for these speakers. My speakers have an improved second life in my home and I highly recommend Maggie 1.7 owners to seriously consider this definitive upgrade option.
Robin Perry (verified owner) –
All they say is true! Very, very happy with the upgrade. They sound much better but, as GR Research say it’s the detail, imaging and soundstage that is totally transformed.
Be warned though, it’s harder than you think. Those staples to get the grille socks off for a start! The wiring of the 1.7i has six terminals for the main bass/mid, Tweeter and second (super?) tweeter and the tweeters are out of phase to the mid/bass in their stock state. Also, left and right speakers are a mirror of the panels ribbon layout but, not for wiring polarity. So make sure you know what you’re doing! A 9V battery worked for me to see the diaphragm pop up or down on the Bass/Mid to work out the positive and the current flow is clockwise, maintain that for both the left and right speakers and each ribbon circuit. And the two tweeters become one, wired in series.
The Crossovers just about fit in the original cavity but not the best configuration as the smaller inductor is too close to the larger inductor and can’t be turned 90* adjacent. I replaced the boards they’re mounted on too and added some shielding to the inductors because of their proximity to each other.
So, the lesson learnt is I should have mounted the crossovers outboard in a dedicated box. Other than that as we say Down Under in Australia “I’m Totally Stoked”.
If you own Maggies and are capable or know someone to do the upgrade, Do It! Bang for buck It’s a no brainer…
Thanks Danny, you’re a star. Keep fighting the cost/performance cause!