I have owned the VR33s for a couple of years and I absolutely love them. I was just wondering how the Maggie 1.7 sound in comparison. Anyone with any insight or who has heard both for comparison ?
Jim,
Thought I'd go back to your original post to re-sync. I've heard both, driven by Classic Cherry (standard and ULTRA) and KING Maraschino - and other amps not much worth mentioning (ok, some bias there, but we're talking about speakers here). Note that these were on multiple separate occasions....
My money would be on the Magnepan 1.7s. There's just nothing like the soundstage they create. I'd also use Maraschino amps for the way the make the Mags come alive. The Mags really take like speed and extended bandwidth. The 1.7s image like nobody's business!
Regarding bass, the Mags also enjoy a healthy boost from DC coupling. Really makes the bass work, better than I thought a modest sized panel ever could. Many 1.7 owners wind up buying bigger panels later. The 3.7s (or 3.7i), for example, but maybe this is because they have weakened bass due to what's driving them.
However, if you like punch-you-in-the-gut bass, go for the VR33s. They sound simply amazing, especially in smaller rooms where the Mags would be crammed in. The Mags need room.
Good luck with your system.
-Tommy O
Digital Amp Co