MRC01
Major Contributor
As a Maggie 3.6 owner for 20+ years, I'm a fan. However, much of their clarity is due to the ribbon tweeter, and I think the 1.7 has a different tweeter. So listen and make sure you like it. Or, look for a used 3.7 which could cost the same as the 1.7 new. At 20+ years old my 3.6 still perform equal or better to spec based on REW measurements, so these speakers do last when cared for, buying used shouldn't be a concern.
Maggies being dipoles are more sensitive to room setup than conventional speakers, and usually need to be further in the room away from the front wall. This can impair using the room for other things, so make sure that works for you.
Don't buy room treatments up front. Measure the room response with REW first, rearrange the speakers & room to get it as good as possible (which will make big differences), then decide what room treatments you need to correct that response. Room arrangement, then treatment, goes a long way especially with dipoles. Then you can use DSP EQ for the final touches.
Whether you need a sub depends on what you listen to. Bass with my 3.6 measures flat down to about 30-35 Hz, and 25 Hz is audible though it's attenuated. Classical & chamber music I find no need for a sub. Even with a lot of rock music, most of the bass is 40 Hz and up. But if you want that bottom bass octave you will need a sub.
XLR vs. RCA won't make any practical difference, so long as you don't have ground loops or other issues.
Regarding amps & power: my 3.6 are not quite as efficient as Magnepan says they should be. They do need more power than you think. I use an Adcom 5800 rated at 400 WPC continuous and it is plenty, but I think 250 WPC is the minimum for these speakers.
Maggies being dipoles are more sensitive to room setup than conventional speakers, and usually need to be further in the room away from the front wall. This can impair using the room for other things, so make sure that works for you.
Don't buy room treatments up front. Measure the room response with REW first, rearrange the speakers & room to get it as good as possible (which will make big differences), then decide what room treatments you need to correct that response. Room arrangement, then treatment, goes a long way especially with dipoles. Then you can use DSP EQ for the final touches.
Whether you need a sub depends on what you listen to. Bass with my 3.6 measures flat down to about 30-35 Hz, and 25 Hz is audible though it's attenuated. Classical & chamber music I find no need for a sub. Even with a lot of rock music, most of the bass is 40 Hz and up. But if you want that bottom bass octave you will need a sub.
XLR vs. RCA won't make any practical difference, so long as you don't have ground loops or other issues.
Regarding amps & power: my 3.6 are not quite as efficient as Magnepan says they should be. They do need more power than you think. I use an Adcom 5800 rated at 400 WPC continuous and it is plenty, but I think 250 WPC is the minimum for these speakers.