Crossover install on Magnepan 1.7i

reyii · « **on:** 11 Apr 2024, 10:26 pm »

Crossover install on Magnepan 1.7i
Posting here some photos from beginning to end for those interested in such a project.

Some interesting points:

Initially, it sounded bright but called GR-Research and they explained the capacitors need at least 200h of break in, and after that time if I still feel it bright, they will help me bring it down a notch.
The original magnepan crossover have a 1.2 ohm resistor in the signal path, GR-R don't. This may explain why the magies sound brighter on the top-end, but I most say there is no sibling just more present. GR-R told I can add it back if I want to, they will help.
I need to rise the volume 1 level up to get the same SPL I had before with the original Magnepan crossover.
This crossover design really makes very noticeable difference, wider soundstage, more stereo, off axis response got wider and balanced, instrument separation and more detail.

Really great support by GR-R team.

For context, this is my rig:
Power conditioner: Audioquest Niagara 1200
Source: Yamaha CD-S3000
Preamp: Primaluna Evo 400
Power amp: Yamaha M-5000
Speakers: Magnepan 1.7i

jmimac351 · « **Reply #1 on:** 11 Apr 2024, 10:55 pm »

Quote from: reyii on 11 Apr 2024, 10:26 pm

Crossover install on Magnepan 1.7i

Some interesting points:
Initially, it sounded bright but called GR-Research team and the explained the capacitors need at least 200h of break in, and after that time if I still feel it bright, they will help me bring it down a notch.

Cool! I had a pair of 3.7i. It would have been something to hear them with Danny's crossover.

I am going thru a second round of crossover break-in on my Wilson Audio Duette (I bought 2 pairs of crossovers). Both pairs crossovers are same parts as what you're using - Sonicap and same coils. I can attest that the capacitor break-in thing is real, and it takes time. My other pair of crossovers had really come into their own... I gave them to another Wilson Duette owner and put a "fresh pair" of crossovers in. Big difference between them. The broken-in crossovers became much more layered in the upper mids, but not at the expense of detail. The sound became more relaxed, but still had sparkle. Right now, the fresh set isn't happy yet... but they are getting better.

For the level, I can do the same thing for bringing the upper down (if I wanted). It's a single resistor to raise / lower the level.

Have fun. [/list]

fre11111 · « **Reply #2 on:** 12 Apr 2024, 08:31 am »

Hey Rei,

Goodjob on the upgrade.

Frederick

rollo · « **Reply #3 on:** 12 Apr 2024, 03:45 pm »

Why not install the crossover outboard ?

charles

fre11111 · « **Reply #4 on:** 12 Apr 2024, 04:18 pm »

Quote from: rollo on 12 Apr 2024, 03:45 pm

Why not install the crossover outboard ?

charles

The new crossover fits the original location so there is no need to locate it outside unless you want to.

Frederick

Hobbsmeerkat · « **Reply #5 on:** 12 Apr 2024, 06:39 pm »

Wow this is the first time I've seen someone manage to fit the 1.7 kit inside of the speaker, and a rather clever way to do it too!
Very cool!

emailtim · « **Reply #6 on:** 22 Apr 2024, 04:53 am »

Nice clean install !!!

simon wagstaff · « **Reply #7 on:** 23 Apr 2024, 01:16 am »

Very nice! I was thinking about upgrading a pair of 1.7i crossovers with Danny's kit but there seemed to be a lack of instructions or information. This really makes it clear. As I understand it Magnepan "supports" these crossover upgrades.

I bought a pair of 2.7X instead. This would have been $8k cheaper.

I do like them though.

banjofan · « **Reply #8 on:** 24 Apr 2024, 11:44 pm »

i just finished upgrading maggie 1.7 and also feel its borderline too bright so i am greatly relieved to hear break in will likely fix it and if not gr will help...whew!
(i went outboard but likely could have fit it inside after all...i decided on outboard because i wanted to access the crossover without having to disassemble the speaker...) went with heavy duty velcro to secure the sock...works well...don't like staples...

reyii · « **Reply #9 on:** 23 May 2024, 04:08 pm »

Reporting back after 1.5 month of listening:
Capacitors have soften a lot. No need to put any resistor in the high freq path. It sounds very balanced. I'm pleased

banjofan · « **Reply #10 on:** 4 Jun 2024, 04:19 pm »

i did over 200 hours break in and although it is much better, i still find female vocals in particular can be a bit too bright or "analytical" for my taste...sometimes even a bit harsh...but not always...

the system is more revealing of both bad and good records...

by now likely not so bad as to warrant rebuilding the crossovers with resistors...

am planning to experiment with room treatments and speaker placement and to listen to lots of music and reevaluate at the end of the summer...

still on the fence as to whether this was a good move...it just seemed warmer and having more life before, but is now more "analytical" (and detailed)...
in any case, it does seem to be improving over time...

i would really like to hear what others think (danny told me of thirty or forty maggie upgrades only one person added resistors)

Hobbsmeerkat · « **Reply #11 on:** 4 Jun 2024, 05:02 pm »

It's really simple to add a 1 ohm resistor to the front of the tweeter circuit, and you can start with a few different cheap 10W resistors in different values (0.5, 1, 1.5 etc.) to find what works best for you, then once you settle on the value you like most, you can swap it out for a nicer quality resistor like the new Dayton wire-wound or Mills resistors.

reyii · « **Reply #12 on:** 4 Jun 2024, 05:18 pm »

... it is true what ppl say about that maggies are very analytical speakers, that is true fact, and if you put a really nice crossover with good parts likes Danie's you will start realizing how bad are some recordings.
That is a decision we all have to make if you'd want that detail or not with a new crossover.
Personally, I'd try a 1 ohm resistor just for curiosity, but opening up all the staples again is something I don't want to do for now...

banjofan · « **Reply #13 on:** 4 Jun 2024, 10:53 pm »

i actually got 1/2 ohm, 1 ohm, and 1.5 ohm resistors from danny a little while ago, but don't have much wire between the tube connectors and capacitor and would have to cut that connection to insert resistors even if not yet soldering...then if i didn't like them, have to solder what's left of the capacitor wire to what's left of the tube connector wire...and given that i only have about 1/2" tube connector wire if i have to strip it for the connection i end up with about 1/4" remaining...not much to work with...

having said all that, the current arrangement seems to be getting better all the time...the highs are mellowing and one is left with much improved detail...

i'm still real curious as to the experiences of others who have done this upgrade especially regarding brightness...

reyii · « **Reply #14 on:** 2 Oct 2024, 01:06 am »

... they definitely need the 1.5 ohm resistor, they are veeery revealing, too much actually.
My system is very revealing, turntable, cartridge, preamp, amp, cables... etc and the Magies are revealing too.

https://youtube.com/shorts/Q7qcjkFLSUY?si=HrSwm5SEoJVbpRkd

I'm calling GR-R tomorrow to order the 1.5 ohm resistor

alan.at.the.circle · « **Reply #15 on:** 31 Oct 2024, 04:35 am »

So basically you revised your older opinion from May 23rd ?

I'd like to know how it turned out for you as I am considering this modification.

Thanks for any follow up you can give !

- alan

reyii · « **Reply #16 on:** 11 Dec 2024, 01:41 pm »

I actually have not install the resisttors yet, I think it gotten softer with time... not sure, tbh it sounds very well, BUT, if a recording is bad, it will sound bad, there is no forgiving with these speakers, love them.
So does not justify the efforts to remove the staples again.

https://youtu.be/32aYEDR0mno

I will keep it the way it is.

john doen · « **Reply #17 on:** 13 Dec 2024, 04:18 am »

Is it possible to purchase that kind of upgrade kit for Maggies somewhere in Europe? Spain as example?

Hobbsmeerkat · « **Reply #18 on:** 13 Dec 2024, 05:00 pm »

Quote from: john doen on 13 Dec 2024, 04:18 am

Is it possible to purchase that kind of upgrade kit for Maggies somewhere in Europe? Spain as example?

The kit is only available from us here in Texas, but we do ship world wide.

thingone62 · « **Reply #19 on:** 15 Dec 2024, 02:14 pm »

Interesting - I have been playing with trying to get my MMG's (which originally came with the 2.2mH and 12 uf cap) to sound right (like Quads).
I have tried various "cheap" caps such as Solen, ClarityCap, Jantzen.

Using the same values of caps and switching between brands, the Solens (which are all really old (and therefore have been broken in for 20 years)) sound great - much more detail and "bite" and "attack" the HF than the others.

The Clarity Cap PX sound "slow" and "hollow" and "syrupy" and muffled.

The Jantzen Standard Z-caps sound "aluminum-foily" and "boxy" and sort of "springy" (weird).

Anyway - I have not gone to any effort to "break in" the new caps (Clarity and Jantzen). How would one go about breaking them in "on the bench"? What would the benefits be?

My latest iteration is a big coil (like 3.0mH) on the LF panel and a 12/db oct on the HF producing a big "HOLE" in the midrange - my MMGs at least need a HUGE cut somewhere around 6,7,8,9 hundred Hz, and doing that does it.