Magnepan 2.7i and 2.7x Planar Magnetic Loudspeaker with Ribbon Tweeter

Description

MY TAKE: For decades, Magnepan has stood as a symbol of American innovation in high-end audio —revered by audiophiles for its signature sound, commitment to craftsmanship, and unwavering dedication to performance without compromise. Magnepan has defined a category all its own—planar magnetic loudspeakers that offer a sonic experience unlike anything else. Known for their stunning transparency, lifelike imaging, and wide-open soundstage, Magnepans have earned a legendary reputation among audiophiles and music lovers around the world.- Galen Carol

Magnepan 2.7i

This model is available in both the standard and the premium 'X' versions.

The MG2.7i’s are a pair of 3-way, full-range, Magneplanar loudspeakers. Both the Bass and Midrange sections are comprised of aluminum foil. Often referred to as “quasi-ribbon,” the foil is adhered to the Mylar diaphragm which is visible through the front of the fabric cover. The True Ribbon Tweeter is also comprised of aluminum foil however it is not mounted to a substrate but rather suspended freely. The MG2.7i’s reproduce sound by introducing an AC signal to: the conductor foil on the diaphragm which reacts to the fixed array of magnet strips mounted behind the Mylar; and the tweeter foil which reacts to the magnet channels on either side of it. This reaction vibrates the diaphragm/foil projecting sound as a dipole, both forward and backward.

Upgrade to the 2.7x

Magnepan has long been committed to manufacturing excellent loudspeakers at an incredibly low cost to the consumer.  It was one of Jim Winey’s founding principles to provide, “hifi for the every-man.”  In order to continue this tradition we have often been required to compromise the quality of components and construction in order to fit a price point. The X series is the answer to the question: “What if we didn’t?”

A rigorously designed, thoroughly tested, and meticulously constructed project, the X series provides a new level of exceptional quality, elevating an awesome product to even greater heights.  With over 50 years of planar speaker expertise, tried-and-true design, and the infusion of new ingenuity, passion, and drive, Magnepan has created something special.  The X series speakers are greater than the sum of their parts, and their parts are great!

What comprises the "X" upgrade?

The general idea of the X series is to take the existing design of a given speaker and improve it using three primary axis of refinement: simplification, component betterment, and balancing. When it comes to high fidelity audio reproduction, less is definitely more. Simplifying a circuit in terms of fewer components, less overall wire, fewer junctions, less mass, etc. reduces signal loss, degradation, and distortion. This allows for a more pure signal to pass through the circuit and be reproduced with precision and fidelity. Almost one-for-one replacing all of the components between the speaker cables and driver with superior ones has an obvious beneficial effect. A sandwich made with better bread, better bacon, better lettuce, and better tomatoes is going to unsurprisingly taste better than a standard BLT. It may surprise you however, just how much better it tastes, and just home much better the X series speakers sound. Finally: balance is everything. Even the most entrenched audiophiles, or the best musicians with world-class ears, may not be able to detect if a pair of speakers is crossed over at 150Hz or 151Hz, however typically even a novice audio enthusiast will notice if the left speaker crosses over at 150Hz but the right crosses at 151Hz! The human brain is not always the best at determining precision in isolation but it is incredibly adept at detecting relative differences—think about how obvious it is when something isn’t level, for example. As such it is vital, when it comes to ultra-high performance, that the left and right speakers be nearly perfectly balanced. Along with all of this there are some model-specific changes and improvements that have been implemented such as the MG1.7x being a two-way speaker instead of a semi-three-way with a super tweeter, (to even further simplify the circuit design) and cross-braces being installed in the frame to reinforce the speaker’s rigidity.

The general idea of the X series is to take the existing design of a given speaker and improve it using three primary axis of refinement: simplification, component betterment, and balancing. When it comes to high fidelity audio reproduction, less is definitely more. Simplifying a circuit in terms of fewer components, less overall wire, fewer junctions, less mass, etc. reduces signal loss, degradation, and distortion. This allows for a more pure signal to pass through the circuit and be reproduced with precision and fidelity. Almost one-for-one replacing all of the components between the speaker cables and driver with superior ones has an obvious beneficial effect. A sandwich made with better bread, better bacon, better lettuce, and better tomatoes is going to unsurprisingly taste better than a standard BLT. It may surprise you however, just how much better it tastes, and just home much better the X series speakers sound. Finally: balance is everything. Even the most entrenched audiophiles, or the best musicians with world-class ears, may not be able to detect if a pair of speakers is crossed over at 150Hz or 151Hz, however typically even a novice audio enthusiast will notice if the left speaker crosses over at 150Hz but the right crosses at 151Hz! The human brain is not always the best at determining precision in isolation but it is incredibly adept at detecting relative differences—think about how obvious it is when something isn’t level, for example. As such it is vital, when it comes to ultra-high performance, that the left and right speakers be nearly perfectly balanced. Along with all of this there are some model-specific changes and improvements that have been implemented such as the MG1.7x being a two-way speaker instead of a semi-three-way with a super tweeter, (to even further simplify the circuit design) and cross-braces being installed in the frame to reinforce the speaker’s rigidity.

Audio is a tremendously subjective hobby, though, and anyone can write whatever they want online so please keep in mind that the best way to answer this question would be for you to demo a pair at your local Magnepan Certified Dealership. With that being said here is how Magnepan Mick, the X Series creator, feels about them:


“The very first X speaker that I built was an MG1.7x. I knew that it was going to sound better, but I didn’t know if it was going to sound significantly better, I didn’t know if it would be measurable, and I certainly didn’t know if it was going to be worth the real increase in cost of the labor and components. I honestly figured that it would be a slight bump in quality, perhaps worth a pat on the back, but nothing amazing, and that ultimately the project wouldn’t be worth it. After finishing their assembly I hooked them up in my sound room and was hopeful but had realistic expectations. I was floored. Those prototype MG1.7x’s blew me away and with newly invigorated excitement I really started to put them through their paces. It’s hard for me to put into words just how good I felt like they sounded and why it was that they sounded better… they were just better! As a result, shortly afterward I launched the X upgrade program through the service department. And only about a year after that Magnepan launched the X series completely. To this date I don’t believe I have heard a single negative review from someone who has actually properly listened to them and most have shared the excitement and giddy joy that I had when I first put a signal to those MG1.7x’s. I encourage everyone to read all about the X series, watch the various videos and take in all the reviews as this is something that I’m incredibly proud of… but I would implore those interested to find a place to listen to some X’s… as there really is no other acceptable way to understand the fullness of the X series, in my mind, than by experiencing it yourself. “ - Mick Bucher

REVIEWS:

The Absolute Sound - Capitol Audio Fest Review of the best sounding rooms. - "Top 5 Best-Sounding Rooms (In no particular order) Fidelity Imports/Magnepan. Fidelity Imports doesn’t handle Magnepan, but it turned over one of its nine rooms to allow the venerable speaker firm to showcase its new model, the 2.7i. (See Auspicious Debuts below.) Driven by the Audia Flight FLS 10 integrated amp and an Aurender streamer, the sound on the first two days was incredibly realistic in a way that few besides Magnepan can muster, and the bass was shockingly good. Things got even better on the third day, when the Magnepan folks upgraded the speakers to ‘X’ status. Total system price: $22k/$26k.

"Any new Magnepan is cause for celebration, but the latest may be even more so than usual. That’s because the new 2.7i ($6k) and upgraded 2.7X ($10k) not only come in at a very attractive price point but are also big enough to be full range, while not being so large as to overpower a room. They include a true ribbon tweeter, too. Their sound at CAF was impressive (see Best-Sounding Rooms above). I predict the 2.7’s will quickly become one of Magnepan’s top sellers."

Enthusiast Feedback on Bass Performance

Users have observed that the Magnepan 2.7x speakers, when paired with high-quality amplification, can deliver impressive bass performance without the immediate need for a subwoofer.

"I got a real surprise last night when I hooked up my Magnepan 2.7s to a set of amps without a sub. Goes to show what a bit of quality power will do. These new amps are way more powerful and higher quality than what I had, and the Maggies had as much bass as a small bookshelf. I was very surprised. Maggies love power."
— Anthony Goldie, Audiophile Style Forum Stereonet

Technical Enhancements in the 'X' Series

The transition from the 2.7i to the 2.7x model introduced several technical improvements, particularly in component quality and assembly.

"The 'X' upgrade replaces every part of the speaker system from the input terminals all the way to the panel... The 2.7x is the first 'X' model I've listened to, and I believe it is the finest product I've ever heard at its $10K price point."

These enhancements contribute to a more refined and immersive listening experience, aligning with Magnepan's commitment to continuous improvement.

SPECIFICATIONS:

 MG2.7i

Description 3-Way, Full-Range, Quasi-Ribbon
Freq. Resp. 40-30 kHz +/- 3dB
Rec Power Read Frequently Asked Questions
Sensitivity 86dB/500Hz /1m/2.83v
Impedance 4 Ohm, nominal
Dimensions 71" x 22" x 1.75" 48-52lbs
Warranty Limited 3 years to original purchaser see warranty document