1.7i vs Harbeth Super HL5
The Super HL5's impedance is 7Ω against the 1.7i's 4Ω. Both share sensitivity (86 dB), low-frequency extension (40 Hz), and high-frequency extension (24 kHz).
Both turn up in the same documented systems.
AI-generated product photo — not official manufacturer imagery.
The Magnepan 1.7i is a three-way, full-range dipole loudspeaker that represents a significant departure in Magnepan's design philosophy by employing quasi-ribbon planar magnetic technology across all frequency ranges—bass, midrange, and treble—rather than limiting it to lower frequencies as in previous models. This unified driver approach eliminates phase shifts and frequency dips between drivers, delivering seamless sonic coherence and uninterrupted frequency response. The speaker features an ultra-light Mylar diaphragm with aluminum foil conductors that vibrate across a wide surface area, producing incredibly low distortion and lightning-fast transient response. Each section (mid/bass, tweeter, and super tweeter) comprises aluminum foil adhered to the Mylar diaphragm, which reacts to fixed arrays of magnet strips mounted behind it to project sound as a dipole in both forward and backward directions. The 1.7i maintains a sleek, minimalist profile with clean lines and is handcrafted in the USA using virtually all American-made parts. It earned recognition as The Absolute Sound's 2021 Budget Product of the Year and is considered a genuine high-end product offering exceptional value. The speaker delivers detail, nuance, and texture with precision, producing pure, lifelike sound without bloated bass or honky midrange characteristics.
Driver and acoustic performance characteristics
Driver configuration and enclosure design
Size, weight, and appearance
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Components that show up alongside the 1.7i in real systems. A verdict means the pair has been checked for compatibility and headroom — open it to see how the two get along.
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The Super HL5's impedance is 7Ω against the 1.7i's 4Ω. Both share sensitivity (86 dB), low-frequency extension (40 Hz), and high-frequency extension (24 kHz).
Both turn up in the same documented systems.
The R 909's sensitivity is 89 dB against the 1.7i's 86 dB and its low-frequency extension 35 Hz against 40 Hz. Both share impedance (4Ω) and ways (3).
The Tympani-1d's sensitivity is 85.6 dB against the 1.7i's 86 dB and its high-frequency extension 20 kHz against 24 kHz. Both share impedance (4Ω) and low-frequency extension (40 Hz).
The .7's low-frequency extension is 45 Hz against the 1.7i's 40 Hz and its high-frequency extension 22 kHz against 24 kHz. Both share sensitivity (86 dB) and impedance (4Ω).
Both turn up in the same documented systems.
Penaudio Chara
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